Living Small

Self sufficiency will be important to the long term viability of the Citadel. We have to do as many things as we can to make our community viable in a grid down situation. Fortunately many of the things we will do for self sufficiency will also reduce our cost of living. When I say "living small" I mostly mean reducing our dependance on complex systems and outside resources, as well as the more obvious meaning of literally using less space and less stuff to provide for ourselves. Efficient use of space and resources improves our chances of success. That doesn't mean giving up quality of life, just making the best use of what we have. Starting from scratch gives us the opportunity to do just that.

For instance - composting toilets. The idea of composting toilets is, to be honest, not one that thrills me. However, a sewer system and sewage treatment plant are both a large expense and a vulnerability as well as using up valuable space. Having a sewer system fail could make the Citadel uninhabitable. That's an unacceptable risk. The up side is one less expense for us. Water and sewer bills can be surprisingly large.

The Rocket Stoves that have been discussed are another example. If they turn out to be a viable choice, they could provide nearly all of the heating needs of Citadel residents at a fraction of the cost that most people pay now. Additionally, wood is a local, renewable resource. Again, reducing outside dependance and reducing cost.

Poured concrete construction throughout the Citadel means that fire will be a relatively minor threat. That reduces the need for fire equipment and personnel to man it.

A suggestion was made to run heating pipes under our roads and sidewalks for snow clearance in the winter time. This might seem counter intuitive to the saving money idea, but it ties into the grid down situation. Grid down could mean no more fuel for vehicles, or at least very limited fuel such as biodiesel. The pipes could be heated with larger versions of the Rocket Stove, using local wood. This would eliminate the need for large road clearing equipment and the fuel and crews to run it.

Self sufficiency and reduced expenses both make the Citadel less dependent on outside resources. That includes money. The less it costs to live in the Citadel, the less need there will be for businesses that bring in outside dollars and the easier it will be for someone to live here on a modest budget. That in turn makes it possible for residents to make a living with a business that might not be viable in a more expensive location. Having local clothing made from wool and shoes, belts and coats made from leather  are just two examples of this. The classic shop with living quarters above it would help with only a single expense for home and business. We should do everything we can to make small businesses more viable. These businesses will, in turn, improve our self sufficiency. Everybody wins.

These are just a few examples. I'm sure there are many more possibilities.

When I am living in the Citadel, I don't expect to leave very often except to visit friends and family.  That means no commuting expenses and lower vehicle expenses. I might decide to go partners on a car for occasional use and reduce my expenses even further. The more that can be produced locally the more I will buy locally. I don't expect to need much, so I will buy locally even if it is more expensive, knowing that this will contribute to our long term viability. Manufactured goods that I can't buy locally can be mail ordered. I anticipate there being plenty of social activities to keep my life interesting. I expect to live a much less materialistic but much more fulfilling and enjoyable life in the Citadel.

There will be a wide range of living space available in the Citadel. Everything from a modest studio in a condo to a large house on a big lot. Maybe even a simple bunkhouse for those of very limited means. Each individual and family will have to choose what suits them best and, more importantly, what they can afford with the resources they bring or create in the Citadel. I would personally  recommend moving away from trying to find satisfaction in material wealth and instead look to the far greater satisfaction that will be found in being an active part of this unique Liberty oriented community.

Give it some thought. Decide what your true priorities are. Make it happen. Live small so you can live free.

VJ