Solar Cookers are great, less expensive and renewable alternatives for cooking food. They use the energy from the sun to cook food which makes them environmentally friendly.

There are different types of solar ovens available in the market, each with its unique design and functionality.

Box Cooker - This type of solar oven consists of an insulated box with a transparent glass or plastic cover on top. The box is painted black on the inside to absorb and retain heat while the cover allows sunlight to enter and trap heat inside. Food is placed inside the box, and cooking takes place using retained heat.

Wet Canning is a common method of preserving food by placing it in a glass jar or container and heating it to a high temperature, killing any bacteria that could spoil the food. This process is typically done using an electric stove top or oven

Dry Canning is another method of preserving food, but without the use of any liquids. Instead, the food is placed in a container and heated to a high temperature to remove all moisture, preventing bacterial growth. Dry canning is commonly done using solar ovens or fire pits.

Canning has been used for centuries as a way to preserve food for long periods of time. With advancements in technology, there are now many different ways to can food, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Wet Canning is an important method for preserving food, especially in times of crisis or emergency. Canning allows food to be stored for extended periods of time without the need for refrigeration or freezing, making it a useful technique for long term food storage. While wet canning involves packing prepared foods into jars and heating them in a water bath or pressure canner, dry canning is a newer method that involves using an oven to remove moisture from the food before sealing it in jars.

Dehydrating is  another method of preserving food that involves removing moisture from the food, either by using heat or air. This process prevents bacteria and mold growth, allowing foods to last for long periods without refrigeration.

Dehydrating can be done using various methods such as sun-drying, oven-drying, or using a dehydrator machine. Sun-drying is the oldest and most traditional method of dehydrating food. It involves placing the food on a tray in direct sunlight until it becomes dry and brittle.

Oven-drying is similar to sun-drying but requires less time and space. The food is spread out on a baking sheet and placed in an oven at a low temperature (usually between 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit) for several hours until the food is completely dry.

Using a dehydrator machine is the most efficient and convenient method of dehydrating food. Dehydrators are specifically designed to remove moisture from foods, often using multiple trays and adjustable temperature settings to ensure even drying.

Dehydrated foods can be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for long term storage. They can also be rehydrated by adding water and used in recipes just like fresh ingredients.

Aside from preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats, dehydrating can also be used to make snacks such as fruit leather, beef jerky, and dried herbs for seasoning. It is a versatile method  of food preservation that allows for a wide variety of foods to be preserved and enjoyed later on.

Moreover, dehydrating is also a great way to reduce food waste. It can be used to preserve excess produce from your garden or leftovers from meals before they go bad. This not only saves money but also helps reduce the environmental impact of food waste.

In addition to preserving food, dehydrating can also have health benefits. Dehydration removes water content from food, making it more compact and concentrated in nutrients. This makes it an excellent option for creating lightweight and nutrient-dense snacks for hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities.

Freeze Drying is another method of food preservation that involves removing moisture from food by freezing it and then using a vacuum to extract the frozen water in the form of vapor. This results in a product with a longer shelf life, preserved flavor, and nutritional content.

Freeze drying is often used for preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats as well as creating instant meals or snacks such as freeze-dried fruit or vegetable chips. It is also commonly used for military rations and emergency preparedness kits.

However, freeze drying requires specialized equipment and can be more costly compared to other methods of food preservation. It also requires more time and effort but produces high-quality products that are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf  life. The process of freeze drying is called lyophilization. Lyophilization involves several steps including pre-treatment, freezing, primary drying, secondary drying, and packaging.

Pre-treatment involves preparing the food by washing and possibly blanching it before freezing. This helps maintain the color, flavor, and texture of the food during the freeze-drying process.

Freezing is essential for freeze-drying as it allows for faster sublimation (the direct conversion of frozen water to vapor) during the primary drying stage.

Primary drying is when most of the moisture is removed from the frozen food through sublimation. This can take hours or even days depending on the type of food being freeze dried.

Secondary drying removes any remaining moisture that may still be present in the food. This step is crucial in preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, which can cause food spoilage.

Packaging is the final step in freeze-drying and involves placing the dried food into airtight containers or packaging to prevent moisture from entering. This ensures that the food remains shelf-stable for an extended period of time.

Pickling, also known as brining, is a traditional method of food preservation that involves immersing food in an acidic solution such as vinegar or lemon juice. The acid inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, allowing for longer shelf life of the preserved food.

Similar to fermentation, pickling can also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of foods. Pickled vegetables contain probiotics that promote gut health while pickled fruits can be a good source of antioxidants.In addition to preserving whole fruits and vegetables, pickling can also be used for preserving meats and eggs. This method has been popular for centuries and is still

Dry Curing is another method of preserving food that has been used for centuries. It involves removing moisture from food through the use of salt and/or smoke, making it inhospitable to bacteria growth and therefore extending its shelf life.

The process of dry curing typically involves rubbing a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices onto the surface of the meat or fish, which is then left to cure in a cool, dry place for several weeks. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while also drawing out excess moisture.

Dry cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and jerky have become popular delicacies around the world. Not only do they offer a unique flavor profile, but they also have a longer shelf. ccc

Surface water refers to bodies of water that can be seen on the Earth's surface, such as lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. This is one of the easiest ways to obtain water, as it can be done directly without any additional processes.

Rainwater harvesting is a simple and effective way to collect water from surface sources. It involves collecting rainwater in containers or tanks for storage and later use. This method is commonly used in areas with high rainfall but limited access to clean water.

In areas where there are rivers or lakes, water can be obtained by building a structure that takes in the water and directs it to a treatment plant for purification. This method is commonly used in cities and towns for providing clean water to its residents.

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater, making it safe for human consumption. This method is often used in coastal regions where there is limited access to freshwater sources.

Obtaining water from swimming pools during SHTF is another way to get water. This water needs to be exposed to sunlight to help eliminate the cleaning chemicals in them.

Groundwater refers to water found beneath the Earth's surface, stored in rocks and soil. It is one of the largest sources of freshwater and is often used for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.

Wells are one of the most common methods used to extract groundwater. They are deep holes dug into the ground that allow access to underground water sources. A pump is used to bring the water to the surface for use.

Springs occur when groundwater naturally flows out of the Earth's surface due to pressure from an aquifer. These can be found in hilly or mountainous regions and are a natural source of freshwater or many communities.

Greywater recycling refers to wastewater from non-toilet sources such as sinks, showers, and laundry machines. This type of water can be easily treated and recycled for uses that do not require high levels of purity, such as watering plants or flushing toilets.

Blackwater recycling refers to wastewater from toilets and kitchen sinks. This type of water requires more extensive treatment but can still be recycled for non-potable uses like irrigation or industrial processes. Advanced technologies have also made it possible to treat blackwater for human consumption, making it a potential solution for regions with limited access to freshwater.

Drinking water from humidity in the air is an evolving technology that takes the water vapor in the air, cleans it and makes it safe to drink. Some companies have streamlined this process, but the average prepper could do the same buy using a dehumidifier and using chemicals like bleach to kill any pathogens and further cleaner water using a filtration system  

Water is essential for life and having access to clean drinking water is crucial for our health. However, not all sources of water are safe to drink. During SHTF it is important to have access to clean drinking water. The last thing anyone wants is to get sick from drinking water s.

Boiling of the easiest and most effective ways to make water drinkable is by boiling it. This method has been used for centuries as a way to purify water and kill harmful bacteria and parasites that may be present.

To boil water, you will need a heat source and a pot or container to hold the water. Simply bring the water to a rolling boil for about one minute (or three minutes if you are at an altitude above 6,562 feet), then let it cool before drinking. Boiling can also remove any unpleasant odors or tastes from the water. Keep in mind that boiling may not remove chemicals or other pollutants from the water. It is best to use this method if your main concern is bacteria and parasites. 

Distillation is another effective method of purifying water. It involves boiling the water and collecting the steam, which is then cooled and converted back to liquid form. This process removes impurities that have a higher boiling point than water, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and some bacteria.

To distill water, you will need a heat source, two containers (one for boiling and one for collecting the steam), and a condenser (something to cool the steam). While this method requires more equipment than boiling, it can be useful in situations where there may be chemical or metal contamination in the water. 

Chemical purification methods can be  to make good water . These methods involve using chemicals to kill bacteria and parasites present in the water.

Some common chemicals used for this purpose include iodine tablets, chlorine bleach, and potassium permanganate. Each of these has specific instructions for use, so it is important to follow them carefully.

There are several ways to make seawater potable , or safe to drink. One method is through desalination, which involves removing the salt and other impurities from seawater. This can be done through distillation, reverse osmosis, or electrodialysis. Each of these methods requires specialized equipment and may not be suitable for all situations.

Another option for making seawater potable is solar stills. These are simple devices that use the sun's energy to evaporate water and collect the condensed vapor as clean drinking water. Solar stills can be made with basic materials and are a great option for emergency situations or when other purification methods are not available.

When it comes to purifying water in the wilderness, there are also natural methods that can be used. These include using UV radiation from the sun, filtering water through sand or charcoal, and boiling water over a fire.

It is important to note that these natural methods may not remove all potential contaminants from the water. Therefore, it is still recommended to use chemical purification methods as a backup for added safety.

Activated Charcoal and Sand make water potable by filtering out impurities. This can be done by pouring the water through layers of charcoal and sand, which will trap bacteria, parasites, and other harmful substances.

Activate Charcoal works by attracting and binding to toxins, chemicals, and impurities in the water. This makes it an effective method for removing harmful contaminants from drinking water. 

Charcoal has an astoundingly porous surface where the billions of carbon atoms are separated by millions of pores. It has a large surface area that allows it to catch and store impurities easily through adsorption. When charcoal is activated, as mentioned, the number of pores magnify, and the ability to purify water is even better. 

Sand also plays a crucial role in filtering water. It acts as a physical barrier, trapping larger particles like dirt and debris. Additionally, sand contains beneficial bacteria that can help break down organic matter in the water.

To use this method, start by finding or creating a container with a small hole at the bottom. Place layers of activated charcoal and sand inside the container, starting with charcoal at the bottom and ending with sand on top. Then slowly pour the contaminated water through the layers into a clean container.