The Seven Ps
21.08.2023 - 11:47
/ theunconventionalgardener.com
/ Emma Doughty
A while back, when Brexit mania was at its height, I was part of a Facebook prepper group for a while. Its premise was that Brexit would cause disruptions to our food supply, and that it would be worth getting in a stock of staple items to see you and your family through the worst of any crisis, and maybe buffer you a little against price rises.
The group was widely covered in the press, and even more widely ridiculed. Project Fear! The Tin-Foil Hat Brigade at it again! People even called preppers selfish, for only thinking of themselves.
I was disconcerted to find a recent news article about coronavirus prepping, in which the group was mentioned. The report said that the group – after the virus crisis began – had a thread on where toilet roll was still in stock. In which people were gleefully explaining where they had been able to get toilet roll, and canned foods, to add to their “stash”.
That’s not prepping, that’s panic buying.
It’s quite simple.
Prepping = careful planning and preparation before a crisis.
Panic buying = clearing shop shelves once a crisis is underway.
Prepping is a rational and steady process. It involves thinking about what you and yours might need to see you through a future crisis, and then slowly accruing those supplies in a sustainable manner. It has to become a lifestyle, as you then have to use and replace those supplies in your normal life, to avoid them being wasted. It’s clear-headed and thoughtful. In the event of a crisis, prepping allows you to stay at home and wait it out, rather than having to venture out for supplies.
Panic buying isn’t rational. Even if you think you’re ahead of the curve, you’re stockpiling because of an imminent crisis. Other people do the same, and the shelves are