In lieu of the recent Zombie outbreak in Miami Florida, we here at the Office of Campus Sustainability, are taking all measures to ensure our safe and sustainable future. We have decided to share with you tips to creating your own sustainable Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit (some items available at the Free Store).
Basic Tools and Supplies - Water: Keeping in mind issues with water depletion and privatization, we suggest purchasing a water filtration device. This not only provides you with greater access to water sources, but the freedom from heavy and burdensome packs of water. One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation is recommended. Luckily filters can be used numerous times before being replaced. Think about how much faster you’ll be escaping those Zombies now!
- Food: Local is the way for your gourmet meals on the go! So in preparation for the upcoming Zombie apocalypse head to your local farmers market and find your favourite organic fruits and vegetables. By dehydrating them, and creating preserves, you can keep food longer, and easier, while being green and eating local. We suggest t at least a three-day supply of food, and bringing with you a guide book on local edible flora to help supplement your diet, and enjoy the wonderful taste sensations the Canadian Shield has to offer. Wired Magazine offers this great Food Without A Fridge concept
- Solar powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. However given that a Zombie Apocalypse is upon you, you may want to brush up on your weather preparedness/survival skills, because well it’s only a matter of time till the Radios are compromised and the Zombies hit the airwaves again.
- First aid kit, just in case. However this isn’t to be used against Zombie inflicted injuries. In the incident of Zombie inflicted injuries please contact your local Zombie community group, I’m sure they will happily provide you with information pamphlets to better integrate you into your new life as a Zombie.
- Biodegradable soap, recycled or biodegradable garbage bags for personal sanitation. You don't want to leave any traces of where you were just in case the zombies are any sort of intelligent.
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food). However, you may find it difficult to recycle your cans using traditional methods, so we suggest you put on that creativity hat that you’ve locked away in your cupboard, and find your own creative ways to recycle. For instance, using your old cans to boil water in, make stilts out of them, save them for your Halloween costume as the tin man from the Wizard of Oz, or more realistically create awesome armor for your post-apocalyptic larping crew.
- Local maps. As any good geography student knows (and as Merissa consistently reminds us), you can never overvalue a good map. Additionally maps are more sustainable, if well maintained. Not only are you reducing the amount of chemicals and metals that are used in GPS’s and cell phones, but it’s highly likely that you may not have access to these systems in the middle of a zombie – human faceoff. There is no app that can beat a good ol’ fashion map!
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book survival manuals, of course printed on 100% recycled materials because, the post-apocalyptic future doesn’t have to contain post-consumer waste
- A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person is advisable. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Additionally clothing may also be handy, for hygiene, or in case something gets wet, or for those in prompt to fashion emergencies, like you run into a zombie wearing the same thing as you. Remember a zombie apocalypse is not an excuse to commit fashion crimes, so feel free to stop by the UOttawa free store and battle zombies in style. The UOttawa Free Store, we got you covered for all your zombie apocalyptic needs.
- Feminine supplies = the Diva Cup!
- A good book to keep you amused on those days off from Zombie chasing. May I suggest the Silent Spring.
~kira - campus sustainability coordinatorphoto credit - jonathan rausseo and kira lamont