In the spring of 2020, Americans found themselves unable to buy items they desperately needed due to supply chain disruptions. Suddenly, we were willing to trade whatever we had for toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Without realizing it, we entered into an age-old tradition of survival bartering. Bartering has existed since the beginning of time – instances are recorded in the Old Testament. Throughout history, people have exchanged goods or services for items or services in return. Bilingue Business Review explains, “Babylonians […] developed an improved bartering system, where goods and services were exchanged for food, tea, weapons, and spices....

Imagine you are riding an underground subway of a major metropolitan city when you are suddenly plunged into darkness as the train comes to a screeching halt, trapping you for hours. For many people in Brazil, this frightening scenario has happened more than once. Brazil has a history of random blackouts, from storms to fires to cyberattacks, that have forced those who live there to prepare for the possibility of darkness at any time. 1999: The lightning blackout In March 1999, a bolt of lightning struck a substation in Sao Paulo, causing a massive chain reaction that cut power to...

Keep your household running and stock up on essentials that have a long shelf life, take up little space, and work in multiple ways. Use this list of 18 essential items to prepare.