by Jenna Lee Smith
Chronically insecure individuals sometimes develop hoarding tendencies as a way to gain a sense of control over their environment. They often purchase items that they don’t need and that will remain unopened. Stockpiling household products is common among those afflicted with the compulsion to hoard. Economic uncertainty and global instability have caused many people to seriously stockpile food and water.
People who have never hoarded anything in their lives are now amassing large quantities of water in case of worldwide war, economic and social collapse or extensive natural disasters. Services such as Storage-Mart.com are increasingly being used for purposes of stockpiling basic supplies such as water. Some people keep several storage containers simply to keep bottled water and dried food in.
Clean drinking water is already becoming scarce in some parts of the planet. People who are currently hoarding water, however, tend to be those who live in areas where water is still plentiful. Although it’s recommended that all households have an adequate supply of clean drinking water on hand in the event of a natural disaster, keeping storage containers for the purpose of hoarding water still isn’t widely practiced.
It’s advised to those who are stockpiling water in preparation for shortages allow for eight full lasses of water per person per day. Costs can be reduced by purchasing water in bulk. Storage options include basements, attics and any other areas of the home with available room. One-gallon jugs are the most convenient container size for water that is bought for stockpiling purposes, although several cases of water in smaller sizes should be considered for their portability aspect.
Water conservation techniques can also be practiced along with judicious hoarding, and using water wisely can also help those who stockpile supplies out of a sense of insecurity feel more in control over their own destinies. Effective ways to save water range from purchasing new appliances that aren’t dependent on a water cooling system to simply not running washing machines and dishwashers unless they are full.
Another way to conserve water is to forgo planting a large lawn in favor of using native vegetation for landscaping purposes. Native plants generally are able to thrive on available rainfall rather than being dependent on a sprinkler system for their hydration needs. Those who live in hot summer climates can especially benefit from this practice. Water can also be saved by taking showers instead of baths and by turning the water off while brushing teeth.
Image stevendepolo/Creative Commons
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