Thinking Like the Pioneers

Generations ago, courageous men and women set off from the more settled eastern side of the United States toward the wild, unsettled west. They faced all kinds of hardships and learned to do without many of the luxuries they had taken for granted in their former homes. They gave up short-term comfort in the hope that they would be able to build an even better life in another place.

Today, our global society makes it extremely unlikely that any of us will ever take off into the great unknown with only an occasional letter to connect with family back home. It is easy to forget those characteristics and traits that enabled the pioneers to survive and build a life against incredible difficulties.

Yesterday, a man approached me in a parking lot to ask for money to buy his baby diapers. I didn't have any small bills, so I had to turn him away. I don't usually give money to people in parking lots at all, but he was very respectful and I felt compassion for him. If I'd had cash to give him, I would have.

 As I walked into the building, I continued to think about his plight. As a problem-solver, I started to think about what I would do if I were in a similar situation. I know his challenge is not unique, as many people struggle to buy even basic necessities for their families.

 Within minutes I knew how I would approach the situation. I would find any old towels, sheets or clothing that I didn't need. I would cut rectangles from those fabrics and layer them to place the most absorbent one next to the baby's skin, thereby fashioning cloth diapers. Would it be convenient? No. Would it be perfect? No. Would it be a long-term solution? Probably not. But they would work. Baby would be covered and I would wash them in the sink and hang them to dry.

Please understand, I don't judge the gentleman for asking for help. Sometimes that is the best solution. Sometimes, though, there are other options...but it requires a different mentality.

7 Ways to cultivate a "Pioneer" mentality. 

1. Is this a need, or a convenience?
We are a people of convenience. From microwaves and fast food to streaming video, we like to have our every whim granted in a moment. However, these whims are not needs. It will not hurt me to wait 20 minutes to warm my food in the oven instead of owning a microwave... and I just saved over $50.

2. How did people meet this need in previous societies?
Very few of our daily needs are new. How did people meet your current need in the pioneer days? In the 1950s? In medieval days? Many of our machines are simply automated methods of doing the same tasks that have been done for thousands of years. By doing my laundry in the sink and hanging it to dry, I save the $5-$8/ week that I would spend at a laundromat.

3. Someone makes this item
Cake mix, toothpaste, clothing, cars and computers are all composites of other items. Someone makes these items. The next time you need an item you don't have, pause and think about the process of making that item. Now, I'm not likely to build my own computer anytime soon... that's not my area of expertise. But I have made my own cake mix, toothpaste, clothing and several other items. Before I buy an item, I stop to think about a way to make it instead.

4. Keep a mental inventory of your excess
On their long journey, many of the pioneers kept journals, walked or pieced quilts. They had an excess of time and used it as well as they could. A few years later, many of them had farms with egg-producing chicken coops. Then, they ate egg-rich dishes and sold eggs to make the best use of that excess. What do you have that you don't use up?

5. Match excess to need
List your excesses and resources. List your needs. What do you have that you can use to make what you need? The internet is a beautiful resource in this regard. I once had a jar full of raw almonds, but was out of creamer for my coffee. At the time, I was in the midst of a "no groceries" challenge. I had all kinds of food in the fridge, freezer and pantry and was determined to use up most of it before going shopping. I found a recipe online, made almond milk in a blender, added a couple of ingredients for thickening and sweetening and had creamer!

6. Enjoy small comforts, but don't be too picky.
My almond creamer wasn't as good as half-n-half and the next time I did go shopping I certainly picked some up! However, not as good doesn't mean it's bad. If your choice was the makeshift version or nothing, which would you choose? Imagine traveling across the prairie in a wagon. Halfway through your trip you run out of coffee altogether. It will be two weeks before you come to a town with a general store and even then, the price may be prohibitive. In comparison, a make-shift creamer is a great luxury!

7. When you do buy, buy long-term and multi-use
Now that you're thinking of using the stuff you already own and making composite products from their basic components, you will realize that some components are extremely useful. When I buy clothing, I think about what I can do with the fabric when the garment no longer meets my needs. I've found that cotton/spandex knits are incredibly versatile and can become anything from underwear or socks to a new waistband for a skirt. If I must buy a blouse, I buy one that I will be able to re-use later.

These ways of thinking also have the advantage that they tend to minimize waste. When you are using up every resource, far less ends up in a landfill. Also, many recycling methods use a lot of energy. Re-using items at home is the superior solution. In the process, you will be saving money!