Pandemic propaganda

Remember victory gardens? Propaganda can be positive! With covid-19 creating health, economic, social and mental stress throughout the world, the impact we have on each other is clear. I don't remember WWII but there are positive patriotic stories of many people doing their small part for the good of all.

WWII propaganda applies directly: start a garden today. Even if you just grow greens in your apartment. When we meet more of our own needs, we put less strain on systems around us. When we have something to share with a neighbor (other than a virus) we increase peace and health. Start folding plant pots from your recycling bin - today. Didn't buy seeds? You can save seeds from (some) produce in your kitchen and prepare them for planting. Onion, leek, lettuce, sweet potato, potato and other plants can be started from scraps of those foods you might have thrown away.

Hospitals are now desperate enough that they're asking us to sew masks at home. Start today even if your local hospital isn't accepting them yet. Use a homemade mask and donate any storebought masks to hospitals. Donate masks to homeless shelters and food pantries and any agencies accepting them in your area. Don't think you have fabric to sew with? What about clothing or bedding that is stained or torn and you're not using anymore? A mask requires a small piece of intact fabric.

Anyone found instructions for homemade face shields? These may be more important for health care workers and anyone doing essential work in the world, protecting even their eyes.

---

We're not rationing yet, but we may be. Some people are rationing today because they don't have enough money to stock up. This WWII poster needs no updating (other than including people of all genders and ethnicities!) because we can still can! Fermenting is an excellent and easy way to preserve - much easier than canning. Hope you have plenty of salt.

Start some sourdough if you're staying home - you won't even need yeast for hearty and versatile bread dough.

---