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Thursday, April 27, 2017

Homemade Pepper Spray for Non-Lethal Self-Defense


 

Poor Man Survival

Self Reliance tools for independent minded people…


ISSN 2161-5543

A Digest of Urban Survival Resources

 

 


DIY PEPPER SPRAY-A Non-lethal means of self-defense

   I’ve looked at a variety of blends from manufactured brands that are allowed to be sold to the public including bear repellent [expensive] and law enforcement brands are disallowed. The “poor man’s” version include name brand wasp sprays with a minimum of a 10’ spray reach/radius.  We keep cans in our car and by each door in our house and cabin.  Purchasing them at the end of the season usually saves a few bucks and they’re very effective.  

With so many idiots [car jackers, left wing radicals, thieves] out there, it pays to be prepared.  Here is a set of instructions for making your own.

It’s as simple as stocking up on dried pepper/chili or growing your own and a delivery system. You can make it to carry on your person or make a wide dispersal device for groups. You can buy them at any yourself store, nursery, garden center as or on Amazon and do a search for any of the following peppers/chili.

Selecting the Pepper/Chili:

The following are types of peppers/chili recommended and the rating heat index of each pepper/chili:

The Scoville Heat Unit is the rating or “hotness of peppers” that measures on a scale of mildest to hottest. I am going with the hottest and easiest to acquire. If you know a hotter pepper/chili and where to get it please let us know.

The lowest heat index recommended is the Red Cayenne pepper at 30,000 SHU to 60,000 SHU.

The middle heat index is the Thai or Thai Bird Chili at 50,000 SHU to 150,000 SHU.

At the top of the are the Scotch Bonnet chili and the Habanero chili at100,000 SHU to 350,000 SHU, the Red Savina Habanero at 350,000 SHU to 650,000 SHU and the Ghost Pepper or Naga Jolokia Pepper which is considered the hottest at 800,000 to 1,500,000 SHU.

The 10% Capsaicin pepper spray issued to LE can vary from 2,000,000 SHU to 6,000,000 SHU compared to store-bought pepper spray containing 2% to 10% Capsaicin vary from 500,000 SHU to 2,000,000 SHU.

You are capable of using the oil you could deliver a greater amount of Capsaicin but what I’m presenting is an effective means of delivery without having to own a pepper farm.

Delivery System:


Homemade delivery systems can be as effective although you may not get the same results as the LE brands I’m showing you how to make up for it.

Delivery systems are as simple as a one to three ounce spray canister you get in the travel section for toiletries and up to 32 ounce spray bottles reminiscent of the glass cleaner bottles where you squeeze the trigger in a spray mist or stream. You can also make a delivery system with Garden hand pump pressure sprayers as well as the one to four gallon hand pump pressure sprayers used for gardening, pest control and weed control. Of course the larger the container the more pepper/chili you will need.

The Process:


Step 1. Container preparation.

Inspect your spray bottle or pressure sprayer for leaks by filling it with water. If the device leaks when tilted, lying on its side or after excessive spraying then choose another container. You don’t want it dripping or leaking in your pack, vehicle, purse or hand.

We will be making enough for a pint of pepper spray.

Step 2. What you need.


§  Six peppers or chili’s, the hotter the chili or pepper the better. You can use more pepper/chili if you like to get it as potent as possible.

§  Garlic, two medium or one large-sized bulb or two table spoons of minced in a jar or powdered if you don’t have it (the odor repels some bugs and people)

§  A method of drying the pepper/chili (dehydrator, stove, solar oven or sun dried)

§  Rubber gloves (to handle the pepper and oils)

§  Safety glasses (to keep it out of your eyes)

§  N95 mask or other respirator (prevent inhalation especially if you are sensitive)

§  Vegetable chopper or knife and cutting board to break it down.

§  Blender, grinder or coffee grinder (crush the pepper/chili and garlic)

§  Two sealable containers (I used a 32 oz. sports drink bottle and a16.9or 20 oz. bottle)

§  Strainer or cheese cloth (to remove the pits and seeds that will block the flow to spray)

§  Funnel (allows it to flow in the container saving as much as possible and prevent a mess)

§  A well sealed container for storing unused pepper spray. Keep it in a cool place or fridge.

§  Vinegar or Ispropyl Rubbing Alcohol (this is used as the delivery system and it keeps the pepper and Capsaicin in tact longer than water would as well as already contains an irritant to the senses)

§  Baby oil or mineral oil (this is used to latch on to the body or clothes)

NOTE: If you are using this around plants, trees and vegetables to fend off pests and animals ordon’t have it, you can substitute the vinegar, alcohol and baby oil with water. If you are running low on vinegar or alcohol you can add water to makeup the difference in measurements.

Step 3. Preparing the pepper/chili.


I am giving instructions for those with and without a blender or grinder.

1.      Dry the peppers/chili by means of a dehydrator, sun-dried, solar oven or set in the oven at a low temp.

2.      a. Place the peppers/chili in the blender.

3.      b. Cut, chop or grind the peppers/chili as fine as possible then place in a bowl.

4.      a. Place the garlic bulb or bulbs in the blender.

5.      b. Mince, chop or grind the garlic and place in the bowl.

6.      a. Two table spoons of baby or mineral oil into the blender.

7.      b. Two table spoons of baby or mineral oil into the bowl.

8.      a. Add twelve ounces of alcohol or vinegar into the blender. Blend on high for two to three minutes until purged.

9.      b. Add twelve ounces of vinegar or alcohol and mash and grind until it’s as close to being smooth as possible. You can slowly add the alcohol or white vinegar as you blend it to avoid splashing.

10.  Pour it into the larger bottle with a funnel to let it sit overnight in a cool place to react and increase the effectiveness of the solution.

11.  When ready get your funnel, strainer or cheese cloth and water bottle. Place the funnel in the smaller16.9 oz. to 20 oz. water bottle then place the strainer or cheese cloth over the funnel.

12.  Pour the pepper/chili mixture into the water bottle using a funnel and strainer. Any left over remnants from the strainer can be used in the garden or trash area to keep pests and animals away.

13.  You now have pepper spray and can store it in the refrigerator or a cool place and it’s readyto pour in your sprayers at any time. Since it is sitting in vinegar or alcohol it should last anywhere from a month to three months. I sprayed an opossum in my trash can with a garden pressure sprayer and he darted out of there. I haven’t seen him in two weeks. I used a solution around my garden and theneighbor’s dog won’t go near the fence.

Step 4. Cleaning the container and blender/grinder after use.


A solution of bleach and water will counter the oils left behind in the container. Mineral Oil and soap and hot water can be used to clean out the blender or grinder. Use caution when cleaning the containers by wearing safety glasses and gloves.

NOTE: You can make pepper spray with powdered/ground pepper instead of home-grown or store bought dried peppers/chili but the intent is to get the maximum use of the pepper/chili and garlic. If you do store Cayenne or hotter pepper/chili powder here are the instructions:

1.      Take eight tablespoons of Cayenne pepper or four table spoons of habanero pepper and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle

2.      Take two tablespoons of powdered or minced jars garlic and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.

3.      Add two table spoons of baby or mineral oil and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.

4.      Add 14 ounces of alcohol, vinegar or water and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.

5.      Shake bottle well and let it sit overnight in a cool place to react and increase the effectiveness of the solution.

6.      With a funnel and cheese cloth or towel you can pour it into the 16.9 oz. to 20 oz. water bottle and you are ready to store or place it in your dispenser.

7.      In a pinch, a spray bottle filled with ammonia will deter many attackers.

 

 
P.S.  In response to a reader question about water…

I always recommend considering your pool or hot tub as a bonus water source, but don’t completely depend on it in an emergency — it’s no substitute for being prepared.

What I mean is a treated hot tub full of water can absolutely be used as drinking water — if you use a filter. But you should also have a supply of drinking water stored in your home. I like the WaterBrick water storage system. Each unit is light, strong and stackable, so they’re easy to store.

WaterBricks also have many practical and recreational uses. Click here to find out how to get your own set of these amazing containers so you can be ready for any emergency.

Yours for a productive 2017,

Bruce ‘the Poor Man’

 

 


Additional Resources





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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

10 Ways to Make Money as a Digital Nomad


Poor Man Survival

Self Reliance tools for independent minded people…


ISSN 2161-5543

A Digest of Urban Survival Resources

 


The Top 10 Ways to Earn an Income as a Digital Nomad

by Jason Gaspero

  

All over the world, folks of all ages are turning their backs on the traditional nine-to-five grind and setting off for travel, fun, adventure, and profit. And they’re getting paid while they’re at it.

Their “offices” are wherever they open their laptops… on white-sand beaches, in tropical mountain valleys, and in vibrant university towns. They seek income opportunities online — which keeps them tethered only to an Internet connection. And they can live better while they spend less, by earning in dollars and living (and spending) in places where the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S.

These mobile earners are commonly known as Digital Nomads — and joining the tribe is easier than you may think.

Earning remotely — and working for yourself instead of clocking in at the office, hospital, shop, or factory — is a trend that’s gaining popularity. PeoplePerHour, an online freelance marketplace, forecasts that one in two people in the U.S. and the UK will be freelance by 2020.

Some Digital Nomads country-hop every few weeks and live in dozens of countries every year. “I’m free,” says Nimisha Walji, who took what she knows about yoga and turned it into an online income. “I can go where the wind takes me and live any place I choose! If I hear about somewhere nice, or feel like a change, I can pursue that in a matter of days. Sometimes hours.”

There are all kinds of different ways to make money as a Digital Nomad, so it’s not hard to find one that both suits your interests and could fund your dream lifestyle.

It’s a lot easier to embrace the Digital Nomad lifestyle than you might think. You don’t need a special degree. You don’t need special equipment, other than a laptop and a reliable internet connection. Simply fire up your computer and, boom, you could be making money.

The ranks of freelancers, which include independent workers in many fields, swelled to 55 million in 2016, an increase of 3.8% over the past two years, according to Freelancers Union, a nonprofit organization that represents freelancers.

I’m a Digital Nomad myself. Over the past 11 years, I’ve surfed near-perfect waves at sunset in Bali, Indonesia… run with the bulls at the Fiesta de San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain… celebrated Oktoberfest with a few steins of lager in Munich… and trekked through rice paddies in Sapa, Vietnam.

I’ve been able to afford these adventures, and had the freedom to do so, because I write freelance for companies that need copy to sell their products. Today, I live on the tiny tropical island of Koh Phangan, Thailand.

Most days, I’ll put in three to six hours of writing in the morning. Then, I’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the island’s spectacular beaches, catching up with friends, or visiting the night market in town to grab my favorite Thai meal — steamed chicken with rice and soup for just $1.44. Other days, I’ll take it easy in the morning, then perhaps do a bit of work in the evening. I never have a boss looking over my shoulder, so it’s all up to me.

The internet has made it more simple than ever for aspiring Digital Nomads to discover new places to live; find cheap international flights; secure good short- and long-term accommodation; and meet fellow Digital Nomads, travelers, and expats. I’m not the only one who feels that the social aspect is one of the best parts of being a Digital Nomad.

David and Diane Daniel were early adopters of the Digital Nomad lifestyle. Since 2005, this wandering duo has been traveling to the world’s most appealing destinations and earning a great income at the same time. “We were Digital Nomads before it was cool,” says 51-year-old Diane. “We take home with us. It’s just us, together. That’s it!”

“Since 2005, we’ve been traveling, spending time in Mexico, Italy, and France,” says David. “I’ve also worked from Australia, Ecuador, Canada, and England.” For the past few months, the pair has been kicking back on a Caribbean island just off the coast near Cancún, Mexico.

“We’ve been to Isla Mujeres several times before,” says Diane. “It’s a great place with mostly stable internet, wonderful restaurants and beaches, and perfect tropical weather. We’re housesitting now for some folks who only come down during the winter. We’re caring for their dogs, and all we have to do is pay the electricity bill and the internet bill.”

When they aren’t riding their motor scooter around the island or visiting with friends, Diane manages her own online graphic design business and adds photographs to the couple’s stock photo portfolios.

Dan O’Donnell, a former real estate agent from Washington, hosts a meet up for Digital Nomads in Chiang Mai, Thailand, every Tuesday at the Sri Paa Restaurant. There nomads can swap ideas, make contacts, discuss new trends, and enjoy a tasty Thai meal.

Dan is a Digital Nomad himself and understands the need to network. His primary source of income is his personal development and team-building board game, Better Me, which he sells through his website. His secondary source of income is ad revenue from his Positive Thinking Facebook page.

On a typical day, Dan works a few hours from late morning to mid-afternoon, goes to eat, then heads to the gym or plays some beach volleyball. Then he’ll usually work again in the evening. “The freedom of location and schedule is really nice,” says Dan. “Also, the ability to live somewhere I enjoy for well under a thousand dollars a month (about $750 a month) allows me to save money and reinvest in my projects.”

When it comes to ways to earn an income as a Digital Nomad, Dan offers plenty of ideas. “There are many approaches, and some fit certain people better than others. If you have an existing skill set or love for a certain type of work, consider what you can do to capitalize on that. Also, if you can find a system so that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — like drop-shipping or selling through Amazon — you can save a lot of time and frustration.”
 
10 Top Digital-Nomad Incomes

If you like the idea of being your own boss, working flexible hours and living anywhere in the world you feel like spending time, here are 10 top opportunities that can produce income fast:

1. Sell products online through your website or a third-party site like Amazon.

2. Earn as an online tutor through Skype or udemy.com. If you have knowledge and experience to share, then folks want to hear about it. You can earn teaching almost anything — Microsoft Excel, photography, marketing, guitar, knitting, and more. You can earn anywhere between $25 and $300 per lesson.

3. Start a blog and earn with affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or company on your blog or website, with a link to the seller. Affiliate networks have different systems. Some pay you for every user that clicks on the link, others require the customer buy a product before you get paid a commission.

4. Become a freelance copywriter. Copywriters write simple letters and emails for companies to help sell their products online. As a copywriter, you’ll dictate your own schedule and how much work you want to take on.

5. Provide drop-shipping services. Drop-shipping is a type of online selling where you don’t need to pay for storage or manage inventory. You simply market the products and when somebody buys, you have the products shipped straight from the manufacturer to your customer. You don’t need warehouse space. You never even see the product. See shopify.com and start creating your own store.

6. Become a stock photographer. Your Digital Nomad lifestyle will take you to new and exotic places, where you’ll take colorful and exciting photos. With stock photography, you can turn these travel snapshots into a passive income that makes money on autopilot while you explore the world. See here for more details.

7. Teach English online. As a native speaker you already have the most important tool for teaching English. You can be earning as much as $30 an hour on sites such as italki.com.

8. Become an online researcher performing the behind-the-scenes tasks that ensure the web-based information of businesses and organizations is accurate. With no startup costs and no specialized education needed, online research is one of the easiest Digital Nomad incomes to get up and running. See here for more.

9. Provide online freelance services. Freelancing websites like Upwork.com are connecting thousands of freelancers with businesses that need their services every day. From graphic design to proofreading to travel writing, it’s easier than ever to find work as a freelancer.

10. Earn with e-books. You don’t have to be a bestselling author to make money with e-books. You could repackage books that are in the public domain and sell them online or license existing print books, convert them to an e-book, and pay the author part of the royalties.

Hopefully, this list has given you a better idea of the kind of opportunities that are out there. But don’t for a second think this covers all the things you can do… There are, in fact, many more flexible income options available… 

 

Yours for better living,

Bruce ‘the Poor Man’

 

Post Script…

 

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Contributors and subscribers enable the Poor Man Survivor to post 150+ free essays & free reports that I provide annually. It is for this reason they are Heroes and Heroines of New Media. Without your financial support, the free content would disappear for the simple reason that I cannot keep body and soul together on my meager book sales & ecommerce alone.  You can make a donation at top of this page via PayPal.

 

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