Letters To The Editor

Solar Panels and EMP?

Dear Editor,

In the case of an EMP, how do solar panels fare? They would be very hard to protect. It would really hurt to lose them.

Thanks,

Natalie

Dear Natalie,

We’ve addressed electronics and their components during an EMP event with several of our articles. In addition to our article in Monday’s newsletter (July 22, 2013) about solar flares and EMP events, here are some additional links that address your concerns:

//www.offthegridnews.com/2011/11/28/the-electromagnetic-pulse-what-you-need-to-know/# (there is a lot of good information and links in this article)

//www.offthegridnews.com/2013/04/04/from-the-archives-only-10-will-survive-will-you-be-one-of-them-with-ross-howarth-episode-151/# (radio episode with Ross Howarth, vice president of EMPact America… lots of good information and sources)

//www.offthegridnews.com/2011/07/25/faraday-cages-your-electronics-and-emps/#

//www.offthegridnews.com/2010/11/29/protecting-your-circuits/#

Thanks for writing! I hope this helps answer some of your questions.

The Editor

Inexpensive Plant Markers?

Dear Editor,

We’ve all seen those little plastic identification markers that come with bedding plants. They wind up either faded or crumbled to bits before the season is out. Also, I’m trying my hand at seed saving and want to be able to continue marking my plants. Do you have an inexpensive way to do this?

Thanks,

Dear BW,

Oh boy, do I! And it was my husband that came up with the idea! Go to your local Walmart or dollar store (if they have them) and buy a cheap set of window blinds. And when I say cheap, I mean the $3 set. Cut the slats apart, and then cut them up into 6 inch strips. (Buy a width that will give you the least waste when you do this.) Make one end pointed, use a Sharpie® permanent marker to write on them, and mark away! They’re much sturdier than the ones that come in the stores with bedding plants, and they last longer. And one set of window blinds will give you years’ worth of plant markers.

Thanks for writing!

The Editor

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