Of course we know that these types of “reality” television shows are at least somewhat scripted and likely heavily edited. That aside, they do present problems that we can learn from.
The Problems
In episode 1, we saw the “colonists” get their butts handed to them on a silver platter by looters that were after one of the most sought after resources after a viral outbreak, that being medical supplies. It becomes immediately obvious that security has been neglected and needs to be boosted. This of course leads to other problems. Electrical generation for power tools leads to fuel production for electrical generation. One problem usually leads to another.
Another issue that crops up quickly is the dwindling supply of canned and dry foods. It becomes obvious that they must gather more food in order to sustain themselves. To compound the food shortage, heavy work burns more calories than they are used to and food requirements increase, while reserves decrease.
The Solutions
The colonists use rotten pigs to produce bio fuel to run a tractor which turns a scavenged alternator. Although one of the most disgusting things I personally have ever seen, it does work. Team work and drawing off of a variety of skill sets makes this work.
A two person team is sent out to a nearby “bayou” in search of food sources. They return with a couple of snakes, which are not what most people would consider normal fare. In any case, they seem to be able to harvest enough to feed the group for another day.
The Lessons
Power generation is certainly not a requirement for life. Any hard core bushcraft survivalist will make that point abundantly clear. That said, electricity can be a force multiplier as well as a boost to efficiency. With electricity being generated, they have power tools to help bolster security more quickly than with basic hand tools, and light to provide safety, and also help with security at night.
Foraging and food production are important to long term survival. No matter how well one prepares with food storage, without supplies coming into the storage, it will eventually run out. Knowing the local faun and flora is important. Foraging and hunting are important skills to have. The fact that the colonists only harvested enough snake to feed the group for one day is an important lesson. Without storage options, dinner pot gathering reduces waste, but for the longer term, storage options should be investigated.
