Adopt a Depression-Era Mindset

And we’ll get through this mess, together.

“Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, Or Do Without”

There’s a lot that can be learned from the Great Depression of 1929 when the stock market collapsed like a car-lot balloon.

A Quickie History Lesson

When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, agriculture took a huge hit as men and horses were sent to the frontlines.

To ensure they had the food and other resources they needed, Americans at home were encouraged to participate in such initiatives as “Meatless Mondays” and “Wheatless Wednesdays.” And they did, graciously.

It was during this period that “Victory Gardens” came into being as citizens determined to grow their own fruits and vegetables, in an effort to feed their families as well as take the strain off the agricultural industry.

As more able-bodied men joined the ranks, there were shortages beyond food. The production of goods ground to a near halt.

In an effort to increase household incomes and support their men overseas, women joined the workforce in increasing numbers, taking on a wide range of factory jobs. Still, industry as a whole was focused on creating munitions and goods for the military. As a result, shortages were widespread, in every facet of life — from the production of cloth to aluminum items.

During this economic drought, Calvin Coolidge was quoted as saying “Eat it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without” (Later, the phrase was popularized with, “Use it up.”)

World War I ended in 1918 and the men returned home. But that didn’t fend off the inevitable. From a brief period of prosperity and a “chicken in every pot,” followed the stock market’s collapse.

Unemployment rose from three percent to twenty-five percent and many families lost their homes and farms. Enter the Great Depression.

End of History Lesson

Thankfully, we aren’t fully in the soup. I’m not aware of any bread lines. Not yet, anyway, but events are changing daily and we need to be prepared. But even more important, we have to get it through our thick heads that we are in this together. There’s no “you” or “me,” there’s only “us.”

What does that mean?

First and foremost, it means that we should not stockpile food and other necessities! Folks, if we just buy what we need — as we would normally — there will be plenty of food and paper products and soap and hand sanitizer and every other damn thing that is currently wiped from supermarket shelves.

Did you get that? If you don’t hoard this stuff, there will be plenty for all of us.

The strain on grocers to keep their shelves stocked is enormous and we’re not helping!

If you have a freezer full of chicken, cook and eat it before you trample other shoppers at the meat counter in an effort to buy even more.

If you have canned soup up the wazoo, heat it up and eat it. Even better, make your own with whatever veggies and legumes and/or meat you have on hand. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a nourishing and comforting meal.

By the way, canned tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich is still a yummy combo. And cheap. As is PB&J.

Do your closets and cabinets overflow with butt-wipe? Come on, guys. You’re not the only ones who have to practice good hygiene after a session on the pot. What are you thinking?

Good old soap is as effective as hand sanitizer. Use it, and plenty of hot water for an inexpensive and effective de-germing.

Cosmetics, skin creams and body lotions. Forget ’em. You’re not going anywhere so how good do you need to look? Kidding aside, nothing beats good old coconut oil for an all-natural, multi-tasker. You can even clean your face with it.

I’m not saying we should skip our usual self-care routines, but buying what we don’t need is reckless and stupid.

Here’s a tip: Baking soda can be used to scour your tub, whiten your teeth, “fumigate” your fridge and much more, for pennies, and without chemicals.

There’s no harm or shame in basic frugality. I’m sure this will make me sound cheap, but I reuse aluminum foil! Yes, I admit it! If it’s basically unsullied, I’ll rinse the stuff and save it for another time.

The last time I shopped, I didn’t check the aluminum foil and plastic baggie aisle but that crap is probably gone, as well.

Finally, for the college kids flocking Florida beaches during Spring Break and the clueless, self-absorbed individuals who are determined to carry on as if life hasn’t done a 360…for those of you who refuse to adhere to the daily admonitions to “just stay home,” it is you who will bring the rest of us down.

It is you who will end life as we know it.

How do you feel about that? Do you feel?

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

Thanks so much for reading. If you enjoyed this, you might like the following, as well.

Also, if you’re seeking further distractions during this tough time, please consider subscribing to my new newsletter, where I’ll do my damndest to keep you entertained. For now, anyway.