If you can’t win ’em , then join ’em! While December snow is imbued with holiday magic, and January snow is apropos for winter, February snow feels dreary and endless. Here at Quilo, we like to view the world through a sustainable lens. If snow is what we got, then snow is what we’ll use…
Around three-fourth of the human body is made up of water. So you can last for three weeks without food, but only 3-4 days without water. Sustainable ways to use snow for survival are essential since water is crucial for survival, whether the temperature is rising or plunging. Snow can be the answer to your water woes and a whole lot more. If you’re dreading drafts, consider that winter snow can actually be used for insulation, a great way to cut down on costly energy bills.
Snow for Insulation
Wild animals often bury themselves in snow when it freezes. These creatures survive in -20°F cold because snow makes for an excellent insulator. Some species of animals even dig snow burrows to hibernate in. Igloos or snow huts are another use for this cool, white substance.
Snow works as an insulator for a reason. It’s essentially the air pockets trapped in snow which work to conserve heat. Even if the temperature falls below 18-19°F, a snow hut can generate a stable 61°F using body heat alone. Fresh snow works best for insulation. This is because it contains a heavy percentage of air between the ice crystals. Essentially, fresh snow is 95% air, making it super light. As air is trapped within, heat transfer is significantly lowered.
There is a direct link between thermal conductivity and snow density. Dense snow exhibits greater thermal conductivity, making it fresh driven, super light fluffy snow that works best for insulation, as heat moves slowly through it. Put this wintery blanket to use by letting it remain on your roof for insulating your house. For those with log cabins, snow can be used for banking. Using snow to bank the cabin walls is the best way to make your very own igloo!
Snow for Food Preservation
Snow may be godsend for skiers, snowmen enthusiasts, snowshoers and sledders, but these white crystals can be a pain to shovel off the backyards and sidewalks. Snowbanks serve as natural snow freezers, though. So, in case of a power outage, snow can be a useful ally as you hoard the contents of your freezer into the snowdrifts. Which, if you think of it, is some type of harmonious karma: the snowstorm that caused your blackout is now preserving your perishables. Here at Quilo, we like to think positive!
Snow for Hydration
Around three-fourth of the human body is made up of water. You can last for three weeks without food, but only 3-4 days without water. If you are stranded in a cold environment, snow can be safe source of water. Melt the snow and you can get enough water to ward off hypothermia, frostbite and dehydration while camping. Snow cannot be directly consumed as it damages the mouth’s interior and dehydrates you faster. Clean snow needs to be melted in a warm pan, if you’re out backpacking.
So there you have it. Rather than grimacing at another winter snowfall, revel in the lifesaving properties of this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
