Depression 2.0: Creative Strategies for Tough Economic Times

by Cletus Nelson

With contributions from Douglas Rushkoff , Claire Wolfe and Charles Hugh Smith

We have grown accustomed to life in a stable and prosperous society, and many of us are not prepared for financial uncertainty.

Depression 2.0 is a practical, empowering, hands-on guide to persevering and even thriving in the event of an economic crisis.   Placing particular emphasis on self-sufficiency, community-building, and personal resilience, this timely, informative book offers a hopeful way forward in a time of great uncertainty. Bankruptcy, barter, and survival investing are just a few of the important topics explored.

Chapters

     • Worst Case Contemplating Unemployment
     • Down but Not Economics for Leaner Times
     • Walking Thinking about Bankruptcy
     • In Case of The Resilient Home
     • Return to Retreat Options
     • Keeping the Lights Home Energy Solutions
     • Between the When You Have No Shelter
     • Beyond When Greenbacks Go Bad
     • Survival Crisis Investing
     • Future The Road Ahead

Depression 2.0 is the fourth title in Process’ celebrated Self- Reliance Series , created to help urbanites make smart choices to live sustainably in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Self Reliance, Economics

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nadir · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more interesting books about economic collapse, not because of its unique take on economics, but for the recommendations it makes if you run afoul of the failing economy. It has chapters on investing and protecting your wealth, but it also has chapters on how to dumpster dive and be homeless should you truly find yourself dispossessed by society through job loss, etc. I certainly don't expect to find myself in those straits, but it made for very thought provoking reading. Many sensible sections on alternative energy and local trading/bartering mechanisms that have worked successfully in parts of the USA and in other countries when the economy has hammered them.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 7. Readability: 6. Weird, fun mix of "creative strategies for tough economic times" - a bit of survivalism, a bit of anti-corporate bias, with a strong strain of living green and helping your neighbor in hard times. I think what made it for me is Nelson's earnest, well-intentioned tone. He isn't ranting, he doesn't seem crazy, he is very unassuming, and isn't even a doomsayer. He just tries to convey practical information about things he feels are important (which, among other things, include dumpster-diving skills).

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it's because of when I read this--on a plane home from Europe after a week or so of travel--or maybe it's because our personal circumstances are still stable enough that I don't necessarily need the ideas presented here, but I didn't connect with the book very well. But there was some good stuff there, though I can't get specific now, 5 months later.