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These Surprising Uses of Pine Sap Could Save Your Life

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how to use pine sap

Everyone is familiar with pine trees, but did you know that the sticky sap from a pine tree has some really cool uses? Here we go over how to use pine sap when you’re camping and for survival purposes.

Pine sap is a sticky, viscous substance that is secreted by pine trees. It is composed of water, sugars, and resin acids. When tapped from the tree, it can be used for an amazing variety of purposes.

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How to collect pine sap

There are a few different ways to collect pine sap. The most common method is to tap the tree, which involves drilling a small hole into the tree and collecting the sap that drips out.

Another way to collect pine sap is to simply gather it from the ground beneath the tree. This can be done by using a shovel or trowel to dig around the base of the tree until you find a pocket of sap. Once you’ve found some sap, you can scrape it off of the bark or leaves and into a container.

pine branches

Finally, you can also collect pine sap by cutting into the tree itself. This is generally not recommended, as it can damage the tree, but if you’re careful you can cut a V-shaped notch into the bark and collect the sap that runs out.

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What can pine sap be used for?

Pine sap can be used for a variety of useful purposes, including:

  • Making homemade glue
  • Starting a fire
  • Building a shelter
  • Sealing minor cuts and wounds
  • As a natural insecticide
  • To make a nutritious food or candy

Making glue with pine sap

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own glue, here’s a recipe using pine sap. All you need is some pine sap and water.

To start, collect some pine sap from a tree. You can do this by making a small cut in the bark of the tree and collecting the sap that comes out. Once you have about a cup of pine sap, add it to a pot of boiling water.

Let the mixture boil for about 15 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Once it has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Once it’s cooled, your homemade glue is ready to use!

making pine sap glue

Another option for making homemade pine sap glue is to mix pine sap with an equal amount of flour. This mixture can be used to adhere paper or fabric to other surfaces.

Making a fire with pine sap

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a fire but don’t have any matches or lighter fluid, pine sap can be a great alternative. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Gather some pine sap from a tree. You can use your hands or a knife to get the sap out of the tree.
  2. Once you have enough pine sap, find some dry grass or leaves and gather them up
  3. Make a small pile of the dry grass or leaves and place the pine sap on top of it
  4. Use a knife or other sharp object to scrape the pine sap onto the dry grass or leaves until they are coated.
  5. Now all you need is a spark to get the fire going! (Carrying a tool like this could be a lifesaver.)

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survival uses of pine sap

Building a shelter with pine sap

When it comes to building an emergency wilderness shelter, one of the most valuable materials you can have is pine sap.

building a shelter with pine sap

Pine sap has several benefits that make it ideal for shelter construction.

First, pine sap is an excellent water repellent. This means that it will help keep your shelter dry and comfortable.

Second, pine sap is also very sticky. This can be helpful in keeping your shelter together and preventing leaks.

Finally, pine sap has a strong scent that can potentially help keep predators away from your shelter.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using pine sap for shelter construction. First, you will need to collect a large amount of pine sap. One tree can provide enough sap for a small shelter. Second, you will need to heat the pine sap before using it. This can be done by placing the sap in a container and setting it over a fire.

Now, it’s time to build your shelter. Start by creating a frame out of sticks or branches. Then, use the pine sap to glue large leaves or pieces of bark to the frame. Make sure to cover the entire shelter to keep rain and wind from getting through.

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Using pine sap to seal wounds

Sealing minor cuts and wounds with pine sap can help to prevent infection. The sticky nature of pine sap helps to keep bandages in place and provides a barrier against bacteria and dirt.

If you find yourself in a pinch and need to seal a wound quickly, pine sap can be a helpful tool. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Gather some pine sap from a tree. You can use your fingers or a knife to scrape it off the bark.
  2. Clean the wound as much as possible with clean water and dry it off.
  3. Apply the pine sap directly to the wound.
  4. Cover the wound with a bandage if possible.
  5. Repeat steps 3-4 as necessary until the wound is fully sealed.
  6. Keep an eye on the wound and make sure it is healing properly.
pine sap for wounds

Pine sap contains a compound called terpene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Pine sap as an insecticide

Pine sap has a long history of being used as a natural insecticide.

The sticky, gooey substance is effective at trapping and killing insects. Pine sap can be used in its natural state or mixed with other ingredients to create a more potent insecticide. Here are some tips for using pine sap as an insecticide:

  1. Collect pine sap from a tree (see instructions above).
  2. Apply pine sap directly to insects or areas where they’re likely to congregate. For example, you can put a glob of pine sap on a flypaper strip to trap flies.
  3. You can also mix pine sap with water to create a sprayable solution. This is especially effective against aphids and other small insects.
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Using pine sap as a nutritious food

Pine sap contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that can be eaten to boost your health in several ways.

Pine sap is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. It also contains important antioxidants like ellagic acid and ferulic acid. These nutrients work together to boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and protect against cellular damage.

When taken internally, pine sap can help treat respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma.

pine sap as food

Pine sap can be eaten fresh from the tree. It has a somewhat sweet flavor that is perfect for adding to dishes as a flavoring agent. It can be added to soups, stews, and sauces to give them a unique flavor.

Pine sap can be used as candy by boiling it down into a syrup. Here’s how to make your own pine sap candy:

  1. Collect pine sap from trees using a clean bucket or container.
  2. Boil the pine sap over moderate heat until it becomes syrupy.
  3. Add sugar, if desired and available.
  4. Pour the syrup onto a clean surface to cool and harden.
  5. Enjoy your delicious homemade pine sap candy!

Final thoughts on how to use pine sap

Pine sap has many uses beyond just making a sticky mess on your hands. It can be used for medical purposes, like a salve for wounds or an infection fighter. It can also be used as a natural adhesive, or even to start a fire.

The next time you’re out hiking and come across a pine tree, take a closer look at the sap seeping from its bark and think about all of the different ways it could be put to use.

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How to Make Your own Emergency Water Well

How to Make Your own Emergency Water Well

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In areas where water is scarce or contaminated, an emergency well can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips on how to make your own emergency water well.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need water and there is no clean water source nearby, you can make an emergency well. This type of well will probably not be suitable for long-term use, but it will provide you with enough water to get by in a pinch.

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Emergency wells are a vital part of disaster preparedness

When disaster strikes, access to clean water is essential for survival. Emergency wells can provide a much-needed source of water in the event of a natural disaster or man-made crisis.

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how to make an emergency water well

Emergency wells are typically shallow, hand-dug wells that can be quickly and easily constructed with minimal equipment. They can be used to provide water for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation needs.

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While emergency wells are not intended to be a long-term solution, they can be a lifesaving measure in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Having an emergency well in place can make all the difference in surviving and recovering from a catastrophic event.

How to make an emergency well

If you find yourself without access to clean water, one option is to build an emergency well.

It’s a fairly simple but physically demanding process that anyone can do with the right materials and a little bit of know-how.

Here’s how to make an emergency well:

  1. Find a suitable location for your well where you think there may be underground water. Look for an area that is lower than the surrounding land, as water will tend to collect in these areas. It should also be away from any sources of contamination, such as sewage or chemical runoff.
  2. Dig a hole that is at least 10 feet deep. In some areas you may need to go down 25 feet. The deeper the hole, the cleaner the water will be. Using an auger digging drill will make the job a whole lot easier.
  3. Cover the bottom with gravel or sand to help filter the water as it rises up through the filter medium.
  4. Line the hole with rocks or bricks to help keep the sides from caving in if you plan to use the well on a longer term basis.
  5. Insert PVC tubing into the hole. Make sure the tubing extends up above the ground level so you can attach a pump later on. Use a screen or cloth at the bottom of the pipe to keep dirt and debris from entering your well. This will help keep contaminants from seeping into the water.
  6. Attach a hand pump or other type of small water pump to the tubing and start pumping!
  7. Old timers would dig a deep well wide enough to put a bucket or other container down into the hole to collect the water as it seeps in. For this type of well, you would need to place a lid or cover over the top of the well to keep out debris and animals.

You can also buy ready-made water well drilling kits to make the job even simpler.

Emergency wells can be an essential part of being prepared for a disaster

An emergency water well is a great way to ensure that you have a fresh water supply in case of an emergency where your primary water source is cut off.

An emergency well can give you the peace of mind that you need to know that you and your family will have access to life-sustaining water.

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How To Find True North Without a Compass

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In today’s technology-driven world, it’s easy to forget the importance of nature. But as any experienced hiker knows, a compass is only one tool for finding your way. By using these tips, you can find true north without a compass.

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Orienting yourself without a compass

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to orient yourself without a compass, there are a few things you can do.

Here are a few simple techniques that can help you find your bearings.

man hiking through wilderness

Using a watch to find north

First, if you have a watch, you can use it to find north. To do this, hold the watch horizontally and point the hour hand at the sun. Then, bisect the angle between the hour hand and 12 o’clock to find north.

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how to find true north without a compass

The sun: Use the sun to find north

Orienting yourself without a compass may seem difficult, but it can be done relatively easily by using the sun to find north.

using the son to find north

First, find a large open area where there are no trees or buildings blocking your view of the horizon.

Second, place a stick in the ground so that it casts a shadow.

Third, wait until the shadow starts to move and mark the end of the shadow with a rock or piece of turf.

Fourth, draw a line in the sand from the base of the stick to the rock or piece of turf.

Fifth, wait about 15 minutes and repeat steps 2-4.

Sixth, draw a second line on the ground that intersects your first line at right angles.

Seventh, orient your body so that one arm points along Line 1 and the other arm points along Line 2.

Eighth, you are now facing north!

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The stars: Find north using the stars

Another way to find north is by using the stars.

Milky Way at night

The North Star, or Polaris, is located directly above the North Pole. So, if you can find Polaris in the night sky, you will know which way is north.

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The moon: Use the moon to find north

Another method is to use the moon. If you know roughly what time it is, you can look at the moon and use its position to find north. For example, if it is early evening and the moon is in the east, then north will be towards your left.

using the moon to find north
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The landscape: Use your surroundings to find north

Find a tree or bush and look for moss growing on it. In the Northern Hemisphere, moss usually grows on the north side of trees and bushes.

Moss typically grows on the north side of a tree

Conclusion: How to find north without a compass

If you are ever lost, following these steps will help you find true north without a compass. Although it may seem daunting at first, with a little practice it will become second nature. So get out there and give it a try!

These Surprising Uses of Pine Sap Could Save Your Life

Should Honey be in Your Prepping Stash?

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You may be wondering if honey is a good long-term food storage item, or how long honey stays good in storage. Read on for our recommendations regarding how and why to use honey as a preparedness food.

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Is honey a good food storage item?

From a nutritional standpoint, honey is a very good food storage item because it is a high-quality, relatively low-calorie food that also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Honey is one of the best natural sweeteners and may be used in place of other liquid sweeteners like corn syrup or molasses.

Honey is also affordable, although cheaper honey won’t last as long as higher-quality raw honey.

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Does honey have an indefinite shelf life?

Raw honey has an almost indefinite shelf life and has been shown to stay good for many years. Believe it or not, honey was discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs and it was still edible!

Most experts say raw honey never really expires, but to be on the safe side you should probably use it within five years after purchase for maximum taste and quality.

Be sure to store your honey with the lid tightly sealed and away from high heat to preserve a long shelf life and freshness.

Honey that’s been processed with higher degrees of heat is not as shelf stable as raw, unprocessed honey and may go bad sooner.

Why does honey stay good for so long?

Natural substances contained in honey help to prevent rancidity, or the breakdown of food by bacteria. Honey’s high sugar and low moisture content, combined with small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, team up together to keep your honey fresh in storage.

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What are the health benefits of honey?

Honey is an amazingly healthy food for several reasons.

Honey is a natural, unprocessed sweetener that has a long history of being used as a functional food. It is high in antioxidants, which have may health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer, slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and helping to improve heart health.

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using honey as a preparedness food

According to one source, honey contains polyphenol compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), vitamin C, vitamin E, enzymes (e.g., catalase, peroxidase) and trace elements 

Honey may also be helpful in treating a variety of health problems, including diabetes, asthma, and varicose veins.

In addition, raw honey has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this, it may be applied topically to the skin to help heal skin infections. This makes honey valuable not only as a food source but for its medicinal properties as well.

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Does honey need to be refrigerated?

No, honey doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It can sit on a shelf for multiple years and still be fine. You can freeze honey to further prolong the shelf life but this it not necessary, and raw honey actually resists freezing.

Final thoughts on honey and long-term storage

Honey can be a very valuable addition to your long-term food storage stash. It not only adds flavor and nutrients to your meals, but it lasts for years at room temperatures. It also has health benefits and can be used externally to heal skin disorders.

When looking at honey as part of a prepper’s food pantry, make sure to get the best quality, preferably raw and organic honey. Raw honey is more shelf stable than processed honey, and retains more of the health benefits.

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What is an EMP? And is it Dangerous?

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solar flare causing EMP
Solar storms can produce damaging EMPs

An electromagnetic pulse (abbreviated EMP) is an intense and sudden burst of electromagnetic energy. EMPs can damage electronic equipment by frying circuits and disrupting communication.

An EMP could be created by a ground-level nuclear detonation, a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse weapon, or a solar storm (also known as a geomagnetic disturbance).

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Are nuclear EMPS an urgent threat to the USA?

There is no clear consensus on whether or not nuclear EMPs pose an immediate threat to the USA. Some experts believe that an EMP could cause major damage if it were to detonate in the country, while others say that the risk is negligible.

There are many factors that would determine the seriousness of an EMP impact, including how many nuclear explosions took place, how strong they were, and where they occurred.

The U.S. government conducted a hearing in 2015 to discuss this threat and steps needed to prepare and prevent EMP damage.

Is an EMP dangerous?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the potential consequences of an EMP event depend on a number of factors, including the exact nature of the EMP attack and the location of the target.

However, in general, an EMP attack is potentially very dangerous because it can damage or even completely destroy electronic equipment and networks on a widespread basis, disrupting communications and the electrical power grid, severely impacting the ability of people to work and live effectively.

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what is an emp?

A strong geomagnetic disturbance from a solar storm hit the Canadian electrical grid in the late 1980s, causing a blackout across the entire province of Quebec.

Will cars function after an EMP?

It is not totally clear what impact an EMP would have on the function of cars, although sensitive electronic components would be most vulnerable.

Cars are designed with a limited life span in mind, so it is unlikely that they would last indefinitely after exposure to an EMP. Older cars are likely to fare the best under the stress of an EMP.

Some car manufacturers have stated that their vehicles are designed to survive up to 15 seconds of exposure to an EMP. However, after 15 seconds of sustained electromagnetic pulses, the electrical and electronic systems within a car may start to fail.

One review suggests that most cars will survive an EMP, and that damage may be minimal and more along the lines of minor functional disruption.

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How can a Faraday cage protect devices from a nuclear EMP?

Since an EMP is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is capable of damaging or destroying electronic equipment, finding ways to shield sensitive equipment is highly desirable.

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A Faraday cage is a type of enclosure that can protect electronic devices from an EMP attack.

EMPs are created when a nuclear weapon is detonated or a solar flare generates geomagnetic disturbances. The explosive energy from the detonation or flare then creates a powerful electromagnetic field that can damage or destroy electronic equipment.

Faraday cages are designed to protect electronic devices from the damaging EMP field. The metal walls of the cage create a barrier that prevents the EMP field from destroying the devices that are shielded inside.

Faraday bags are also available to shield sensitive devices from EMP exposure.

Can an EMP damage powered-off electronics?

An EMP attack irradiates electronic equipment with high-energy particles, disrupting its operation. In extreme cases, this may cause the entire device to fail.

While it is not totally clear that that an EMP can damage electronics that have been turned off, it’s certainly possible that a powered-off device would be affected.

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Can an EMP damage batteries?

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can damage batteries leading to device damage or failure.

Although an EMP may be unlikely, it is still possible, so if possible store your batteries in a Faraday cage.

Can a nuclear EMP damage solar panels?

Solar panels work by using sunlight to create electric currents that power devices like your appliances or your car. A nuclear EMP could damage these solar panels, reducing their efficiency and causing them to stop working. If this happens when you are relying on your solar panels to power your home, you could be in for a difficult and expensive repair, not to mention the loss of power provided by your solar panels.

Final thoughts on EMPs

While the risks of electromagnetic pulses causing widespread severe damage may be relatively low, there is still the possibility of EMPs from either nuclear attack or natural solar flares.

Preppers should evaluate their supplies and take steps to protect their radios, computers, and other vulnerable electronic devices.

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How to Prepare for Hyperinflation

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(Reviewed by David, M.A., Political Science)

What is hyperinflation?

Hyperinflation is a situation where the value of a currency rapidly decreases, usually due to economic instability or a government’s inability to print new currency. This can lead to massive monetary shortages and runaway price increases, which can devastate the economy.

Here I discuss hyperinflation and prepping, and steps you can take to get ready for hyperinflationary pressures.

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What causes hyperinflation?

There can be a variety of reasons why an economy experiences hyperinflation.

In some cases, an abnormally high level of economic activity results in the printing of large amounts of new money, which drives up prices. Additionally, businesses may be unable to provide goods and services to customers, which results in a large increase in the demand for goods and services. When the same amount of customers seek to buy a decreased supply of goods, this drives up prices for everyone.

In other cases, a foreign country may interfere with the economy, causing a surge in the value of the currency.

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What are some historic examples of hyperinflation?

Some historic examples of hyperinflation are the Weimar Republic in Germany, modern Zimbabwe, and the Russian Federation in the 1990s.

According to Investopedia, “Consumer prices in Venezuela grew at an astounding rate of more than 65,000% from 2017 to 2018.”

Consumer prices in Venezuela grew at an astounding rate of more than 65,000% from 2017 to 2018

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How does hyperinflation affect food and housing costs?

The hyperinflationary spiral occurs as the rate of inflation greatly increases beyond a certain point. This causes massive increases in food and housing prices, as well as other costs of living. This can have a devastating effect on the livelihoods of the all members of society–with the poorest hit hardest–as well as on the global economy as a whole.

Homelessness is also likely to greatly rise with increased inflationary patterns.

How can an average person prepare for hyperinflation?

While there is no surefire way to prepare for hyperinflation, individuals could stock up on goods at current prices, before hyperinflation kicks in to drastically raise product costs.

Stocking up on food, fuel, medications, and basic household goods before the prices increase is a common theme among those preppers who see hyperinflation as a potential danger. Of course there is no way to completely avoid rising prices, so having a reasonable stash of food and household goods is always a good idea.

The best foods for long-term food storage are those that are shelf stable with a long life. Some of the best foods that are good choices for long-term food storage include canned goods, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food.

Are precious metals good to have for hyperinflation?

Some have suggested that precious metals will be a valuable asset in the event of hyperinflation.

There is no definitive answer to the question of hyperinflation and precious metals as it depends on many factors, including factors like the type of hyperinflation and the country in question. Generally speaking, it is safe to say that precious metals will be worth having in cases of hyperinflation as they are often used as a store of value in times of uncertainty.

How much food should you store to prepare for hyperinflation?

This is a tough question to answer without knowing your specific needs and storage habits. Generally speaking, you should aim to store at least a three-month supply of food for yourself, your household, and your pets.

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How will hyperinflation affect money stored in banks?

If hyperinflation occurs, the value of money stored in banks will rapidly decrease as the purchasing power of each dollar decreases. This could lead to people losing their savings, widespread bank runs, and eventually financial institutions going bankrupt.

Can hyperinflation be reversed?

The short answer is yes, but this is never easy. History shows that hyperinflation is almost always extremely painful to the economic well-being of a country’s citizens.

In the early stages of hyperinflation, the National Bank of Hungary increased the amount of currency in circulation from 100 trillion to 1,000 trillion in a very brief period. This led to an increase in prices as well as an overall decrease in the value of money. With the passage of time however, prices stabilized and the currency became more valuable. In other words, the National Bank of Hungary’s strategy of expanding the currency supply in order to counteract hyperinflation was successful.

However, other countries have not had success with combatting the scourge of hyperinflation.

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Final thoughts on prepping and hyperinflation

With the U.S. economy currently facing sharp inflation trends, it only makes sense to look ahead and prepare accordingly.

Stocking up on food and other items while prices are still affordable is one of the best ways to guard against inflation stealing your money’s buying power.

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