5 Uses For CDs In A Survival Situation

uses for CDs

Surprisingly enough, there are WAY MORE uses for CDs than just listening to your favorite tunes; in fact, these can really come in handy in a survival situation!

Now I understand this may seem like “outdated technology” nowadays – especially since we’ve been moving away from compact disks to iPods, iPhones, and music sites like Spotify and Pandora.

And it could be that you’ve tossed these “ancient” musical devices out with the trash sometime ago.

Luckily, you can still find redemption by searching for old CDs at garage sales, Goodwill, or on Craigslist. You may also be able to grab some from friends and family. And the best part is, this is a great way to get these discs for cheap, if not for FREE.

I assure you that once you learn about all these uses for CDs, you’re going to be collecting as many as you can and putting them into your bug out bag and/or survival kit!

Don’t knock it ’til you try it! You’ll be amazed at all you can do with these shiny little disks once you’ve discovered these…

5 Uses For CDs In A Survival Situation

1 – See The Light

When darkness falls in a survival situation, you’re going to need to depend on all the light sources you have in order to see what you’re doing.

Luckily, your stacks of old CDs can help you see the light. When partnered with an LED under-counter lighting system, you can build your own DIY lamp that’ll help you out in a pinch.

Check out the instructions below:

2 – Protect Your Survival Garden

Your survival garden is incredibly important – especially once SHTF. Not only will this keep you and your family full (and alive), but it’s also an incredible way to become self-sustaining and not rely on grocery stores to get your food.

However, birds – especially pigeons – can really hinder the growth and maintenance of your survival garden. So you’ll want to keep them out of your food as much as possible.

Thankfully, with some old CDs, a ball of twine, and a little bit of sunlight/wind, you can deter these birds from entering into you garden, and keep your family full for longer periods of time.

Check out the video below to see how it’s done:

3 – DIY Target Practice

This is a fun one. Take your buddy out into an open field, and give him stacks of your old CDs that you won’t use anymore.

Then have him toss the discs into the air as you blow them to smithereens.

This is a great exercise since it not only refines your aim, but also helps you perfect your shooting with the distraction of the light’s reflection.

4 – Make A Secret Safe

Once SHTF, it’s only a matter of time until looters and pillagers come around to break into your house/bug out shelter and steal your stuff.

And when that day comes, you’re going to need to be able to keep your valuables out of sight so they don’t get taken by the enemy.

Thankfully, you can use normal, everyday CDs to make a DIY safe for concealing your valuables.

Take a look at the video below to see how it’s done:

5 – DIY Solar Cooker

This is one of the coolest uses in my opinion. It’s also a great DIY project for the guy/gal who’s got hundreds of old CDs stored away.

All you’ll need to make your own DIY Solar Cooker is an old satellite dish, 100+ old CDs, and a way to bolt the discs to the dish.

The more CDs you attach to the satellite dish, the higher the heat in your solar cooker will go (and the faster your food will cook!).

The picture on the left shows the discs covering a majority of the dish – and it heated up to 400°F. However, if you covered the entire surface area, it could easily reach temperatures up to 800°F!

If you attempt this, make sure to be wearing thick leather gloves when attempting to remove any food from your solar cooker.

uses for CDs
Picture courtesy of treehugger.com

uses for CDs
Picture courtesy of treehugger.com
6 – BONUS USES

Now I know I told you I would give you just five survival uses for your old compact discs…

But I found a few more I think you’re going to love.

Check out the video below for a few more great uses for CDs in an emergency situation. Remember – Prepare Now, Survive Later!