than freezing to death. The average person isn't able to chop enough
wood the store for winter of even the fall.
Dry wood that is not (too) dense is much easier to chop. That said, there is an opportunity there too! As people will need wood to burn to keep warm, chopping and selling wood locally (as well as growing the trees to produce the wood) would be a valuable business. It would be very expensive to start as you would need allot of acreage, water, sun, and time just to grow the trees.
Good clothing and good blankets will help to keep warm as well, all of which could be produced and sold at somewhat of a local level. You most likely will be sourcing your fabrics from other states or countries, especially if you live in an area where there isn't much cattle farming.
On the subject of crime - it is not illegal (yet) to manufacture your own ammo, nor is it terribly difficult, but be sure to do your research first! Some states may have lead and brass refineries, but you will most likely be purchasing those from out of state - including the gun powder and primers.
I argue that there is a limit on how localized economies can become. There comes a point where it is just more economical to purchase from out of state or from another country depending on the item. I don't expect every community in every state will be mining and refining all raw materials. States like Arizona will find it more difficult to grow food locally (atleast in the southern part - I would expect that Flagstaff could grow a wide variety of food without too much issue).
How ya gonna do it? PS/2 it!
--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 2022/02/11 (Linux/64)
* Origin: SPOT BBS / k9zw (700:100/69)