As I recall, Robinson Crusoe (based on Alexander Selkirk) stripped his ship of timbers, rigging, tools, weapons, rations, seeds, etc. He started out with many resources that most don't have.

As I recall, the same was true of the Swiss Family Robinson story.

Remember my threads: I Spy from my Perch

Here in the states, there is so much valuable "garbage" that is lying around and can be very valuable in a survival situation.