Monday, September 5, 2016

Living Off The Grid - A Live Worth Living

By Harold Stevens


With the high prices of mortgage and rent, many individuals are now looking to become more mobile. As part of the process, a number of individuals are looking to obtain private land. For, if done right, an individual can live off the land while living off the grid. Individuals must decide at any given time, whether one remains off-grid when using tools such as cell phones and other electronic devices.

Individuals residing in this way often share a communal solar source, or live off a generator. One of the most popular terms for people residing in this manner is that of off-gridders. While electricity can be generated through alternative means such as hydro and solar, water is another story. As such, many families and individuals live near lakes, rivers, streams, store water in tanks or dig a well.

Upon discovering in a recent publication that over 180 thousand individuals and families identified as off-gridders, the concept has become even more popularized. In addition, now with cabins, tents, RVs and mobile homes, tiny homes have been introduced. These tiny homes, if placed on private property could easily be managed without connection to county, or public utilities. For, most are small enough that a generator or solar panels would suffice.

California, one of the biggest states in America has recommended that citizens start using solar and wind to generate electricity. Although, as solar storage systems can be quite costly and run on toxic acid batteries, some Californians now use old car batteries for storage at night. While hydro-generated electricity is definitely another alternative, there is more research needed to prove it is a viable alternative to solar, wind or fossil fuels.

With the main focus on sustainability, many communities are also sustainable ones. Most often, these communities do not only run on alternative energy, but also create gardens and green space which can be shared among friends and neighbors. As such, when discussing intentional communities, it is important to recognize that many operate on a basis where no money changes hands. Instead, neighbors share commodities and skills with one another to avoid having to pay for common household items, food, repairs, services or utilities.

Whether a group based on lifestyle, common interest, religion or other factors, these communities are often successful. For, by the time individuals decide on living this lifestyle, most have already been friends, or in groups with those that will become neighbors. As such, unlike traditional neighborhoods, there is often far less friction between neighbors.

Generally, groups of this nature are going to have a focus on climate change, the environment and social justice. In others, there may be religious ties which bring people together. The one common thread among all of these groups is a shared desire to live in a community with like minded people.

Others reside in this way due to cost, availability, to reduce carbon footprints, save money and survive. One other reason people give for desiring to become an off-gridder is to prepare for an economic collapse. When it comes to those concerned with World War III or the apocalypse, these individuals often set up alternative energy sources while also stockpiling food and other necessities.




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