A Life Worth Living, Living Off The Grid

By Harold Stevens


Whether due to the cost of housing, insurance, utility bills or other factors, a number of people are now attempting to reduce spending. In some cases, living off the grid can be a great option for accomplishing this goal. Although, individuals doing so need to be sure one has the capability of obtaining the resources necessary to sustain life.

In some areas, this is accomplished by sharing communal natural resources such as solar panels, windmills and hydro systems. In others, individuals and families live near water sources, while using a generator to create an electrical current. In all cases, if there is no connection to a public utility, cable or satellite station, then the term off-gridder generally applies.

After the publication Today reported approximately one hundred and eighty thousand families were already living this lifestyle, the idea became quite popular. For, statistics now show that this number has jumped over 33% in less than a decade. Many third world citizens have not had a chance, or do not have a choice when it comes to living in this manner. As a result, worldwide statistics now show these numbers to be closer to one and a half billion.

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 being sustainability, there are many other reasons an individual might want to become an off-gridder. For example, there are a number of intentional communities based on common interest. While this is the case, there may be differing feelings about renewable energy sources. As such, these individuals can live in a community while still creating energy from a number of different sources. Whereas, if the group desires to share solar panels, wind turbines or energy derived from a hydro source, then that too is an option.

As people in these groups often know each other for years before becoming involved in a new shared community, there is often far less friction than in traditional communities and neighborhoods. For, when people live too close to others with whom one disagrees on major life issues, things can often become intense. Whereas, if everyone in the neighborhood shares a specific interest, then all have at least one thing in common.

In most all cases, those building an intentional community are going to set some specific guidelines and groundwork. In addition, most individuals related to this type of community are going to have an interest in social justice and environmental causes. For, one of the main priorities of this lifestyle is to eliminate waste while controlling carbon footprints.

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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