dimanche 4 septembre 2016

By Harold Stevens


With the cost of housing, insurance and utility bills, many people are now looking for in-expensive options. One of which is often living off the grid. While there are a number of definitions when it comes to the phrase, the most accurate is that it is a lifestyle and system which survives without being connected to city, county or privately owned utility companies.

Success and failure have gone hand in hand when it comes to living in this manner. For, different people have different requirements when it comes to living an enjoyable and stress free life. For example, some people can handle alternative energy sources but can not handle the limited amount of electricity or water generated by these sources.

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.

In places like California, the state is asking citizens to use solar and wind rather than fossil fuels or water. For, the drought has also eliminated a great deal of the water supply in the state. As such, wind, solar and fossil fuels are now the most common alternatives used by California residents. Whereas, hydro fuel cell, and wave are still being investigated as to how big an impact each might have on the alternative energy market.

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.

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.

In most cases, these groups are going to have a focus on environmental and social justice. For, a community which is self-sustaining is one which eliminates carbon footprints by controlling carbon footprints and the amount of waste to be processed. Most often, those living in this manner also use and recycle all possible items. While at the same time, prioritizing grocery and other lists based on items which one can compost or recycle.

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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