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Tuesday 6 September 2016

Sustainability And Living Off The Grid

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.

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.

In the United States, California is suggesting that citizens start using wind and solar to generate electricity. The state is also advising residents to avoid using toxic lead acid batteries to store sunlight. While most grid-tie systems are less expensive than equipment used in solar and wind generation, there are some good options. For example, old car batteries have proved useful as a nighttime storage alternative.

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.

These intentionally built communities are often quite successful. For, most often the individuals involved have known each other for years. As such, while never having been neighbors, most know that all can get along after having attended weekend, or week long events related to an area or areas of interest. In most cases, it is at these events in which the desire to build an intentional community comes to pass.

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.

There are a number of other reasons why individuals might want to become off-gridders. Some of these reasons include, eliminating carbon footprints, surviving, preparing for a collapse of the economy and saving money. In some cases, those preparing for an unexpected emergency such as an act of god, war or attack also stockpile food and other items in off-grid locations.




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