A Life Worth Living, 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.

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.

Beyond intentional communities, others reside in this manner because of availability, cost and other factors. Some of these factors include reducing carbon footprints, saving money, surviving and preparing for an economic collapse. While this is the case, off-gridders still have to pay camping fees, overnight or monthly RV park fees, mortgage or rent. Individuals providing these overnight fees, rent to a landlord or property management company are generally not considered off-gridders.




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