The latest trend to sweep the nation is moving to a simpler way of life. More and more people are choosing to live off the grid on large sections of undeveloped land. Many people want to live their lives in a simple way but without reliance on the utility companies.
As more and more people follow this trend we wanted to explore what it means, and if it's possible to live a modern life without being hooked up. It may surprise you how easy it is to go off-grid but still stay connected to the outside world
What Does Off the Grid Mean?
Living off-the-grid means disconnecting from one or more utility company. Homes that do not rely on municipal services such as water, electricity, and sewer are considered off-the-grid. What options are available? Let's look at a few.
Generating Electricity
In the simplest of ways, there are diesel or gasoline generators. For greener options, there are solar panels, wind turbines, and water turbine systems. These can be stand-alone, or they can connect to a battery system for later use.
There are many options these days and helpful advice online too. How to Generate Your Own Electricity is a great source of information.
Water Systems
One way to disconnect from the municipal water system is to dig a well. The well feeds a tank, and the tank supplies your home. This is not an option for many. You can consider a rain catchment systems.
There are also ways to recycle the greywater from sinks, baths, and showers. Rainwater catchment and greywater recycling can reduce your municipal water consumption. There are many types of off the grid water systems, one size doesn't fit all.
Drainage
In rural areas, many homes have their own sewer systems. Your home connects to a tank on your property. Bacteria in the tank convert the wastewater into safe irrigation water.
There are some dangers though. A broken system can put untreated wastewater into your land which is not good. For a clear understanding, you should consider getting more information about off the grid sewage treatment.
Telephone and Data
Many people fear losing their telephone and data services when they go off-grid. Keeping a data connection to the outside world requires a cabled or wireless system. You do not need to disconnect from your family and friends, nor the internet when you go off-grid.
Although a phone line or internet service may seem like cheating, many feel like this is a necessary part of modern day living. A good MAC VPN can hide your location and provide excellent encryption. This way you can have your cake and eat it too.
Rounding Up
Going green is an option that appeals to many. Going off-grid is a great way to go green by cutting your ties to the energy companies. Going off-grid, however, doesn't mean having to lower your living standards. It does mean you have to make some changes. Losing your connection to the outside world is not one of those changes. Make the move to go off-grid but stay connected.