Living Off The Grid - A Live Worth Living

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.

Individuals residing in this way often share a communal solar source, or live off a generator. One of the most popular terms for people residing in this manner is that of off-gridders. While electricity can be generated through alternative means such as hydro and solar, water is another story. As such, many families and individuals live near lakes, rivers, streams, store water in tanks or dig a well.

While most people enjoy a freer lifestyle, others prefer to subscribe to utilities and services such as water, electrical, cable, satellite and trash service rather than saving energy or money. Still, statistics show that the interest in living this way have increased dramatically over the last few decades. Although, as many other countries do not allow individuals to live in the country without subscribing to utility service, actual percentages can often vary widely among reports.

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.

While the main focus is sustainability, many of these communities are intentional ones. Intentional communities are made up of small neighborhoods built or acquired by a group of like-minded people. For example, there are a number of offline social networks such as Christians, dance groups, magicians, poets, singer-songwriters and others whom desire to live in communities dedicated to a specific interest.

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.

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.

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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