E-Commerce Times

Thursday, 15 September 2016

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.

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.

As people in these groups often know each other for years before becoming involved in a new shared community, there is often far less friction than in traditional communities and neighborhoods. For, when people live too close to others with whom one disagrees on major life issues, things can often become intense. Whereas, if everyone in the neighborhood shares a specific interest, then all have at least one thing in common.

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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