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.
In some areas, this is accomplished by sharing communal natural resources such as solar panels, windmills and hydro systems. In others, individuals and families live near water sources, while using a generator to create an electrical current. In all cases, if there is no connection to a public utility, cable or satellite station, then the term off-gridder generally applies.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
In some areas, this is accomplished by sharing communal natural resources such as solar panels, windmills and hydro systems. In others, individuals and families live near water sources, while using a generator to create an electrical current. In all cases, if there is no connection to a public utility, cable or satellite station, then the term off-gridder generally applies.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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