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 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.
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.
In most all cases, those building an intentional community are going to set some specific guidelines and groundwork. In addition, most individuals related to this type of community are going to have an interest in social justice and environmental causes. For, one of the main priorities of this lifestyle is to eliminate waste while controlling carbon footprints.
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.
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 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.
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.
In most all cases, those building an intentional community are going to set some specific guidelines and groundwork. In addition, most individuals related to this type of community are going to have an interest in social justice and environmental causes. For, one of the main priorities of this lifestyle is to eliminate waste while controlling carbon footprints.
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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