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.
Upon discovering in a recent publication that over 180 thousand individuals and families identified as off-gridders, the concept has become even more popularized. In addition, now with cabins, tents, RVs and mobile homes, tiny homes have been introduced. These tiny homes, if placed on private property could easily be managed without connection to county, or public utilities. For, most are small enough that a generator or solar panels would suffice.
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 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.
Whether a group based on lifestyle, common interest, religion or other factors, these communities are often successful. For, by the time individuals decide on living this lifestyle, most have already been friends, or in groups with those that will become neighbors. As such, unlike traditional neighborhoods, there is often far less friction between neighbors.
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.
There are a number of other reasons why individuals might want to become off-gridders. Some of these reasons include, eliminating carbon footprints, surviving, preparing for a collapse of the economy and saving money. In some cases, those preparing for an unexpected emergency such as an act of god, war or attack also stockpile food and other items in off-grid locations.
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.
Upon discovering in a recent publication that over 180 thousand individuals and families identified as off-gridders, the concept has become even more popularized. In addition, now with cabins, tents, RVs and mobile homes, tiny homes have been introduced. These tiny homes, if placed on private property could easily be managed without connection to county, or public utilities. For, most are small enough that a generator or solar panels would suffice.
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 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.
Whether a group based on lifestyle, common interest, religion or other factors, these communities are often successful. For, by the time individuals decide on living this lifestyle, most have already been friends, or in groups with those that will become neighbors. As such, unlike traditional neighborhoods, there is often far less friction between neighbors.
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.
There are a number of other reasons why individuals might want to become off-gridders. Some of these reasons include, eliminating carbon footprints, surviving, preparing for a collapse of the economy and saving money. In some cases, those preparing for an unexpected emergency such as an act of god, war or attack also stockpile food and other items in off-grid locations.
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