Finds and Guides10 Basics in Living off the Grid

10 Basics in Living off the Grid

Have you ever dreamed of going ‘unplugged’? There are those people who are smitten with the dream of living “off the grid” – that is, not dependent on modern civilization, become free of utility bills, shun modern technology, in other words, living a life like you never lived before.

Off the Grid

off the grid

Those who want to disconnect from the grid requires getting used to doing without the common conveniences of modern life and should be prepared to spend some money.

There are determined off-the-gridders who actually move to rural areas where they not only generate their own electricity, sanitize their own water, but also grow their own food.

However, even for the most committed and most resourceful people, it’s a challenge to supply and sustain life’s needs without some help; unplugging can be difficult too.

Are you curious to know about what it takes to get rid of modern-technology-civilization life like? Whether you need to go on the run or you just want to settle into a less digital life & shun modern technology consider the life off the grid.

Embarking on a life of off the grid start with the basics; here are the ABCs in living being unplugged:

1.  Do the Laundry Manually

hand washing clothes

There are lots of ways to wash your clothes off the grid. Think of hand-washing as giving your clothes a bath. One way is simply boiling a giant bin of water over a fire and soaking dirty clothing.

When you do laundry manually, you’ll have less water usage, your clothes stay better for longer (Yes it is true, washers literally beat your clothes to death), you get arm muscles and back muscles.

For drying clothes nothing beats a clothesline and sun. Hang your clothing on a line, if possible, or use a drying rack. To make sure that it will dry quickly, make sure that it has the space and well ventilated in hanging it.

2.  Storing Solar Power

Beginners to solar power often no idea how to operate and store power collected from the sun. People usually believe that it is not possible to effectively store up the sun’s energy from the day.

Essentially, solar power derives clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels on your home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel. So, it is surely one of the reliable ways to power a small residence without depending on the grid.

3.  Rainwater Harvesting

Millions of people around the world are drinking rain water. It is a quite safe and inexpensive source of drinking water. Since ancient times, the only sources of natural water that are recognized as safe to drink are rainwater and water from deep wells.

Harvesting rainwater can be for household purposes, such as showering, bathing, laundering, watering lawns and gardens, and so forth. When you want to supply water in livestock farming, rainwater can be used to especially you want to expand into small scale of livestock farming. A clever and beautiful use for rainwater takes its form as rain gardens which are becoming popular off the grid.

4.  Grow your Own Food

Do Agriculture. In human history, people have systematically managed to feed themselves, it’s either by hunting, fishing, gathering and farming. Determine what crops you can raise in your location, and then become familiar with the different types of food crops you can plant. Now, growing one’s own food could mean increased security, health and enjoyment while living off with grid.

What you decide to plant will be somewhat dictated by the space you have. If you do not have garden beds you can grow vegetables in window boxes, pots or growbags. Soil is important and relevant to the condition of what you grow.

You may add compost just to make sure you have the required fertility of soil to grow lots of produce. It can also be compost heaps and may buy from garden centers.

5.  Make a Stockpile

stockpile cans

Stockpile cans, water and other items you need during an emergency.

As climate changes threaten to wreak havoc on our way of life, it makes perfect sense to ensure that you have enough food to least at least a week.

Once you have a one-week stockpile, start looking into methods to prepare for a one month and even one year supply of the things you need to keep your family safe. Take your time. You may start by building a two-week stockpile and then increase it to a month the, follow a regular scheme. Keep your eye open for sales as well, as that will provide you with needed opportunities to save money.

6.  Lots of Tools is Necessary

It is considered that tools are the most important items that the ancient person used to climb to the peak of the food chain. Through inventing tools, they were able to accomplish tasks that human bodies could not, such as using a spear or bow and arrow to kill prey, since their teeth were not sharp enough to pierce many animals’ skins.

If you are going to live off the grid, then you need to have enough tools. You may make an inventory of your tools. Find out what you have so will know what you need. Ask friends for unused tools sitting in garages and attics. A great place to pick up hundreds of numbers of tools is yard sales. You may not even know you might need it when the time comes.

Proper handling and safe practices when carrying or storing those tools must be thoroughly covered. Tools can pose a safety risk when they are misplaced or improperly handled.

7.  Ditch the Social Network

It has been considered as an issue for people who deliberately find time to be active on multiple social media and here are countless post and article offering advices and tips in dealing with social media exhaustion where it may ultimately come from trying to keep up with all of its content.

Social networks and websites that track your identity and essentially force you to give up your rights to use their services should be ditched immediately. Forget to be social. It’s time to give up Facebook and Twitter. Cut the cord with any company that wants you to give up your personal information to gain access to basic social media features.

Start calling people, write letters or visit the people you care about and don’t fall into the trap of giving up your privacy for a status update. I think it’s much more fun and nice way to get to know more a person.

8.  Shift Mode of Transportation

Usually, speed limits are about 35 to 45 miles per hour. A competitive bicyclist can reach speeds that surpass 30 miles per hour. While it’s not expected for you to reach those speeds, you can greatly reduce your reliance on your car and increase your health by investing in a good quality bike.

This can greatly reduce your gas consumption and give you a mode of transportation in case your car breaks down. Consequently, bikes are economical when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Buying special canopies can be a great help if you consider buying it. It can go over your head when rain pours and rail guards to prevent from grease getting on your clothing.

You might try walking in case you need to go nearby store or shop; it’s healthier and more economical.

9.  Rocking Out Off the Grid

Creating a dedicated solar power system for musical equipment such as amplifiers is a smart way to go for undiscovered rock stars and environmentally conscious world famous rock stars, as well as musicians of all kinds.

Rock out off the grid with a stack of car batteries, solar panels and equipment wired for the current. Produce a little noise in the forest or wild with a rig which does not rely on the status quo for power. This is a great way to keep the entertainment and fun while you’re unplugged from the grid in the most practical way.

10.  Invest in Biodiesel Generator

biodiesel generator

Lastly, if you are embarking to live off the grid consider investing in a biodiesel generator.

Off the grid living requires a power generator from time to time at the least. Biodiesel generators greatly reduce carbon emissions and the fuel actually helps generator engines run smoother.

In areas where there is no power grid, diesel generators provide reliable off-grid power and sometimes no easy access to a fossil fuel source. These generators run day and night, putting a lot of strain on the engine. The heavier viscosity of the fuel can help keep the engine lubricated, which is the biodiesel can be safely stored for use in these engines reducing maintenance and repair needs.

Going off the grid today doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. Getting back to the basics is the simplest way to put it. It’s not necessarily about being entirely off the grid or completely disconnected, it is actually practicing conservation, be mindful and a responsible citizen.

It’s more a statement of understanding how you can produce your basic needs while unplugged; where your food comes from, the supply of your water, generating and conserving energy in any way possible. You don’t have to completely unplug in order to leave a smaller footprint, in a nutshell.

Typically, people unplug from the grid that have with the right attitude and determination. A person who can go out do what is needed to do in order to survive. Growing your own food can sometimes be a full-time job; it’s difficult, when you’re going to live this lifestyle. Thus, you have to get back up on your feet and get to work.

The most beneficial thing in going off the grid truly understands your own strengths and weaknesses.


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