Off grid living, what a mine field this term can be! The term off grid, or off the grid can have so many different meanings, and many people have different opinions as to what off grid truly means.
The reason is simple – Everyone lives their lives differently and has differing opinions as to what it means to live in general, let alone live off grid.
In our opinion, in its most simplest and basic form, off grid refers to a lifestyle where individuals or even communities are entirely self-sufficient and independent on the everyday things that most people are dependent on such as utilities, mains gas, mains electricity, sewerage systems, and town water supply. People who choose to live off grid will usually generate their own power, collect and filter their own water, and manage waste on their own without relying on centralized, paid infrastructure.
The main aspects of off grid living can include:
- Energy Independence: Off gridders often generate their own electricity through renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or hydropower. This allows them to be less reliant on the traditional power grid.
- Water Management: Off grid living involves sourcing and managing water independently. This may include collecting rainwater, using wells or bores, or other methods to secure a sustainable water supply including putting in a dam where legally allowed.
- Waste Management: Off gridders usually handle their own waste, including sewage and garbage disposal. Composting toilets, recycling, and other eco-friendly methods are used to minimize environmental impact.
- Sustainable Practices: Off grid living often promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. This can involve growing your food, using alternative or recycled construction materials, and adopting practices that have a lower impact on the environment.
- Self-Sufficiency: Off gridders strive to be self-sufficient in meeting their basic needs. This can include growing your own food, raising livestock like cattle, goats, chickens, and producing goods necessary for daily life.
- Remote Locations: Off grid living can be associated with choosing to reside in remote or rural areas, away from urban centers and conventional infrastructure although there are rising numbers of urban dwellers beginning to practice some elements of the off grid lifestyle in traditional homes and on residential blocks of land.
While off-grid living can offer independence and a reduced environmental footprint, it also requires careful planning, research and commitment. You need to consider and invest in sustainable technologies, develop necessary and many new skills, and be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly associated with living independently of mainstream and traditional utilities and services. It’s a lifestyle choice that appeals to those seeking greater autonomy and a closer connection to nature and at the end of the day, living off grid can be whatever you want it to be. Our best advice is if you want to have a go, do it! and don’t get bogged down in the definitions.
You can easily start while living in a traditional home by installing a solar power system, growing some of your own fruit, vegetables and herbs and collecting rainwater to use for washing or watering the gardens.