What Does Living Off The Grid Mean to You?
One thing I’ve noticed since starting this website is that there’s living off the grid and there’s Living Off The Grid.
What do I mean by that? To me, at least when I first started writing about off grid topics, to “live off the grid” simply meant to have a home that wasn’t connected to the electricity grid. In other words, to have a battery backed-up solar, hydro or wind power system. Then I learned about people who were getting electricity by charging batteries using a generator once a week. I thought that was hardcore, but then I heard from folks who didn’t even have a generator, and were cooking with wood, lighting with oil and doing, literally, everything by hand.
But there is yet another definition to living off the grid:
Being a ghost to the government. Living under the radar. Staying on the move. Being as free as free can get in today’s society. Dropping out of society. No taxes. No Job. Minding your own business and expecting the rest of the world to do the same.
While this lifestyle is a bit too hardcore for me at this point in my life, I admit that I’m fascinated with the idea, and respectful of the people who choose to do so. Despite their best efforts, however, many people who choose to live like this still have to put up with the government sticking its nose in their business, as was highlighted in the documentary Off The Grid: Life on the Mesa.
With so many people going to Google and finding our website by typing “Living Off the Grid” or “How to Live Off The Grid” and even “How to Live Off The Land” – it makes me wonder what the intent was behind each search. The only way to truly know is to ask. So, without further fanfare…
I’ve always thought of “Living Off The Grid” as not needing public utilities at your house. Somehow you generate enough electricity for yourself and have a well for drinking water, etc… So there is no need to pay for or rely on those services.
However… I am now a wind farmer so I have a completely different point of view on the phrase “Living Off The Grid”. To me this means producing way more electricity than I could ever use and selling it to the utility companies at a profit – enough to live on. Therefore – I am trying to make a “Living Off The Grid”.
I’m a twenty-one year old student in college and since I was in high-school I’ve wanted to live off the grid, or in other words, live off the fat of the land. I’ve always wanted to be self-relient and be more in tune with the natural world. My idea is to create a community off the grid where my family and friends could live together and enjoy a life free from our government. I know the gonvernment will always have it’s nose is my business, so maybe I’ll have to move to Canada or something where it is easier to do this. So, in my definition of “Living Off The Grid” I would say that I am completely self-relient and happy.
My idea of “Living Off the Grid” is a return to a local economy that has been destroyed by Big Box retailers and world-wide travel. If the economy continues down it’s current path, I may just get my wish. I would like to see an economy where the price to the environment is more reflective of the price tag the consumer sees. I think a lot of people have a delusion of living off their own sweat and work by themselves. This is not realistic. Humans are meant to live in groups and work together. We should use the existing infrastructure but not rely on it so much as we do today.
I’d like to be able to buy more local produce and I’d like to know where the stuff I buy, that isn’t local, comes from. I’d like to grow whatever the land I live on grows best and use the excess for selling. I’d like to offer my other services and have a larger advertising voice then a company that is physically larger but further away.
I want to produce most of the electricity I consume. I want the internet to be more “bottom-up” so it would be more robust and less susceptible to monitoring and control.
I think a lot of these solutions are not just more environmentally-friendly, they are also more economical. I believe the economy has been artificially shifted by corporations having too much influence on our daily lives and the government. They have an unfair advantage over other businesses. I also think that a service such as Google maps tied to a cell phone could push these kind of more local ads and solutions that would make local businesses thrive. Of coarse, relying on another large company to solve our problems is not ideal…
Living off the grid, is a different thing for everyone, and the last couple entries have made that clear. To me, off grid means both off the electrical and water grid as far as home use, but it also carries the idea of rather frugal and basic living. There’s nothing wrong with having some appliances, and I currently am fully hooked up to the grid, but have lived without electric or running water, and heated with a wood fire or a thick sweater. I do think that claiming “Off Grid” is difficult to do if you have a cell phone, light bulbs, and a car. All of those goods are produced very much “on the grid,” and I have a hard time calling anyone, but the hardcore mountain cabin folks “off grid.” It’s a very catchy phrase and I encourage any definition of “off grid” living to be implemented…every little bit helps
Wonderful, insightful and inspiring responses thus far. I think a certain part of off-the-grid living is mentally divorcing oneself from peer-pressure and follow-the-leader thinking. In this manner, I was perhaps born off the grid.
I have lived absolutely off the grid –miles away from the last telephone and electricity pole– with with no modern convenience. We fished, we hunted, we gardened. These were some of the happiest years of my life.
Right now I’m semi off the grid and moving toward self-sufficiency. We have no cell phone, no TV; grow, forage and barter much of our own food and live in a passive solar home. We are looking to add solar panels and a wind generator with the idea of producing and selling whatever excess energy those system create. (Shouldn’t be too hard, as our monthly energy bill is ~$65.)
Still, because of Colorado water law and this property’s ineligibility for a well permit, we’ll be partly on the grid as long as we live here. But there’s just no hooking my brain to anybody’s grid.
Yes, interesting responses and thank you for asking the question and providing the forum. My definition is self-sufficient and then some, as with the first responder. At a high elevation in Vermont, easily accessible but open and private, I designed and built a home that is fortified to the north and may low-e windows to south and east for significant supplemental passive solar. It currently uses propane (tank), is hooked to the grid, has potentials for productive solar panels for power and/or heating water and a wind turbine to produce income from excess power and possibly communications rental space on the tower. It is ten acres with no zoning, a well to a glacial lake, a spring, 3/5 ths woodlot, the rest both flat or sloped and wide open. An instate company is developing tinker-free wind turbine units to serve one (or more dwellings; sell the excess), for which the state is offering an incentive. It’s just a matter of time and some money to “leave (and feed) the grid”, a great option with the costs increase forcast for power. This “off the grid” situation gives self control of many needs where others will be totally at the mercy of “society”.
I am working on a documentary tv series called My Last 24.
The show features Canadians in the midst of major life changes.
We are currently looking of canadians to interview who are contemplating ‘going off the grid’ some time in 2009.
By off the grid, I mean leaving jobs, friends,& family to live completely off the land. I’d also be interested in speaking with people who are moving into off the grid communities with their families, or with people who are making similar life changes.
If you know of anybody who may fit the bill – please forward them my email information – mylast24@gmail.com
Thanks,
Stacey
Hello,
My name is Julia. I’m working on finding a really great family to profile for a documentary series. A major American TV network is looking for dynamic families living “off the grid.”
We’re looking for families (with teens between the ages of 15-20)
who strongly believe in living a self-sufficient lifestyle and would be willing to share their beliefs and way of life.
If you, or anyone you know, has an interesting family (with teenagers between the ages of 15-20) I would love to talk to you!
Thank you so much! Feel free to contact me directly at:
livingoffthegrid2@gmail.com
best,
julia
I currently have a farm in Indiana and have slowly (sometimes much slower than I wish) been shifting to understanding what really makes sense for living off the grid. For me it is a sense of freedom that americans have no clue even exists. While I admit my partner and I are very slow to cut-off our electric connection it is being looked at and will happen over time. Fir us here in the US it is more of being aware of the real options and freedoms those options can bring. I really feel society has its handcuffs and they are very tightly around our wrists but have been there so long we don’t mind. Where is a happy mix.
I have learned more about being off the grid and the freedom and beauty it has while I am in Kenya- typically in the bush but even small towns are often left with no electric. While in the bush i live with little to no electric other than solar or wind and most use wood that has been trimmed from trees not killing the trees. There I am able to more cost effectively since I have little money learn and try how things work there. I do burn with propane sometimes.
So too share why I came here because I am seeking how to move further off the grid while here in the US at my farm and while I am in Kenya near the Mara. To me the grid is much more than turning off the meeter but a way of thinking and being aware of our actions. trying things that we socially are told we need and learning we really don’t that they are a weight to hold our spirits back rather than free us in so many ways.
My goal is to disappear off the radar. Totally independent of the chaos and live free.
Hello, to all ” Gridders”, my name is DQ, I work for a production company in NYC, we are currently putting together a national documentary series that discreetly showcases families, and individuals living ” Off The Grid”, we’d like to educate the public on how this is not an option for a few, but should be an option for everyone. We live in a day and age where we are so detached from community, we’re so plugged in. My company would like to take a glimpse into some of the lives of you all who have the courage to unplug yourselves from the Matrix, if your interested, or know anyone who lives ” Off The Grid” who might be interested please contact me @ offthegridtv@gmail.com
living off the grid means LIVING OFF THE GRID, I guess with solar power being more available and affordable this would pop up in must searches. For me though it means being undetectable. WE all would like to think our privacy is private, but it simple is not. When the foundation of our government is to attack it’s own country, start wars for no reason and expect us to elect and have faith in our voting system? Common now who are you kidding? Our fore fathers who founded this country i’m sure when writing the Constitution of the United States would ever dream our country would end up how it is today. Where is the HONOR!!!
To me ” Living-off the grid ” Is to be Absolutely self-relient Self-sufficient And Self-confident too living all alone with no Cell-phone No Adress No One & Nothing Can Find You
That Is Slightly Its Meaning According To TERMINATOR 3 Rise Of The Machines
And I Agree
Well this is a great subject and good timing for me. I have been doing research for months to educate myself on living off the grid. i had to think about what that means to me… no pubilic utilities no mortgage minimal restrictions. Finding the right place that is solar friendly (lots of sun) available resources ie. lumber,water sources,lack of people,services i want,and must be very cheap. there are several locations that fit the bill, however restrictions vary greatly. i have been in contact with local people, county permit offices, tax assessors,local services people. so far the san luis valley of southern colorado is the most friendly. the only catch is buying the right property, not all parcels for sale will qualify for a well permit. minimum acreage is usually 35 to get a permit. however there are some exceptions, and alternatives. there is a local service that will deliver 3000 gal water for $120 if your careful this could last a long time. the reason i was given for the min. acreage of 35 is to keep the old west character of the landscape and minimize waste to natural resources. basically they dont want alot of people there. also the prices vary greatly. on ebay you can buy 5 acre parcels for about 5k but if you get near trees or water it goes up fast. most of the property in this area is old range land, just brush or sparse grass. however the mountains are beautiful and over 300 days of sun a year. the weather isnt for everybody though, the summer days are great and the nites are cool 40-50. the winter is a different story. usually above freezing during the day but single digits to below 0 at nite. not much snow in the valley either, guess that adds to the cold?? the property i purchased is 40 acres and not far off a main hwy. however i am going total solar, with a backup system. i am designing the system myself for the fact that retail solar is still not real cheap. its easy to spend 10-20k for a larger system. so ive done a lot of math and computing to decrease my needs to a level i can afford without breaking the bank. i will supply my lites and frige with solar and run my washer and dryer off propane and a propane generator ($300 on ebay) i have also decided to go with a smaller water heater and suppliment with water i heat on the wood stove. summertime ill have a tank outside painted black wrapped with bubble wrap to increase heat and it should be plenty warm to shower with in the afternoon. i will be installing a compost septic that i will incinerate when dry. i have enough land to plant numerous veggys, and i will raise chickens and rabbits. there’s also a local rancher to buy organic beef. this lifestyle requires changing many ways you do basic things, but its just a matter of adjustment. there are many resources on the net to make this change easier if your not educated in this type of living. its not for everyone. if you like simple pleasures and convienances and are not willing to change what you do it wont work just keep dreaming about it and enjoy that. its alot more work but it could be very rewarding especially if your handy. oh ya cant forget about the rattlesnakes.. a friend of mine has been living in this area for 3 years so far hes had to kill 6 rattlers, 1 of which was in his house. so you need education in this area also. and if you raise any livestock you will have predators to deal with. falcons eagles coyotes and the like. they will take your chickens and small pets, wouldnt recommend shiz zu size dogs or cats you let outside. the birds will take them. so i will be ready to start constructing my place soon, so its ready before winter. this area has a lot to do for the outdoor person, but if you like to shop better do it online or drive 2 hours to a large city. internet and sat tv is available. if you cant live without electric you can get it if your willing to pay for it. a guy by my friends place just paid 85k to run power lines 2 miles to his place. guess he can afford it. not me… i am constantly educating myself about new tech for this lifestyle. the reason im choosing to do this is simple. ive had enough of this so called chasing the american dream. it existed when i was growing up but these days things have changed so much that its coming down to survival. there are so many more people now and the worlds economy is all connected. i feel this country is losing itself due to some peoples greed and desire for power. glad im not 1 of them. i want to go back to basics mostly. think 1800’s but with a few 21st century perks. i dont want a mortgage im tired of hi and rising utility bills and property taxes, wages are going down in buying power(have you been to the grocery store lately) ive just had all i can take of this rat race and im getting out as far as my abilities will let me. well thanks for the time hope maybe this helps someone take care troy.
Why i googled this site: plain and simple, i’m doing a paper on “living off the grid” for a class at the university of Toronto, called, “Green work, wealth and community development”. I’m looking at what alternative energy sources people use and if it possible to even go “off the grid” energy or water wise in an urban or suburban setting. Quite frankly to me, “off the grid” meant no utility bills and self-sustaining homes, not necessarily not existing with out being a blip on anyone’s radar or living in seclusion or a “pioneer” lifestyle. I’m looking the modern “off the grid” practices.
If anyone has any further insights to applicability to a more urban setting, please comment.
thanks,
N
completely removing your self from knowledge of existence. with only the necessity equipment and a few dollars, a good knife, and a pistol for hunting if your lucky to have a pistol. plus we had a resent ice storm that majorly crippled everything so hey that was okay.
I, like Naomi, who commented above, do not wish to disappear from society. I need, and want, the companionship of other human beings. I would lose all ability to function, at all, if I was alone in the wilderness, with nothing but the wind and the trees and the wild animals all around. What I am seeking is peace, and harmony with all of life. That can never be accomplished when there is waste and greed. Everyone has the right to be comfortable and have their basic needs met. Everyone is of value. If we are using our technology to make the most of the available resources in whatever area we live, and if we are educating and assisting others to do the same, then I believe we can have a world at peace, and will never have to deal again, with the absolutely horrible consequences of famine and war. Can we accomplish this? I believe we can, but it has to come from each individual, and not from the government, or any large corporation. Major changes have always been made by ordinary individuals who have bonded with others and said, “We’ve had enough. We won’t do it this way anymore. There is a better way, and we will take that path, and we will start now.” This world can be, and is, such a beautiful place. I came here looking for Hope, and I found it in the intelligent and thoughtful comments of all of You. Blessings and Peace to All of You. May we All somehow find the Strength and Courage to continue along the course we know is Right. It won’t be easy. It’s never easy.
I’m a little different than most who have been posting here. I really have no desire to drop out of society or give up life’s luxuries (TV, Internet, Telephone, etc..).
To me being “off the grid” means being as self-sufficent as possible and not being at the whims of a utility company. If I could generate and store my own electricity through the use of wind, solar or even a gas-fired micro-turbine generator and have plenty of electricty on tap even while all the lights are out in my neighborhood because the grid is down I would consider that a success. Having my own water/sewage system would be an additional bonus.
It’s all about not being at the mercy of the grid for me. Especially in these days of increasingly violent weather and the threat of terrorism being tied to any type of grid can leave one extremely vulnerable.
tent or tipi in the middle of the woods. gun and fishing gear. Oh and learning how to make beer. =o)> plan to soon with 2 friends. maybe a little prospecting. But i guess it would have to be on government land and we would have to move around a little. I dont think you can erect a permanent shelter on government land, though that may vary by state.
I’ll add in another consideration. No property taxes. There are such places. I have plans to buy some remote land, hopefully 20 acres or more (dont want to give away location) with much timber. Then build a cabin off the land. Use wood for cooking and heat. Hunt and fish for some food. Grow garden, can food, have cellar, and later on maybe even a green house, and have natural spring for good water. Have enough supplies and food in the beginning to get started and then hopefully later have the skills and system down to replenish off the land. Hope to be away from roads, with only access by atv or boat or hiking. Might also consider solar, wind, or hydro power for some appliances, indoor plumbing, etc. But thats not a must. Anyway, I believe there is going to be a day in the near future when major problems, like shortages on electricity, oil, and fuel, and problems with water and food sanitation, desease, etc. And ofcourse just being out with nature, away from hoards of people and noise will be nice, and healthier. It won’t be easy, especially at first. But you can bet I’ll be enjoying life much more than I do now.
You said it best… Being a ghost to the government. Living under the radar. Staying on the move. Being as free as free can get in today’s society. Dropping out of society. No taxes. No Job. Minding your own business and expecting the rest of the world to do the same.
Hey Rose, our forefathers founded this nation on lies and broken treaties! They didn’t “found” the country, they invaded it and stole it and raped it… and are still doing it!
As for all the hunters out there… I have found the best way to go off the grid is to become a vegetarian RV nomad. I’ve been meat free since 1995 and am tons healthier than I was back in my younger day, plus, I don’t have to worry about hunting and skinning and all that mess. I’m a lazy bastard and truth is, that’s just too much work. As an RV nomad, weather isn’t a problem either. I winter down south, summer in the rockies, and stay one step ahead of big brother!
it means being a loser hippie who probably sells weed or acid, makes income but does not report it, engages in petty theft, contributes nothing to society, and if they have kids, abuses them by keeping them unsocialized and uneducated, not to mention unvaccinated. i know the type, and they are losers of epic proportions.
I feel sorry for people like Mr. White. I wonder if he behaves like that offline. If so, I’m surprised he’s still able to type; I’d think someone would have gotten sick of listening to his know-it-all stereotyping and broken all of his fingers already.
To me it means trying to live a simple life
where i take control over the power i produce from renewables
peace and light
It’s the way of the future,because history repeats itself!
1) LEarn to make/shoot bow and arrow. 2) learn to hunt/skin/make fire without matches/ cook,/gut/preserve left overs 3) how to make shelter out of natural resources/how to sew clothes from animal skin-what to use as thread? sinew? 4) learn how to make beads/paint/boots 5) what leaves make good “rags” for period/toilet paper/how to make a rag 6) would i use water purifying tablets? 7) animal bite remedies/transportation long distances/would i own a horse and cattle?
can i really use wood ash instead of soap? how?
the list goes on. I want to live like a native american in the san luis valley. i need a tribe.
Hi,
My goal in 10-15 years is totally living in a sod home, no electricity, no gas, no phone lines. I want to have 1 cow, 2 horses, 2 goats, chickens and a rooster, and 2 pigs. I plan on having my own HUGE garden to substain me for veg. and of course plant feed for the animals. I am a country girl and know how to milk cows, make cheese,butter,can veg., and smoke and salt meat, also, I am a hunter and was a butcher for 5 years. I need alot of suggestions on how to get started and would like to find people who are doing this visit and see how it is actually done.
Northern Troy, good insights – thank you. I have had my eyes on this area and unfortunately, its just like you wrote: most affordable land is just flat sagebrush. But I want to pay cash and have no monthly payments. So 5 to 35 acres of sagebrush may have to do. Maybe get some trees shipped from the arbor foundation.Buy a trailer and set up some solar panels. Plant a garden und have some animals. Owe nothin to noone. As a building contractor I can work a little when I feel like it to buy fuel and supplies. Maybe even trade services for same.
My wish is to be away from the rat race and get back to the basics. Not to have the pressure to have to generate thousands of dollars every month to pay all the bills and having the fear of losing everything, should the income fall short…
There is much to learn, but it can be done!
How will one survive in a city apartment when the SHTF???
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
[...] story short, we bought the property. It isn’t “off grid” technically, but I’ve always said that living off the grid is more a state of mind than the literal interpretation of being [...]