Living ‘Off the Grid (OTG)’ refers to living in a self sufficient manner without reliance on public utilities [1].
Off-the-grid homes are autonomous; they do not rely on municipal water supply, sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid, or similar utility services. A true OTG house is able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services. The idea has recently been popularised in the US by a few celebrities such as Ed Begley, Daryl Hannah and Cody Lundin [1]. That’s not to say that only the US is participating. Globally, it is estimated that up to 1.7 billion people live OTG. This is because in many countries which are undeveloped, many people live without having ever connected to the grid in the first place [2].
Despite the vast contrasts between the aforementioned OTG users, living OTG is a challenge, no matter where you live. On first thoughts, you may think that people who have more money have an easier route to achieving OTG status. Due to perhaps, better access to knowledge, advanced technologies, resources, land etc. However, this reality can often be far from the truth, as a technologically demanding society can actually become a precursor to change. Therefore, it is more difficult to achieve OTG status. The need, for instance to constantly have your laptop or blackberry charged in order to wait income messages, for some, can make the idea of shifting to an OTG lifestyle almost a laughable thought. What about simply enjoying an electronically demanding lifestyle for entertainment purposes? Such as movies on a HD TV, with surround sound and lighting? The fact of the matter is, although some people have had no choice, living in an OTG way is a challenge to achieve, even if residents agree with sustainable living ideas many don’t often change their habits completely in order to achieve sustainability. One thing in common that all OTG homes share is that, despite difficulties, sustainable living can be achieved, regardless of the differences in lifestyle, and life demands.
This article will not attempt to encourage, or persuade everybody to achieve OTG status. This article instead, intends to highlight both the motivational attitude that OTG residents employ as well as to accentuate the ideas that could be gained from those who have managed to live sustainably. As with everything in life, things may start out complex, yet once you learn the ropes the learning process soon picks up the pace.
A Good Motivational Attitude Can Lead To Good Ideas
As many OTG goers will tell you, it is hard work to transfer or modify your home in order to live sustainability. This may include not just structural changes but perhaps lifestyle and habit changes as well. However, the same OTG goers will also say that it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. Some have gone head first into the task; others have gone at a slower steady pace. Read diaries or edits about some OTG residents. As mentioned earlier, we are not encouraging you to completely change, but perhaps you can learn and adopt a few ideas from the very best! You may find that reading the stories of others may encourage you to achieve perhaps something small that you have never thought to do. Collecting rainwater, for instance, and harvesting the water to grow your garden or make your own window cleaner [3]. Or to be more different, if you have an apple tree with bruised fallen apples, press your own cider [4]? The things that OTG residents are willing to achieve can be fascinating and inspiring. One article managed to reproduce dated 1970 documents about transforming rubbish into power [5]. Another article was about building your own electric car [6]! You don’t necessarily have to be a tree hugger to want to adopt these ideas; as you can probably tell. Often it takes a spark to light a fire. Perhaps take a look at these guys and you would probably agree that perhaps, many have managed to light theirs.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-the-grid
[2] http://www.modernghana.com/news/164812/1/17bn-people-live-in-darkness.html
[3] http://www.motherearthnews.com/ask-our-experts/homemade-cleaners-zb0z11zphe.aspx
[4] http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1976-09-01/How-To-Build-A-Cider-Press.aspx
[5] http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/1970-05-01/How-To-Generate-Power-From-Garbage.aspx
[6] http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/1979-07-01/Electric-Car-Conversion.aspx
