Off-the-Grid
A self-reliant lifestyle, what it is, and how to go about doing it
What the heck is off-grid? Well, it is another subject I geek out on. As of now, in the real estate world, off-grid isn't exactly a term used regularly, but to me, it should be. Living off the grid describes an "against the grain" lifestyle, where one's resources entirely rely on the homestead; this is also known as a closed-loop system. In this blog, we will discuss what off-grid looks like, how people go about doing this, and the pros and cons of this type of lifestyle.
What an off-the-grid lifestyle looks like
Living off the grid means that one is not connected to the traditional grid system most humans rely on, for example, the electric company and local municipality. Ideally, this off-grid homestead supplies all its power, water, wastewater management, and food systems. This can look like many things to different people, but the main objective is to be completely self-reliant. First, humans need power, so people typically start with a solar system or wind or water electric generators to supply their energy. Next, water and wastewater. Water can come from a well or spring, or it can be collected from the rain in a catchment system and filtered and pumped into the house. The next thing is wastewater; typically, a septic system (holding) system is the solution, as well as grey water diverter systems. Gray water is the sink and shower water, not yet considered black water like the toilet water. Different companies are creating gray water systems that divert and clean this water for plants and other uses around the homestead. Things become more intricate from there, but that is what off-grid is: completely self-reliant infrastructure within your ecosystem. Which creates a better world for you and our planet.
How one goes about getting off the grid
There are a series of steps that create a system for you to begin your off-grid journey. The first step is to study and put together a budget and loose plan. Please also take into consideration acquiring your own property in an area that is friendly to sustainable living and or find the proper zoning. Zoning will be one of the most essential factors in this journey. You must be in an open-use or unrestricted most of the time or in a city with great local laws regarding sustainability and closed-loop system structures. Next, we consider the specific systems on which you will rely, such as solar, wind, water generation for power, clean water via a well, water catchment, and filtration or clean water delivered into the homestead, wastewater management: septic system and gray water diversion, and lastly your food system. Each one of these components plays a pivotal role in your survival off the grid and should be given the same amount of research and consideration.
For a great checklist of things to consider while purchasing your land, check out my blog here. While searching for land for your off-grid paradise, be sure to get help from a realtor who understands your future goals with the property, as well as a permaculture design consultant. You will need some basics for starting your journey, such as enough land to grow food and a percolation test to see if a septic system can even be installed. If the land is steep, you will need to hire a geoengineer to ensure that a foundation can, in fact, be built in the specific area of the property you desire your home to be. Water systems are also critical; if you do not live in an area with a lot of rainfall, water catchment is unreliable, and you will need a well. Remember to keep a holistic perspective for this project because, again, every system matters and needs to work harmoniously with the next.
Pros and Cons of off-grid living
Alright, let's start with the cons of off-grid living. The number one thing you will need to remember is you are the manager of all these systems. There is a reason they call it property management, and people pay other people to do it for them. It is a great idea to have building and handy-person skills or make a solid effort to learn how to fix things. If your power goes out, there is no calling the power company to quickly get out a repair person. Self-reliance can be challenging to do on a day-to-day basis. This is why people either already have a business they run from home or are working on achieving this from their homestead to stay around and manage the homestead property.
The pros are obvious: self-sufficiency in and of itself is rewarding, as well as the financial independence that the off-grid lifestyle presents to those willing to take on the challenge. Never paying an electric, water bill, or mortgage has to be a fantastic feeling. The other pro to living off-grid is the support offered to our earth mother. Everything on the homestead is accounted for because you are the caretaker. You see the amount of waste and, hopefully, re-use and develop a reciprocal relationship with the earth and value how she supports you.
Hopefully, this blog has given you some knowledge for your off-grid journey and a few nuggets of inspiration. The off-grid lifestyle can be enriching for those who value independence and sustainability.
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