We often hear of people choosing to live 'off the grid', also know as 'off-grid', but what does this actually entail?

Basically, this best describes those who are not connected to the national grid. And therefore completely self-sufficient in terms of producing their own power, and often food. This is usually the case when housing is located in rural areas that are distant from the major towns and cities.

One of the major reasons for the uptake in those choosing to live off the grid, or at least attempting to become less dependant on the key things we take for granted, usually have a similar goal of reducing their carbon footprint and not relying on supermarkets, electricity, and many other things. In the event of a natural disaster or societal collapse the world as we may cease to exist. With food and natural resources becoming quickly in short supply.

As a result not only are those living off the grid taking care of our environment in doing so, but they are also becoming knowledgeable on areas such as animal husbandry and horticulture. Areas that have stopped being passed down for many generations now.

Water

Of course ensuring a healthy supply of water is not only vital for survival but also for any livestock and throughout the harvesting process of vegetables and fruit,

Water is often collected from nearby streams or wells. A lot of additional rainwater can be recycled and filtrated to provide a constant supply of water for many different uses.

Form Of Green Living

By living in this manner, you are ultimately reducing your carbon footprint and making use of a varied number of resources. Recycling and producing very little waste. It must also be noted that this form of living can be low cost, with a large amount of power being created at no cost. With options of selling power to the grid and therefore being compensated for doing so. Most fruit and vegetables, and perhaps livestock, will play a large part of their diet. Therefore a healthy lifestyle is almost guaranteed.

Electric Power

Producing power is considered one of the major hurdles in order to live off the grid successfully. This can be achieved using many different techniques such as the key renewable energies: solar, wind and hydro power.

Renewables can be combined with generators. Depending on location these are often modified to use biofuels. Or just traditional diesel. By creating a stockpile of fuel and making use of renewable energy can produce enough power for a single family living off the grid. Especially since there are creating more advanced generators that are improving in levels of efficiency and also quiet generators can provide enough power whilst not ruining the silence or disturbing any animals that be being raised within close vicinity.