Almost all of us, by default, are living on the grid. In the strictest terms, this is a reference to being connected to a standardized energy grid, allowing us to draw electricity at our own discretion for as long as it remains available, powering our favorite and most essential devices. In a broader sense, it refers to being connected to the standard infrastructure that connects nearly everybody.
There are certainly comforts that come from living on the grid, and many people don’t even consider that there’s another possibility. But living more independently, or “off the grid,” could come with some massive benefits.
How do you do it? And why should you?
What Is Off the Grid?
Depending on who you ask, you might get dozens of different answers for what living off the grid really means. For some, it means a total disconnection from modern society, effectively living in a cabin in the woods using only resources that you procure yourself. Such a disconnect from our familiar, modern technology would be jarring, to say the least.
For others, it just means having a few backups in place in case there are temporary problems with the main infrastructure; in this scenario, you’ll be using technology as a way to insulate yourself from infrastructural dependence.
Whatever your philosophy, and however you define the term, you can see benefits from living more independently.
How to Live More Independently With the Help of Technology
These are some of the best strategies for living more independently, or off the grid:
· Buy a small home on a big property. One option is to buy a small home on a big property, assuming you have the budget for it. Having access to more land gives you more potential to grow your own crops, harvest resources, and generally keep yourself distant from other threats. If your property has access to a source of water, even better.
· Get a wood stove. A wood stove isn’t exactly the height of technology, but it’s the perfect way to stay warm in winter when you don’t have access to the main power grid. It also allows you to cook indoors quite conveniently. The only caveat is that you need a steady supply of wood, which shouldn’t be a problem if you live on land with lots of trees.
· Install solar panels. You should also consider installing solar panels, which have become incredibly efficient in recent years. These independent sources of energy generation can provide you with electricity for as long as the sun keeps shining.
· Get a windmill. Obviously, the sun isn’t always shining, so it pays to have a backup method of generating electricity for all your essentials and high-tech devices. If you have the budget for a windmill, it could be an excellent supplementary source.
· Purchase a backup generator (with extra fuel). An even better backup is a generator that runs on fuel, like gasoline. Just make sure you have plenty of extra fuel in reserve in case you need it.
· Dig a well. Digging a well takes some time, money, and effort, but at the end of the project, you’ll have a steady supply of clean, potable water. This is especially important if you don’t live near a pond, lake, or stream.
· Start a veggie garden. If you can, start a veggie garden in your yard. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can decrease your reliance on food bought in stores. It’s also a fun side project! With modern water distribution setups, your work can be cut in half.
· Invest in survival tech and skills. Get some of the latest survival gadgets, such as filtering straws that turn any pool of water into a potable water source. Then, consider working on your survival skills. Learning how to hunt, trap, fish, and create artifacts with basic resources could help you thrive in a bad situation.
· Stockpile goods. Finally, consider stockpiling basic goods like extra water, dried and nonperishable foods, and medical supplies. Make use of online ordering while you have it! And be sure to stock up on batteries and rechargeable flashlights too.
Why Make the Effort?
Why should you bother to make this effort?
· Personal protection and survivability. There are dozens of types of natural disasters that have the potential to disrupt our normal course of life. A major earthquake, fire, or tornado could massively disrupt your life and leave you without resources necessary to survive. And that’s not even considering the possibility of a planned attack. If you have the capacity to live off the grid, you aren’t going to be as worried about these survival scenarios.
· Reduced stress. People generally feel a lot less stress when they have multiple layers of protection around them. For example, if you have a backup generator and plenty of fuel, you’ll never have to worry that the electricity might go out during a thunderstorm.
· Peace of mind. Many people attempt to live more off the grid to establish greater peace of mind. They can rest easy knowing they’ve done everything they can to keep themselves and their families safe.
Not everyone has the time, resources, or interest to pursue living off the grid in full. That’s totally okay. But if you’re concerned about the possibility of something happening to the main grid, or if you just want a little extra peace of mind, you should take inventory of your current setup and consider making a few adjustments or upgrades.