What does it mean to ‘live off the grid’? In the post-pandemic-world, so many people have shifted their careers to WFH (Work From Home) or some sort of remote-style living. And many families have taken up traveling, homeschooling, and being in nature than ever before. Which has truly shaped what the ‘norm’ is (in a lot of amazing ways!).
However, when it comes to ‘living off the grid,’ the idea is to simplify. Rather than being tethered to ‘things’—from as simple as home internet plans to as crazy as government-monitored cell phones (because let’s be honest. . . they are totally listening!)—when you choose to ‘break away,’ you create your own bubble. And for many people, this is appealing!
Here’s what you need to know about this lifestyle and if it feels right for you and your family, how to lean in.
#1: Determine Your Reasons for Wanting to Live Off the Grid
Before you can start living off the grid, you need to determine why you want to do so. Are you interested in reducing your environmental impact? Or, do you want to become more self-sufficient? You may be tired of being tied to traditional utilities like electricity and water. Whatever your reasons, it’s essential that you have a clear understanding of why you want to live off the grid before moving forward.
This will help ensure you make the best decision for yourself and the planet.
#2: Research What’s Involved in Living Off the Grid
Now that you know your reasons for wanting to live off the grid, it’s time to start researching. This step is critical, as there’s much to learn before making the switch. First, you’ll need to educate yourself on what it means to live off the grid. This includes learning about alternative energy sources like solar panels and wind energy and exploring different waste management methods.
Additionally, you’ll want to research which off-grid lifestyle options suit you. For example, do you want to build an off-grid home from scratch? Or would you prefer to buy a pre-existing property? Finally, it would help if you also considered whether or not you’re willing and able to make significant changes to your current lifestyle. For instance, are you prepared to grow your food or go without running water? Carefully thinking through these factors will help ensure that transitioning to an off-grid lifestyle is feasible for you and your family.
#3: Begin Making Changes in Your Daily Life
Once you’ve done your research and decided that living off the grid is right for you, it’s time to start changing your daily life. Remember, going off the grid doesn’t happen overnight–it’s a gradual process that takes time and planning. To get started, begin by making small changes in your day-to-day routine. For example, if your goal is to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, consider carpooling or riding your bike instead of driving whenever possible. You can also start composting your food scraps and using recycled materials. These may seem like small changes, but they’ll add up over time and help reduce your environmental impact.
Living off the grid is an increasingly popular way of life among those interested in reducing their environmental impact or becoming more self-sufficient. Though it may seem daunting at first, with a bit of research and planning, it’s something that anyone can do (and enjoy!).
Featured Image Credit: Heather Morse
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