Off-grid is not second best.

The New York Times estimates a total of two billion worldwide are living without mains power, water or phone. The implication is that this tragedy needs to be dealt with. But many of those people are happy as they are. And they could have access to power and water without it being brought to their doors by big-budget make-work schemes. (more…)

They’ll show you how.

Steward Community Woodland is having an Open Day on 9th June, 12 till 4. It’s a permaculture project designed to conserve the woodlands while growing organic food and plants, and using traditional skills and crafts for a low-impact, sustainable lifestyle.

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They came to the conclusion that they didn’t want to spend their lives shouting about what was wrong in the world but instead actually walk the talk, and live sustainably. The community was first conceived in 1997 by a group of friends inspired by the plans and vision in the bookPlants For A Future, and other land based projects.

The community welcomes anyone with an interest in permaculture and preservation, low-impact living – or those familiar with the woods who’d like to know what’s been happening there over the last year.

It’s also a great place to see all the staples of low-impact living for real: homes, compost toilets, renewable energy examples and community composting. There are craft workshops, a picnic and play area, wildlife zone and even a tree nursery. (more…)

From squatter to millionaire.

Harry Hallowes squatted for 20 years in London, now the world’s most expensive city. He settled in one of London’s richest suburbs – and has now been awarded the deeds to a plot said to be worth at least £2 million. But he does not care about the money, and may leave his land to the Queen. He lives in a small shack (12ft by 8ft) covered by polythene to keep the weather at bay, but says he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else:

Hallowes, 71, moved to England from Ireland age 20, and soon started sleeping rough. He has lived ever since, on a juicy 60ft-by-120ft (20m-by-40m) site on Hampstead Heath in London, near a former nursing home being converted into luxury flats. (more…)

Open plan - winning design

This year’s Mail on Sunday British Homes Awards are showcasing the Home For The Future. More than 30 architects submitted projects, with 9 of the best listed below and the winner due to be announced on May 31st at a gala dinner at the London Marriott. The winning entry will be “rolled out across the UK” and become the protoype for thousands of eco-homes.

Off-Grid can reveal that the winner is the recycled block-builtGreen House, designed by Ganyt Francis Architects.

Anna Scothern, co-organizer of the competition and Director of the National Centre for Excellence in Housing (based at the Building Research Establishment), would not confirm the identity of the winner but said that “a major housebuilder is planning to roll out thousands across Britain”. The housebuilder’s identity will also be announced on the 31st. “It’s one of the top five volume housebuilders” said Scothern.

The first prototype of the cheap, quickly-erected houses will be assembled at the Building Research Establishment in Garston, Hertfordshire, then replicated in hundreds, perhaps thousands, to produce housing in the Thames Gateway and the Olympics regeneration of East London. (more…)

Associated Press just released a major feature about off-grid living in America, published in the LA Times, Newsday, Chicago Trib, and all over the net, but what do we care? We’re too busy dancing to the new Beastie Boys tune, “Off the Grid.”

It’s from an instrumental album, and the two vids they’ve put out on You Tube (this one and “Rat Cage”) appear to be part of a larger narrative that will be developed in subsequent releases. According to Mike D, the album (”The Mix-Up” dropping June 26) will be followed by another version that will “mix-up” these instrumentals with different collaborators. M.I.A., Snoop Dogg and Mark Ronson are all mentioned.

(more…)

Tell me your heart’s desire.

Our Guru service answers your questions about renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, downshifting, and living free in the boonies. Whether it’s solar panels, wind turbines, micro-hydro or bio-diesel generators, we have the answers. And if we don’t know then we know people who do know.

There’s huge lessons to be learnt from off-grid living for even the most dedicated urbanite. So even if you are just thinking of getting ready for the off-grid future, you need to speak to the Green Guru. You can email your questions to guru(at)off-grid.net. (more…)

Pint of Greene King?

Prince Charles is going all-out to show his green credentials – and after planning an eco-home for Prince William (which we covered in Royals to Move Off-Grid), he’s decided we should all be able to have the same experience – if only for a night.

The Prince has announced plans to build an eco-friendly bed and breakfast at his Llwynywormwood Estate in Wales.

Designed by Powys-based architect Craig Hamilton – also tasked with re-building Harewood Park in Herefordshire as a potential rural retreat for Prince William – the B&B has already been renamed the C&C after its patron and his lady’s initials. (more…)

Here you go, ma’am.

Environmentalists see India as potentially a huge contributor to carbon dioxide emissions as it strives to industrialize. But optimists say India has huge untapped solar energy thanks to its location, just waiting to be exploited.

India receives solar energy equivalent to nearly 5,000 trillion kWh/year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country today. By contrast, it produces a negligible amount of solar energy for use - a mere 0.2% of total energy resources.

However, dreams of a solar future for India may be premature. (more…)

Mystery boss of Gaiam.

The mysterious Jirka Rysavy, boss of the publicly held Gaiam company, has come up trumps for off-gridders everywhere with the Off-Grid Living section. From books to renewable energy sources, it is a great collection. Take the Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook , for example - a guide to products ranging from simple energy-saving devices like compact fluorescent lights to home-scale energy-harvesting systems that use the sun. Its an essential reference manual from one of the leading industry names. And the best of these products are available here at off-grid.net in our online shop. The goods are high quality but pricey, and (more…)