Posts from — November 2011

Keep talking, texting tweeting in the boonies

The much-maligned Blackberry has emerged as the best phone for off-grid users.

Although Blackberry customers were left without a service for days earlier this year, the phone is way ahead of current competitors when it comes to battery life, the key factor for those generating their own power.

The longer battery life comes about because the phone draws less power than Android or iPhone models. Although that does not solve the problem of getting a signal in remote locations. (more…)

Hi everyone,
my family and i are looking to move off grid. we have two young children and want them to grow up “free”. living in williamsport pa now but are willing to relocate for an off grid community. my husband and i are both military vet and know what it’s like to rough it, he’s a forester now and I’m a outdoor rec manager. we’re just looking to enjoy life and share with like minded people. I’m also looking to start a community base home school once settled. I am not religious; i just want my children to be free thinkers; i don’t believe children are able to get that from public schools now days. open to any advice, suggestion or interested parties, sunandseafrosty@yahoo.com

I am a loving kind hearted person looking to get off the grid and live life fully. I am hard working so i can help with anything that is needed and i have many talents to offer. I have no money really, i have a job but it’s only part time that pays bills. So i would like to find a community of off the grid folks or someone that wants to go off the grid with me. I’m a musical person and love all of the arts, so i can bring entertainment too. So pleeease email me and get to know me if you are interested. levimcguire2005@yahoo.com

Time to lose the suit

While news emerges that the top bosses in Western economies are earning FIFTY times more than they did in the eighties, in many US cities, the youth unemployment rate is reaching 50%.  The same is true in European cities, especially in Spain, Greece and Portugal. Italy will be next.

Its only the beginning.  (more…)

just finished cabin on exterior. Working on the inside now. Have a friend 4km from me he has been off grid for a couple of years now he is 75 years old and gets along fine.

I live in Pakistan

I am already half off grid due to lack of sufficient energy sources

Please post your replies as comments to this post.

I am an on the grid/off the grid transient gypsy hearted free-spirit. I am looking for like-minded individuals, and a place to belong. Preferably off the grid. I have tons of survival and off grid generator construction information. I am very artistic & handy. I love the outdoors, and crave one or more others to enjoy off grid living with. I am open to almost all possibilities. Drop me an email…. mikewilson23@rocketmail.com

Would it be worth the effort?

People prepare to go off the grid for many different reason – the environment, economic collapse, solar flares to name but three.

The latest fear to be added to the long list: A massive electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. The best defence: to be both off the grid and underground.

An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation from a nuclear weapon. If the weapon is detonated high in the atmosphere, above a target area, it can produce a radioactive pulse across a huge area. The effect could knock out electricity and fry sensitive computer processors, even a total blackout that could last months.

Some fear Iran could get a lone nuclear missile onto a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, and detonate it over the central U.S. (more…)

Free heat if you scavenge wood

As we worry about the cost of heating our homes this winter, a wood burning stove is an increasingly attractive option.  Be prepared to spend money on a high quality product.

Avoid cheap Chinese imports. And householders should know the dangers of trying to install a wood burning stove themselves

As energy companies announce another hike in fuel prices, many will be thinking about cost effective ways to keep warm. Chinese imports combined with DIY installation could prove a lethal combination.

Tristan Johnston, product development engineer at Broseley Fires, said: “it is not worth putting lives at risk by skimping on the cost of installation or buying a stove on an internet auction site that doesn’t meet stringent safety standards.” The company has seen an increasing number of cheap stoves with false safety markings. More alarmingly, many people think they can install the stove themselves or with the help of a friend.”

Why are stoves so popular? There are four main reasons: (more…)