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off-grid-living

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Embracing Freedom: The Compelling Case for Off-Grid Living

In a world dominated by technology and constant connectivity, the idea of living off the grid might sound like a radical departure from the norm. However, there’s a growing movement of individuals and families who are choosing to embrace a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle by disconnecting from the traditional grid. In this blog post, we’ll explore the compelling reasons why you should consider living off the grid.

1. Environmental Stewardship:

Living off the grid is a powerful way to reduce your ecological footprint. By generating your own power through renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines, you can significantly decrease your reliance on fossil fuels. This sustainable approach contributes to a healthier planet, promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

2. Energy Independence:

One of the primary benefits of off-grid living is the freedom it provides from the vulnerabilities of centralized power systems. Dependence on traditional power grids can leave individuals susceptible to outages, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors. By harnessing your own energy, you gain independence and security, ensuring a consistent power supply even in the face of external uncertainties.

3. Financial Freedom:

Living off the grid can also be a financially liberating choice. While the initial investment in renewable energy systems and off-grid infrastructure may seem significant, the long-term savings can be substantial. Once your system is in place, you’ll enjoy reduced or even eliminated utility bills, allowing you to allocate your resources to other aspects of your life, such as education, travel, or pursuing your passions.

4. Connection to Nature:

The hustle and bustle of modern life often lead to a disconnection from the natural world. Off-grid living encourages a return to a more harmonious relationship with nature. With fewer distractions and a focus on sustainable practices, you’ll find time to appreciate the changing seasons, starlit nights, and the simple joys of a life lived closer to the Earth.

5. Self-Sufficiency and Resilience:

Off-grid living fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and resilience. By growing your own food, sourcing your water, and producing your energy, you become less reliant on external systems. This newfound independence not only empowers individuals but also prepares them to face unforeseen challenges, whether they be economic downturns, natural disasters, or other disruptions.

6. Minimalist Living:

The off-grid lifestyle naturally lends itself to minimalism. With limited space and resources, individuals often find that they prioritize what truly matters. This shift towards a more intentional and minimalist existence can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment, as possessions take a back seat to experiences and meaningful connections.

Conclusion:

Living off the grid is a conscious choice that goes beyond simply disconnecting from mainstream society. It’s a commitment to sustainability, independence, and a deeper connection with the environment. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, those who embrace off-grid living often find themselves on a transformative journey towards …

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Community

The Black Farmer Backs Our Call for Land Access

Black Farmer Calls For Church, State And Private Land Owners To Make More Allotment Space Available For ‘Farming Lite’ – 45% Increase In Demand For Allotments Due To COVID-19 Accentuates 18 Month Backlog

 

THE BLACK FARMER, a Jamaican, born-again country gentleman, has backed our Landbuddy campaign for more renters to get access to small parcels of land where they can grow food, live or work off the grid.

There are an estimated 330,000 allotment plots today in Britain, but up to 500,000 individuals who want an allotment, and in the USA there is a similar shortage of spaces to grow food.

Rather than responsibility for allotment space purely being placed on local towns and counties, The Black Farmer, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, says: “The Government, Ministry of Defence, Church of England all own vast swathes of land and could be doing a lot more to welcome people from diverse urban cultures – but particularly black people – into allotments and ultimately into the countryside.”   Overseas companies own 279,523 acres of land in the UK, but this is tiny compared to the tens of millions of acres of land available in the USA.  UK owned holdings in the USA are several million acres.

Emmanuel-Jones was appointed Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to British farming.

Emmanuel-Jones says: “Tending to my father’s allotment in Birmingham, aged 11, I made a promise to myself that I’d own a farm one day. To me, that small green patch was an oasis and an opportunity to escape from the cramped two-up, two-down terraced house I shared with my family of 11. It took 30 years of hard graft.

“Gatekeepers of pastoral Britain have the power to make a difference and it’s time they were challenged to do so”.

Emmanuel-Jones believes central government should start seeing allotments as part of the answer to national food security and acknowledging the valuable role that they play in raising public health and well-being.

The National Allotment Society recommends that local authorities provide 20 plots per 1000 households. For 20 years, the NSALG has been promoting National Allotments Week (10th – 16th August 2020).

The National Allotment Society (NAS) is the leading national organisation upholding the interests and rights of the allotment community across the UK. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is Patron of the Society. The Prince is an avid gardener himself and advocate of green issues, he is also keen to promote and protect the UK’s enduring traditions.

Emannuel-Jones set up a marketing agency in London, specialising in food brands, including Lloyd Grossman, Kettle Chips and Plymouth Gin.
He is married and the couple have a son and a daughter. He has an adult son from his first marriage.

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Land

Rewilding Britain

As we contemplate the ecological wreckage from the last century of unfettered growth in Britain, there is a mounting desire throughout the UK and all advanced Western economies to reverse some of the processes we set in place in the early 20th century.

One goal is to turn about 4 per cent of Britain’s land over to nature this century. That is 1m hectares by 2100, the equivalent of 8 big land-holdings per year. “Realistically, a lot of it will be in Scotland,” says Alastair Driver of the charity Rewilding Britain. Anders Holch Povlsen, the Danish fashion billionaire, is seeking to rewild an estate of 89,000 acres in the Highlands.

In theory, the space exists, even in a country as densely populated as the UK. Grouse moors cover 1.3m hectares, according to Rewilding Britain. Golf courses — which cater to a declining clientele — cover up to 150,000 hectares, according to an analysis by the FT.

The most significant potential is farmland. Nearly three-quarters of the UK is farmed. Without subsidies, 42 per cent of farms would have made a loss, according to the National Audit Office. In marginal areas, such as the uplands, a lot of farmers are “seeing the writing on the wall”, says Driver.

“I started off [three years ago] knocking on people’s doors. Now I’m just trying to cope with demand,” says Driver,. He only deals with projects of at least 1,000 acres — of which he has found at least 20 in the UK.

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Community

How UK govt could help off-grid communities

Its time to stop looking at the thousands of people who live in off-grid communities as strange throwbacks. They are the future, not the past.

(If you have come here from the BBC Radio 4 show looking for offgrid.com – you are in the right place, by the way. If you have not you may wish to listen to it at this link)

There are many reasons why people choose to live off-grid – and although it is not for everyone, there are tens of thousands in the UK alone who are desperate to get away from consumerism, traffic, jams, rapacious landlords, and working just to pay the rent.

Then there are people who want to reduce their carbon footprint – the damage they cause every day to the planet. now we are being told we all have to reduce our carbon footprint.

The UK’s former chief science adviser, Prof. Sir Ian Boyd said that technology alone will not allow us to avoid the pain of carbon reduction. The main thing we must do is “reduce demand” for energy, fuel, food, clothing, and everything else. Over the past 6 years since carbon targets were set, said Sir Ian, the government failed to offer incentives to assist the public in making those changes. It can use the tax system do so in the future. Carbon tax is a stick. Successful policy will also need a carrot.

That provides an opening for an environmental policy that offers, at least to some, an immediate change in their daily lives. For all who yearn for a more “natural” way of life.

For about the same price as the Thomas Cook airlift, the UK Govt could immediately enable several dozen experimental off-grid communities – eco-villages of 300 homes, which can grow to be small towns over time. This could satisfy the pent=up demand of hundreds of thousands of voters and simultaneously advance other key policies in the areas of energy, housing, and rural affairs.

At a time when housing in this country is facing multiple crises – of affordability and of supply and, in the case of social housing, of funding and of allocation – we need to be willing to embrace brave and new solutions.  Off-grid settlements – historically a fringe interest in the UK, although they have a long history in other countries, including the US – offer an important new alternative.

They help solve four problems:
 
• Cheap housing – how to enable it
• Energy use – how to reduce it
• Food Security – how to improve it
• Rural Regeneration – how to kickstart it

A policy which offered £50-100 million over 3 years toward launching dozens of these communities would test to destruction the level of genuine demand for such a lifestyle among our army of rebellious eco-warriors, as well as many other groups who for reasons of …

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Community

Scotland’s multiple off-grid opportunities

The sparkling glens and mountains of Scotland boasts a wide choice of off-grid holiday accommodation and if you fall in love with the lifestyle there are many off-grid homes and jobs jobs that could make your stay a lifelong one.

The remote community of Scoraig is looking for a teacher and there are always numerous jobs as gamekeepers, loggers and crofters.

Scotland is the perfect place for those keen to explore the great outdoors. From eco glamping to living like a laird and lady, here’s a pick of where to stay.

Try the island of Tiree

Were it not for the charming croft cottages, the disarming Hebridean accents and the inimitable grass coverage of Scottish dunes, anyone on Tiree might easily imagine themselves on Hawaii. This is in fact Scotland – the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides has long, white-sand beaches, plentiful hours of sunshine and excellent surfing and windsurfing. Being within tickle’s reach of the Gulf Stream means the waters are startling not for their cold but their warmth.

Accommodation is mainly B&B or self-catering.

Traditional Yurts

The Three Trossachs Yurts offer cosy glamping in a picturesque setting.

Each circular dwelling sleeps up to four adults or a family of five and are decorated with thick rugs and soft furnishings.

This experience is all about being off-grid, so it’s self-catering only, but there are plenty of options for cooking your own meals.

www.trossachsyurts.com

Caravan Cavalcade

The six French roulottes that make up Roulotte Retreat can be found in the idyllic surroundings of a wildflower meadow in the Borders.

The roulottes – hand-crafted, Romany-style, wooden caravans – are colourful, stylish and quirky, and come equipped with modern comforts.

The setting is just as impressive, offering easy access to the towns of Melrose, Selkirk, Jedburgh and Galashiels, with the River Tweed flowing nearby.

www.roulotteretreat.com

Life in a lighthouse

Sumburgh Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Shetland and featured in the Shetland TV drama.

The self-catering accommodation is sited within the complex of lighthouse buildings on the majestic cliffs and is finished to a high standard.

It’s particularly popular with holidaymakers during the summer months. www.shetlandlighthouse.com ECO PODS

In the shadow of a castle

The two wooden eco pods at Craskie Estate are perfectly placed for stunning loch views and soaking up the beauty of the Highlands.

Efficient insulation and low wattage electrics mean a minimal carbon footprint but there is no shortage of luxury touches.

Sleeping up to four people, each pod has its own decked terrace – ideal for al fresco dining.

www.craskieestate.com

Off-Grid jobs

And while you are in Scotland, consider a visit to the remote community of Scoraig, which is currently looking for a teacher for its primary school.

The locals say it’s the least stressful job in teaching but the post has fallen vacant three times in the past five years. The school’s head teacher is …

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Community

Customise your favourite outdoor gear

A kayaker and his brother painted shark jaws on the front of their kayak. A long-distance cyclist attached mirrors and lights to his handlebars and frame. RV campers often customise by adding portable solar panels to recharge their camper batteries.

No matter what sets you free in the outdoors, you can make the outdoors your own by customizing your gear. With summer here, now is the time.

Across the spectrum, here are some ideas how to make your outdoor gear your own, plus somesecrets that can help every trip. I have employed many of these.

Vehicles

The fastest way to make your vehicle your own is to add a rack or two — that is, racks for bicycles, kayaks or camping supplies. If you have a pickup truck, you can build a bike rack out of PVC pipe or buy a kit with a steel rack to fit in the back. Add a rubber nonskid bed liner, and you’re ready to head out. Racks are made to fit on top of SUVs, cars and pickups with camper shells, and also in hitch mounts designed for the front or back of rigs.

or long miles, you can add seat support for perfect posture and lumbar reinforcement. You can upgrade your tires for off-pavement use, add a loud horn to ward off wildlife along the road ahead (they don’t know you’re coming, of course), and strap an altimeter watch to the rearview mirror.

One cool customization is to mount as-bright-as-possible fog lights out front, rigged with a set-aside interior switch. On two-laners, when oncoming traffic is approaching in your lane or it looks like someone on a side road could pull out in front of you, flip on those lights to get their attention.

Pro tip: When a vehicle rolls to a stop at a diagonal with the potential to turn in front of you, watch the wheels and not the relative motion of the vehicle. If the wheels are turning, the vehicle has not stopped.

Cycling/mountain biking

On your handlebars, mount a phone holder (you can track your rides), trip computer, strobe light and mirrors. On your seat, mount a flat repair kit, blinking red light and an LED red/orange light and reflector. Brent Jacinto, with more than 40,000 miles and no accidents, taught me this. One of his bikes even has red tires. Keep a CO2-powered inflator in your kit to inflate a repaired tire in the field. Get the ergonomics of your seat and handlebar heights perfect, where bigger people can use spacers to raise the handlebars; it should feel near effortless to pedal and propel forward.

Pro tip: Do not mount a bell or horn on your handlebars with the intent to get walkers out of your way. It is not their responsibility to avoid you. They have the right of way. Slow or stop, call out, “On …

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Map of range of Electro Magnetic Pulse bomb across america
Energy

Electro Magnetic Pulse weapon threat to USA

For years North Korea has sought to be a nuclear power.  Now it is thought that the hermit nation has another weapon which could wreak havoc on our electricity, satellite and communications grids in North America – an Electro Magnetic Pulse bomb.

This weapon  might be well known to some, however, it appears to be regularly overlooked by mainstream media services in the west.

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon which has the potential to disable the complicated and intertwined grid we rely on every single day.

 During a US Homeland Security hearing last week, experts told Congress that North Korea is capable of launching an EMP attack on the United States and warned government officials not to ignore the “doomsday scenario.”

Chairman Dr. William R. Graham and Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack, said that such a weapon could “shut down the electric power grid for an indefinite period, leading to the death within a year of up to 90 percent of all Americans.”

Although some critics of the report have associated the 90 percent figure with a popular novel titled, “One Second After.”

 According to the Congressional Electro Magnetic Pulse Commission, North Korea has been working on Electro Magnetic Pulse technology for a while and maintain that the rogue regime has probably been testing such weapons since 2006.

An EMP Weapon isn’t like the dreaded Hydrogen bombs which have recently been tested. It is instead designed to emit gamma rays which cause the EMP effect, and is a very small device in comparison to hydrogen bombs and doesn’t need a large explosion to detonate it.

However accurate the figures or statements are, the potential for such a weapon provides even more rationale to the Off-Grid argument.

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Events

New American homesteaders – author

In new book “The Unsettlers:- Buy it on Amazon” , three American families go beyond ditching the Utility companies –they also walk away from supermarkets, cars and even banks — to define authentic living for themselves.

For “the Luddite curious,” says the LA Times “The Unsettlers” offers a compelling account of diverse Americans living off the grid. These homesteaders in Missouri, Detroit and Montana show us how the other other half lives.

Author Mark Sundeen will appear at Visit Skylight Books this Sunday at 5 p.m. Sunday, spoke to LA Times from Moab, Utah, where he himself spends time off the grid.

You begin with Ethan Hughes and Sarah Wilcox, a young couple who created an intentional living community in Missouri. Why them?

I’d decided that just living off the grid was no longer true dissent. I was curious to hear from people who could go all the way — stop using cars, stop using the banking system.

An intentional living community that forgoes cars, cash and electricity feels pretty radical, and yet you note similarities they share with libertarians and right-wing Christians, some of whom are their neighbors. Was this common ground surprising?

Totally surprising … and totally inspiring. I was so impressed that they were able to find that common ground. That’s something that I think’s important now that Trump is president. The divisiveness that he engenders, it pits people against each other who actually have the same values. Liberals and conservatives both want to live with moral integrity, but they have separate names for that. The right says, “We want to have Christian values, family values,” and that’s interpreted as anti-other religions or anti-single parents or anti-same-sex couples. Liberals say, “We want to end racism, we want to end bigotry, and we want to save the planet,” and that’s another way of living with integrity. I think there’s a lot more commonality than we tend to think.

You never suggest that the reader should renounce her worldly possessions and head to the farm — but are you hoping to influence people?

I’d specifically like the well-intentioned liberal to ask questions about their consumption and not just about their political stance. People say, “I’m going minimalist, I’m going to get rid of all my books and CDs and records and just use a smartphone.” Well, OK, I’m glad that your house is less cluttered, but you’re actually using more fossil fuels and doing more harm with that smartphone than you would with a whole library of books.

Each family’s commitment to the good life is inspiring but intimidating. For those of uswho are inspired to make a change, where do we begin?

I don’t think you begin by depriving yourself of things you love. On the one hand, this book is about the ethical boycott of destructive industries, but on the other hand it’s about following …

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The Road to Self-Reliance

American families have been going off-grid for more than forty years, but for most it’s a gradual process, involving a lot of learning by trial and error. In a recent article published in Reason, J.D Tuccille wrote about how his experience going “semi-off-grid” in 2008 led him to reconsider his attachment to the mains, and begin a journey towards self-reliance that is still ongoing today.

Dipping into off-grid waters

In 2008 a power failure lasted a week at J.D’s former home in remote Arizona. While he had his own well, it was controlled by a pump that required electricity, and the surface of the water was too low to dip some out by hand. Then there was the issue of modern plumbing without electricity, and the requirements of coffee pots to consider. However, outages were common – so J.D had come prepared. He and his wife Wendy Wendy had stored water, cut firewood, and fueled up the camping stove and lanterns. They remained hydrated, warm and fed through that and every other experience with the electric grid’s unreliability.
“All in all, it was a bit Little House on the Prairie for our tastes, though with a better wine selection – but ultimately more of an inconvenience than a disaster,” he wrote. “But tolerance for inconvenience can decline with the years.”

When they moved to a new house in the foothills, Wendy had a strict requirement – a climate-controlled environment in the house at all times. This required some research into the best off-grid power systems to use for the climate, so J.D had to get serious.
“This being Arizona, where everything bakes for much of the year under the fireball in the sky, my first thought was solar,” J.D writes. “But I quickly discovered that all of those panels adorning people’s roofs were nothing more than expensive shingles during a power outage. Most solar installations are designed to feed the grid, not keep you independent of it. I priced adding batteries to the mix to gain some autonomy, but they more than doubled the cost. And batteries couldn’t handle the power demands of an air conditioner anyway. So we settled, if that’s the right word, for a 22 kW standby generator, which can handle the well pump and keep the air conditioning running.”

He said they were “especially pleased” with the decision when the European Union completed a coordinated cyber-attack simulation and found it leading to a “very dark scenario,” including crashed power grids.
J.D also beefed up the water storage capabilities at the house with rain barrels hooked to the gutters, which are conveniently located near the garden where he now grows tomatoes, olive and fig trees.

“Wendy and I have stumbled down our path incrementally over the years out of a combination of necessity and curiosity,” he writes. “We also keep tweaking our set-up. In addition …

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