We’ve all heard of this idea of living off-grid, but what kind of person would be interested in living in this way? A number different people turn to living off the grid for varying reasons:  Off-grid living can be motivated by anything from a general distrust of the government and corporate monopolies, to a sheer desire to quit the rat race we call modern living. As it turns out, one of the biggest reason why so many people start living off the grid is to lower their personal impact on the environment.

Some feel that the best way they can preserve the environment is to forego using public utilities like power, gas and water.
This may result in going without, what many would call, the “basic necessities” of life. Living off-grid could include buying a plot of land and building a house that is not connected to public utilities in any way. It also may not be necessary to go as far as building a house, as many people have used campers, trailers or pre-fab units for off-grid living. This kind of living typically requires a location near a natural water supply, digging a well and/or the use of a cistern to collect water.

Many of these homes utilize solar and wind power as an alternative to using fossil fuels and nuclear energy. There is also such a thing as living partially off-grid, which can include anything from the use of solar panels for power to gardens for food, while still retaining some connection to public works and other services.

top photo: taalman koch architects “itHouse”

reference: Nick Rosen’s Off the Grid