The Times They Are A Changing

Within the last few weeks more and more people are contemplating living off the grid. Because the majority of the individuals in this country were not in favor of the giant bailout(s), but our elected officials went ahead and spent our future earnings, we are realizing just how much power we really have. Not much. No time to sulk or go on a tirade about it, just figure out how to take your life back and eliminate as much power as these idiots have over your life.

When people first decide to work towards getting off the grid, they start a vegetable garden. If you live in an apartment, townhouse or condo, you can begin with a container garden. If you live in the city, but still have a back yard, start your own vegetable garden. Urban living does not lend itself as much as rural living to vegetable gardening and living off the grid. However, another way to grow your small community and still garden is to join or start a community garden (Freedom Garden). See how to structure a Freedom Garden here.

After growing a good amount of your own vegetables, you need to learn how to make the extra food from your garden last through the winter. Learn how to can and dry food. This certainly would be step two to self-sufficiency. And don’t forget to learn how to save your heirloom seeds every year after the harvest.

If you don’t know how to sew and knit, learn. Recycling old clothes into new as well as taking apart an old sweater and remaking one that fits or is more conducive to your needs are valuable skills to have in becoming self-sufficient. Next learn about bartering and bartering fairs and communities. Their will be more of these if times get really tough. So, at least learning how it works and what you will have to offer that will be of value to someone else is important.

Because living off the grid may initially cost you some money, now is the right time to start. Solar panels on your roof is a possibility in many places, even in an urban setting. Currently solar panels are running about $3.66 per watt (although some have said this price is going down, but who knows with the economical changes we are undergoing). Of course, this price does not include installation. Perhaps starting with a plan that would allow you to put solar panels on your home in piece meal would be a more economical plan. Just make sure the plan is complete for a full solar replacement of grid energy so you don’t pay more in the end.

If you live in a rural setting your first move might be a wind generator as it will produce more wattage for a lesser amount. A 1000 watt wind generator will run you about $2500. If you are handy, learn how to do half the building yourself and save about half (or more) the money. I found a great site full of wind energy info at this site by (otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.html).

While looking into your first “off the grid” move for electricity, consider how you can make your home more efficient in this area. Start with getting in the habit of unplugging any appliances not in use. The coffee maker, toaster, lamps etc. all use a certain amount of energy when plugged into outlets even when not in use. Another possibility is lowering your water heater temperature, but not below 120 degrees. If it is in a garage or area that is not normally heated, consider purchasing an insulation blanket to cover the water heater. Yes, it already has insulation, but the blanket will decrease your energy need. There are also timers that can be attached to water heaters that will allow you to only heat the water when you normally use it, the rest of the day the heat can go off automatically.

If your water pipes go through an unheated area, wrapping the hot water pipes in an insulation product will also save energy. Check around your windows and doors for drafts. This can easily be done with a lighted candle. If there is a draft you will see the movement in the flame. Replace weather stripping and caulk when there is a draft present. Also closing blinds, shutters and drapes will help keep your house cool in summer and keep heat in during the colder months.

Showers use less hot water than baths (especially if you don’t dally under the hot water). When doing the laundry, wait until you have a full load before running the washer and dryer. Install a clothes line in the back yard and dry clothes outdoors in warm weather. Try setting your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer by a few degrees at a time to see how warm or cool you can stand. Put on a sweater before turning up the heat in the winter.

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