THREE MUST-HAVES FOR GOING OFF-GRID

Due to lifestyle changes, ecological concerns or other reasons, many people are thinking seriously about living off the grid.  Reducing your carbon footprint is an altruistic and self-center act, as you are doing good by altering the way you live.  It’s become an increasingly popular dream!
To prepare for the move, it’s important to be very prepared and knowledgeable about how to live more consciously.  Here are the three “must-haves” for going off-grid.



1. Like a camping trip, be prepared
Because the decision to live off the grid is such a drastic lifestyle change, you must be fully prepared before starting the journey. It’s a bit like a never-ending camping trip, so you must know exactly where you are heading while also having the proper amount and types of supplies. The last thing that you want to happen is to get stranded somewhere without enough food or water, since no St Barnard dog will rescue you! Some of the vital supplies that you will need to survive, other than food and water, include a first aid kit, batteries, duct tape, can opener, towels and a radio.



2. Know how to use solar energy and panels
Without question, solar power is one of the best sources of energy for you if you have decided to live off of the grid. Not only will solar panels give you a great source of clean energy, but also they will also be a good way for you and your family to save money. It’s no secret that utility bills are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to a conventional living. By using solar panels, you will be able to power your home naturally.  Consider making solar panels yourself, with a few basic materials like copper sheets, a car battery, electrical wire, sheet metal and metal tubing.




3. Be ready to create a waste compost
 
When living off the grid, don’t forget about garbage disposal. By developing an effective waste management system like a compost pile, you will be able to recycle all of your waste materials while replenishing the environment with important nutrients. Another good idea is to place your waste in different locations so that you can spread out the nutrients over different parts of the land. For materials that cannot be composted, it’s important to identify a designated spot for trash and disposal.
There’s no question that living off-grid can be very productive and beneficial for you and the environment. As long as you are fully prepared and completely ready to go, you should be able to enjoy a new way of life. By finding the right place to live and adopting new living habits, it won’t feel like a sacrifice at all.

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