Off the Grid Myth-Busting

Deprivation is a myth.

If you take the term off the grid literally, the one thing you will have to do without is being connected to the power grid. And you know what that means: You will have to do without those dreaded utility bills!

Does that mean you have to go without electricity? No. There are many ways to generate power when living unplugged from the grid. Do you have to give up appliances? No. However, if you utilize solar energy, like I do, there are adjustments to be made. For instance, appliances that draw lots of amps do not work well with smaller solar power systems. Specifically? Toaster ovens, electric clothes dryers, some electric hair dryers, some power tools, and machines with certain types of heat elements (for example: expresso machines, electric woks, electric space heaters, etc.).

What is the impact? You adapt. I still make toast. I still stir-fry food. I still dry my clothes. I haven't given up good coffee. I use my power tools when necessary. And, I still have a space heater. The adaptations? Whenever possible I dry my clothing out on a clothes line. It's wonderful. I purchase energy-efficient appliances that draw less power. I use propane gas appliances whenever possible (like my stove and space heater). Finally, when absolutely necessary, I run my back-up generator so that I can use those tools and appliances that need an extra power boost.

Did I give up indoor plumbing? No. My off the grid cabin has running water and an indoor bathroom. Did I give up air conditioning? Yes. I don't need it here in the mountains. I really cannot think of one thing that I need that I do not have. All in all, if you are living off the grid and lacking in something, it was most likely a personal choice to do without that amenity.

The requirement to be young is a myth.

I am amazed at how often I hear the comment: I'm too old to live off the grid. I should have done it when I was young.

That may be true or false. For those with serious medical issues, perhaps some off the grid scenarios would not be possible. Age, however, in itself, is not a true barrier for most individuals. I can understand that those who are significantly mobility-challenged may need a more mainstream lifestyle. Certainly, as one ages, convenient access to medical services looms large in terms of priorities.

If you are basically heathy, age need not be a deterrent to living an off the grid lifestyle. There are many individuals who have lived out their lives in an off the grid setting.

Poverty is a myth.

You don't have to be poor just because you decide to live off the grid. Some individuals do choose to adopt a life of what they call voluntary poverty. Not everyone needs a lot of money to live well or sustainably.

What each of us might term as poverty is very unique to our perspective on what defines a good life. It's not just a term denoting income level. Each individual has a different comfort zone when it comes to how much money is needed to sustain a chosen type of lifestyle. I can live very well on very little. I don't need or want lots of possessions. In fact, for many years I have been in the process of downsizing by choice. That's just me. I certainly don't judge others for having or desiring something different.

The main point is this: You can be rich or you can be poor no matter where you live. It's not necessarily a function of off the grid living.

It is a myth that off the grid living is not affordable.

Each of us has a different financial situation. It is not possible to generalize to all. That being said, I will share that my cost of living is significantly less now that I am living off the grid. My mortgage payments are lower. My taxes are more reasonable. I am able to afford more land off the grid than I ever could have afforded in an urban or suburban setting. In addition, I have no utility bills unless you count my monthly fee for a satellite Internet connection.

Cost is vastly dependent on location, water rights, taxation, size and type of home, number of desired amenities, insurance, distance from necessary services, and more. Affordability must be determined person by person, family by family. What I am seeing here in Colorado is more and more families and retirees moving off the grid. Part of that trend may be due to tough economic times, living on a fixed income, and/or a desire to live in a more basic manner. Personally, I believe we will see more people choosing this lifestyle in the coming years.

Many thanks to the Squid Angels who have offered their green blessings.

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Off the grid living as a step backward is a myth.

You may worry that some of your friends, colleagues, or family members might consider an off the grid lifestyle to be a step backward. Often, many of us worry too much about how we are perceived by others.

What is forward progress? Is it tied to what we call modern living? Is a simple lifestyle — a lifestyle stripped down to essentials — less than other ways of life? Is it possible that a move to a more basic manner of living could actually be a step forward?

These are the questions of the quest for a life of contentment. Each of us have our own answers within. Where will your next step lead you?

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