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Have you changed your mind?

From the lens Off the Grid Myth-Busting.

Did the myth-busting change any of your perceptions about off the grid living? Do you have additional questions that could be addressed in the form of myth or truth?

  • KandDMarketing May 19, 2012 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    I've always got questions. It's one of the things that keeps me young. But as to off-grid living, I can say that most, if not all of them have been or are being answered.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 26, 2012 @ 9:55 am | delete
    Live the questions. That's the thing. I can tell you do. You are very right about curiosity and inquiry keeping us young. Thank you for your visit and such thoughtful comments. Appreciated!
  • LarryH54 May 8, 2012 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    I still think you need quite a bit of knowledge if you want to get off to a good start. Knowing the best places for you to move to, how to obtain land patents so that your hard work won't be wasted or stolen through eminent domain, which water, power, and food options are best for you, access to the outside society, etc are all things which you should look at and have SOME knowledge of if you expect to succeed in this endeavor.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 26, 2012 @ 9:50 am | delete
    The more you know the better. You are very right about that. All of the elements you mentioned are right on the mark. Thank you for adding value to this discussion. Very much appreciated!
  • burntchestnut May 2, 2012 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    I've been reading where many homeowners' associations won't allow solar panels. That might be a reason people have to move out to the country.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 26, 2012 @ 9:52 am | delete
    It's a shame, isn't it? When I lived in Chicago, the restrictions in my neighborhood association were very rigid. Glad to be a place now where I have true freedom. Thanks for sharing. You have added an important consideration to the mix here. Appreciated!
  • getmoreinfo May 2, 2012 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    I had to stop back by this lens and let you know that I agree with what your saying here, if more people new the truth of what it really means to live off the grid than maybe they would choose to do it too. I will be sharing this lens on my Facebook page, keep up the good work.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 26, 2012 @ 9:54 am | delete
    Thank you for being a repeat visitor and for sharing this site. Very much appreciated!
  • CorkFlooringTips Apr 28, 2012 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    Good lens really busts a few myths.
  • gesh1948 Apr 23, 2012 @ 2:52 pm | delete
    Really well balanced lens with myth busting at its best. Keep it going
  • TriciaLymeMom Mar 31, 2012 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    great lens...it sounds wonderful. I would love to live that independent, healthy kind of life. :)
  • wheresthekarma Mar 31, 2012 @ 3:57 am | delete
    Great lens, I just featured it on my "Favorite Lenses" lens.
  • getwellsoon Mar 26, 2012 @ 10:03 am | delete
    I love your pictures in this lens, makes me want to visit! :)
  • lclchors Mar 23, 2012 @ 11:23 am | delete
    Great lens
  • wadsworth Mar 18, 2012 @ 6:37 am | delete
    Love it! The strongest bonds are those we do not even know restrain us. We do not need the grid, it is a choice.
  • Squidrocket Mar 2, 2012 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    Hi! Great lense about being off the grid - I just wanted to let you know about my lense http://www.squidoo.com/buyingledgrowlights

    LED lighting has proved to be a very good with solar powered batteries! As someone said below the cost is the prohibitive part but just wanted to say great lense and keep up the great writing!
  • Li-Li-ThePinkBookworm Mar 1, 2012 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Terrific lens! I totally support living off grid, so this was a super helpful lens debunking all the junk people say in protest of leaving the city and living on one's own. I only got 81% on the quiz, but that was because I believe that you need a good deal of knowledge before just up and going out on your own. If you don't know what you are kind of doing, you may end up broke, homeless and hungry. But, a trip to the Library should answer any questions a person may ask.

    Li Li
  • ItayasDesigns Feb 28, 2012 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    You did an awesome job of answering my questions! Guess I didn't stop to think that there can be degrees of being off the grid. I think I like how you are living. It sounds like a wonderful balance. :)
  • earthybirthymama Feb 20, 2012 @ 12:58 pm | delete
    I'm there, but I do find the expense is somewhat prohibitive. I know you have said its not, but switching to solar, here anyway would be many thousands. I'm always trying to find a way though.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:17 am | delete
    I hear you. Fortunately, solar is becoming more affordable. It depends on where you live. I'm getting ready to add a panel or two to the three I already have and plan to make my own panels. I have a friend who installed my existing system and who is expert about all things electrical. That saves me a lot of money.
  • poutine Feb 10, 2012 @ 9:09 am | delete
    It must be very rewarding to live off the grid.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:18 am | delete
    Yes... it is extremely rewarding and peaceful.
  • RidePushMountainRoad Feb 9, 2012 @ 3:06 pm | delete
    Wow I loved this lens. We relocated to Arkansas (we live in the big city of 12,000) from Chicago a year ago and definitely still adapting, but nothing as "off-the-grid" as you did. I can imagine your lifestyle being very conducive to writing. Thanks for liking our lens as well.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:21 am | delete
    I do find this an excellent manner of living for the writing life. You are very right about that. Since nature is my muse, I am constantly immersed in what inspires me most. Very happy you loved this web page. Thank you!
  • safereviews Feb 3, 2012 @ 1:10 am | delete
    I really do envy you and with God's blessing I'll be in a position someday to live an off the grid lifestyle, too. You're providing some really good information with this series!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:22 am | delete
    May you fulfill your dreams. Thank you for visiting. Appreciated!
  • Light-in-me Jan 31, 2012 @ 1:26 am | delete
    Excellent topic and something I would like to try someday!
    Thanks for all the great information.
    Nice job,
    Robin :)
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:22 am | delete
    Sure hope you get to give it a try. Wonderful to have you stop by.
  • GrowWear Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:33 am | delete
    Didn't take long delving into this one to see that it's purple-star worthy. And I see you have one. Congratulations! ...Living off the grid, for me, would be a return to what we all need (and probably all hunger for, some without even knowing it) -- more nature, a re-connecting to Mother Earth and what it means to be human.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:24 am | delete
    What a powerful insight. Yes... I believe living close to nature does reconnect me to my essential humanity. Loved having you stop by with this wisdom. Thank you!
  • sheezie77 Jan 18, 2012 @ 12:48 pm | delete
    Amazing lens!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:25 am | delete
    Well, you sure do know how to make me feel amazing. Many thanks!
  • Big_Joe Jan 16, 2012 @ 11:31 pm | delete
    i have recently dreamed of living off the grid, your lens makes it it even more tempting... great lens with great information about living the life many of us only dream of... Great lens, A Like, A Share and a Blessing by Big Joe.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 22, 2012 @ 9:26 am | delete
    Appreciate your visit, comments, and generosity. Thank you! May you live the life of your dreams.
  • pyngthyngs Jan 15, 2012 @ 10:10 pm | delete
    Although I have always lived in large cities I have a great interest in having an off the grid home.
  • Duane_Jackson Jan 15, 2012 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    This gave me a lot to think about :-)
  • antoniow Jan 15, 2012 @ 8:45 am | delete
    Great lens kepp up the good work!
  • KimGiancaterino Jan 12, 2012 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    Sadly, many people here in California are being punished for living off the grid. In the high desert, where there are large expanses of land, property owners have been targeted by bureaucrats. In one case, a retired couple was forced to destroy their home or face huge penalties. Every penny of their savings went toward the puchase of another home in the city, and now they must both go back to work. In my case, we spent nearly $50K to go solar, and still pay huge utility bills. Our water and sanitation charges are continually hiked by the city. I admire anyone who can live off the grid, but would not try it myself in California.
  • LarryH54 May 8, 2012 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Yes that is why it is so important to obtain a land patent before building an off the grid home. Then you can tell those bureaucrats where they can stick their rules.
  • Koupie Jan 8, 2012 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    Dropping by to see your lovely cabin again :)
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jan 2, 2012 @ 10:45 pm | delete
    I guess I wasn't too aware of what is involved in living off the grid.
  • flicker Jan 2, 2012 @ 2:32 pm | delete
    Enjoyed your lens! Taking it one step further, check out the book "Surviving Off Off-Grid: Decolonizing the Industrial Mind" by Michael Bunker.
  • Serenity30 Jan 1, 2012 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Where I am, living off the grid and without money seems impossible. This sort of lifestyle is possible in certain places in the world. Not everyone can do it even if they wanted to. It is great you have this choice.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    Great lens. We strive for a lower footprint (and lower energy costs) and we are taking the right steps. But this year's direct hit from the hurricane and then the freak October blizzard were stark reminders that we still have a ways to go before moving off of the grid.
  • KathyT Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:15 pm | delete
    I mentioned it above, but I'll say it here: I think both John and I would do very well off the grid. The only thing we would need to consider is how we could continue travelling...
  • KillerDialysis Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    getting off the grid is easy. the lifestyle of lancaster, PA is honorable and they make lots of money selling stuff to people that are oh so dependent on that technology stuff
  • pheonix76 Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:21 am | delete
    My parents have subscribed to the magazine "Countryside" for years, and I used to read them when I lived at home. That being said, I already knew a fair amount about living off the grid, however I still learned a lot! I think this is an excellent lens, living off the grid may not be a feasible option for many people, but anyone can strive to simplify their life. I am currently re-reading Walden as a matter of fact! Thank you once again for a thought-provoking and meaningful lens. Happy New Year! :)
  • mowug1776 Dec 29, 2011 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    I was already "green" when I read this everything that you say is correct I know of its 70-year-old ladies who live off grid. Of course their children take care of her batteries and such but she still doesn't know how things work and how to work on the system. I am probably the most isolated but that's of my own choosing is not a requirement. Frankly I find it's only difficult to get land line Internet in my area.
  • Kindle-Fire-Cases Dec 29, 2011 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    Been thinking about going off the grid for awhile now. Really great lens with really great off the grid info. Thanks for creating it.
  • ancient-artist Dec 29, 2011 @ 12:06 am | delete
    Very interesting and well presented topic. Interesting to discover some of the "ordinary" things I do are actually "living off the grid."
  • Spokanewebdesign Dec 28, 2011 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    Loved the original subject matter, the title caught my eye with all the 'watching' being done by Apple and other tech companies.
  • SquidooMBA Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:44 pm | delete
    Great job on a great lens. Thanks for sharing with us all and keep it up!
  • TravelingRae Dec 27, 2011 @ 12:50 pm | delete
    I frequently live off the grid in my RV, something that is much easier now that I have a high wattage solar panel. I don't feel deprived, but rather free.
  • Koupie Dec 27, 2011 @ 11:24 am | delete
    Congratulations on your shiny new Purple Star, your lenses are so well written and interesting, I can see why you have so many awards. It is great to see you on the front page today too, I am leaving you with an Angel Blessing, and wishes for a beautiful day :)
  • lestroischenes Dec 27, 2011 @ 11:11 am | delete
    Living off the grid sounds fine but if you have to run a car you're still involved bills, producing cash to pay for petrol, maintenance, insurance etc I'm very interested in the whole thing and moved to France with a view of simplifying our lives. I'd love to see images and read more about your life.
  • AshAffiches Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:50 am | delete
    thanks. This gives me a new perspective
  • LDWorld Dec 26, 2011 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    thank you for the information!
  • bikerministry Dec 26, 2011 @ 10:28 pm | delete
    I did great on the quiz, know why? I was in the "back to the land" movement of the 70's. That is on my bucket-list to document in a lens or two. Been there, done that, before there were t-shirts, and would do it again today!! You go girl. Blessings.
  • Paula7928 Dec 26, 2011 @ 10:10 pm | delete
    Great lens! I would like to try living off the grid!
  • justforcats Dec 26, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    What a beautiful lens! Thank you...
  • jadehorseshoe Dec 26, 2011 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    EXTREMELY Useful Lens!
  • Pastiche Dec 26, 2011 @ 7:05 pm | delete
    Having lived most of my adult life embracing alternate heating sources like solar and wood and striving to live an ecologically sound lifestyle I am all in favor of off the grid living. I know many people who are partially or fully off the grid, living well in New England.
  • marsha32 Dec 26, 2011 @ 2:28 pm | delete
    I always enjoy stopping in here as living this way intrigues me. I recently bought a book on being self-sufficient...now I need to get to reading it, implementing what I can...and I plan on even doing a book review type lens about it as well.
  • BarbaraCasey Dec 26, 2011 @ 2:12 pm | delete
    Really enjoyed your lens. And I got the question about pre-knowledge wrong. I guess I could just fake it til I make it? Many thanks for more inspiration about off-grid and sustainable living.
  • hysongdesigns Dec 23, 2011 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    Even if you can't live totally off the grid, you can add solar panels a little at a time and sell the power back to the electric company (grid tied system) to offset the cost of what you use. That is what I am considering doing when I can build a new house.... And there are many many other things that you can do to lighten your footprint on Mother Earth and take care of yourself.
  • Demaw Sep 5, 2011 @ 11:57 am | delete
    Even if you can't live totally off the grid you can still do more yourself and not depend on always buying what you need.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Nov 10, 2011 @ 8:45 am | delete
    You make an excellent point. It isn't all or nothing. One simple act of greater sustainability is the place to begin. Little things can make the biggest difference in terms of quality of life. Thank you for sharing this piece of wisdom. Appreciated!
  • poddys Sep 3, 2011 @ 12:11 pm | delete
    This is a wonderful resource for anyone who is toying with the idea of living off the grid. Blessed by an angel.
  • dc64 Jun 18, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    I don't live 'off the grid' but I do live 15 miles from the nearest store, which happens to be a gas station. I like my quiet country life, but I don't care for driving for 40 minutes to the nearest grocery store one way. Therefore, I go once a month and stock up. I couldn't live on propane or gas, because that scares me. You never hear of electricity blowing your house up! I don't own a phone of any kind and only get TV through an antenna, just FOX and PBS, so that's gotta count for something.
  • hysongdesigns May 29, 2011 @ 11:23 pm | delete
    very nice and informative lens. Hopefully more people will actually make better lifestyle choices that reduce waste and pollution.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 16, 2011 @ 7:10 am | delete
    You have brought up such a key point: Making better decisions and choices when it comes to reducing anything that is unhealthy or wasteful. Thanks!
  • gypsyman27 May 26, 2011 @ 11:45 pm | delete
    Once again, I just want to fire the power company and generate my own electricity. I'm getting there! It is also environmentally favorable to give up using power generated by fossil fuels. See you around the galaxy...
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 16, 2011 @ 7:12 am | delete
    Generating your own electricity is an excellent goal. Wishing you all the very best as you fulfill that aspiration. Alternative energy makes a big difference in the larger scheme of things.
  • javrsmith May 19, 2011 @ 9:05 am | delete
    To live off the grid, you really should adjust your energy using habits downward.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 16, 2011 @ 7:14 am | delete
    Very true. Changing our energy usage habits is a key starting point. Appreciate your comments and insights.
  • wvclaylady Apr 14, 2011 @ 11:38 pm | delete
    Perhaps you've covered this in a lens I haven't got to yet, but I'm curious about food. Do you buy most of your food, or grow/forage/hunt it?
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 15, 2011 @ 8:15 am | delete
    I hope to grow more of my own food. My cabin is located in the high desert. Water and climate are a small issue for growing all of my own food. I think it can be done as I get more sophisticated about growing methods. A greenhouse is the first step. I'm hoping to build one this spring. Since I haul water from an artesian spring, and do not currently have a well on my property, I have had to limit what I grow. I do have a large cistern for holding water, but I chlorinate that water for bathing, etc. Once it is chlorinated, I don't use it for watering anything I am growing. I've thought of rain catchment systems, but they are illegal in Colorado. I'm not a hunter, but many people in this part of the state do live off of elk and deer meat as well as fish, etc. I'd like to get more self-sufficient in terms of food production. Thanks for asking!
  • HSSchulte Apr 12, 2011 @ 7:37 pm | delete
    Oh and featured here: http://www.squidoo.com/off-the-grid-myths
  • HSSchulte Apr 12, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
    Blessed by the green living angel and sorry I didn't see this excellent lens sooner!
  • GetSillyProductions Apr 1, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    For helping break down barriers to energy efficient living, nominated for Lens of the Day
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 1, 2011 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    Wow! Your huge vote of confidence means so much to me. Many thanks for all of your support!
  • Tipi Mar 30, 2011 @ 2:56 pm | delete
    Nice to stop by this lovely and very homey lens again. I love your location and the photos are so nice. I would love to be living off the grid again in the tipi, but it is too cold in ND in the winter months for me. You are so blessed to be doing what you are doing. x
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 31, 2011 @ 9:56 am | delete
    Thanks so much for your visit. I love the thought of your tipi. I've got to experience that type of home this summer. You are right... I am very blessed. And I don't take that for granted.
  • boutiqueshops Mar 25, 2011 @ 9:20 pm | delete
    Outstanding work to help dispel the myths about living off the grid!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 26, 2011 @ 11:43 am | delete
    Thank you! Appreciate your visit and comments.
  • GetSillyProductions Mar 25, 2011 @ 8:53 pm | delete
    wonderful lens, I'm living as sustainably as possible, someday I'll be completely off the grid
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 26, 2011 @ 11:42 am | delete
    Thanks for your visit. Good to hear you are living sustainably and moving ever closer to your ultimate goal. I wish you all the very best of sustainable living.
  • EditorDave Mar 22, 2011 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    Nice! I used to live in a place that had very long periods without power ... so we had to rely on alternate forms. Great lens! I've liked, favorited, thumbs-upped, and lensrolled your masterpiece to my lenses on alternate energy! Congrats on a great job!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 25, 2011 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    Thanks for such enthusiastic support! I'm very thankful for it. You are appreciated!
  • zentao Mar 21, 2011 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    It seems to me people lived off the grid for thousand s of years and managed to make it just fine. There should be no reason people couldn't make it these days. The only thing it seems like is that some luxuries will obviously have to be given up.

    How important is the most modern conveniences anyway?
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    Great point! Yes... this is how people have lived for many generations. Back to the future, eh? Your questions are excellent. Thanks for visiting and sharing your insights. Much appreciated!
  • debkrenaissance Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:23 am | delete
    Awesome insights... thank you for opening my heart and mind more to the possibilities of off the grid living.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 12:00 pm | delete
    Thank you! May you find your own best way of living. The possibilities are endless.
  • worthim Mar 21, 2011 @ 7:50 am | delete
    Love your lense. I'm a nerdy pack-rat with a heart for minimalism. In that, I am simply a walking contradiction. I would like nothing more than to live off the grid, and understand some aspects of what that looks like, however, I have a crew living in my current home. It wouldn't be fair to make that move, because others would surely object.

    Additionally, we are like so many others - living from pay period to pay period, grinding on the treadmill of job, home, gardening, sleep - repeat! Yay! There IS gardening in there! Somehow, I ended up with a very green thumb.

    It is true that the rat race is not so excellent.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Thank you for your visit and comments. Much appreciated! Isn't gardening a true pleasure? Hope that minimalist heart of yours gets what it is yearning for when the time is right. All the very best to you and yours.
  • darciefrench Mar 20, 2011 @ 8:22 pm | delete
    The Bhagavad-gita is my preferred Bible. Once reason is that it outlines how one can live as a 'householder' and then retire 'off the grid' (to use your terminology), when the duties of being a householder are complete. Looking forward to that time when i can surrender materialism. Currently I have a young daughter who apparently hasn't had her fill of the grid just yet. Your lenses are very inspirational to me, many thanks -:)
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Yes... sometimes it takes children a while, after getting used to a different way of life, to want something that is more stripped down. Some of us grown "children" wait until much later in life to finally do what our heart has been asking us to do for years. May you rejoice when your time comes for the surrender. I appreciate your visit and your kind comments.
  • EverydayMiracles Mar 20, 2011 @ 12:48 pm | delete
    I would love to move out into the woods and live independently. I'm a country girl at heart, and living in the city is killing me. There are things to enjoy in metropolitan areas, but I'd much rather be independent, growing my own food, creating my own energy and not having to deal with people all the time.

    And I'm not a "green" person either. My viewpoint has nothing to do with saving the earth or global warming. It has everything to do with a personal preference. Not everybody who wants to live off the grid does it for environmental reasons. That might be another myth right there!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 20, 2011 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    You make an excellent point. The truth, as you shared, is that some people live off the grid for reasons that have nothing to do with an environmental cause or making a political statement. Thanks for visiting and adding this key piece of information. Appreciate it!
  • GonnaFly Mar 19, 2011 @ 11:16 pm | delete
    Your beautiful photos make me want to get right out there, but my fear is that it would be a lot more work - or is that a myth too?
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 20, 2011 @ 5:21 am | delete
    Thank you for your question. Is it more work? I would say that depends on what you enjoy. I love being outdoors and working with my hands. So, for me, the effort is a pleasure. It doesn't feel like work. It feels like a flow of creative energy. Appreciate your comments and your support!
  • Tipi Mar 19, 2011 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    You are living a wonderful dream come true. Well done!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 20, 2011 @ 8:40 am | delete
    Yes... I am living a dream life. It is my hope that writing about it will in some small way encourage others to live their dreams. Thank you for your visit and, more importantly, for your support. Much appreciated!
  • CLovejoy Mar 19, 2011 @ 8:30 am | delete
    A very interesting read. I imagine that a fair bit of planning is required to get yourself set up, but once you do, it's simply a matter of living free and following your bliss.

    Your myth-busting provided me with some grounded perspectives and expanded my perception of what is possible with off-the-grid living. It was a pleasure to read!

by

RenaissanceWoman2010

One of my current quests is to live greener and leaner. Living off the grid allows me to explore many different options for attaining those goals. I... more »

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