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The Green Learning Curve

From the lens Off the Grid Myth-Busting.

What would you want to know before moving off the grid?

  • ElizabethOSP May 27, 2012 @ 4:11 pm | delete
    More knowledge of alchemy of solar power will be an excellent thing for my family. We are getting there...bit by bit! Bless you for creating this lense!!!
  • KandDMarketing May 19, 2012 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    Why haven't I done it sooner? Over the last year, we have been preparing our property for the move off-grid, well, not entirely off grid. We will be starting out as an interconnected system while I build our batteries up and with the ultimate goal of selling power BACK to the local power company.
  • marsha32 May 13, 2012 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    I am also sharing this one in today's blog post as well.
  • Akasma May 5, 2012 @ 1:20 am | delete
    Thank you so much for this. I live in the city (houston, TX) right now but do plan to move as soon as we can sell our current house. This article is reassuring to our future goals though. For now, we share the green love right in the city.
  • Pastiche May 2, 2012 @ 3:10 pm | delete
    Just winging back by ... love this lens. In Vermont living off the grid is really not so unusual and the electric companies buy back excess power quite happily. Other less-off-grid lifestyles are the norm: wood heat is not only used in homes it's also the fuel for the state government buildings in Montpelier and biomass systems are part of many municipalities. My own town is looking at converting the local school, library, town hall and a rehabbed housing complex to use a shared biomas system. Vermont grows lots of hardwood, its own renewable energy resource.
  • Rita Bell Apr 25, 2012 @ 11:03 pm | delete
    May I ask where in Colorado do they allow green living I want to build a GeoDome , I currently reside in Colorado Springs but want to move to the mountains to live off the Grid. Please reply
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 26, 2012 @ 9:08 am | delete
    I live in the south central part of Colorado (in the San Luis Valley). Other folks from the Springs have relocated here. There is plenty of affordable land for green living (off the grid if desired). We would welcome you to this area. Thanks for asking.
  • jeff and sandra... jds8356@yahoo.com May 1, 2012 @ 2:53 am | delete
    just got 8 acres on starkweather road.. movin up n off the grid on june 1 2012.. gimme a shout.. my s.o. n I r lookin for new friends..
  • shaheda Apr 16, 2012 @ 8:05 am | delete
    Prefer the crowd than isolation.tho' solitude is kind of okay once in a while.
  • BlissGlutenFree Mar 31, 2012 @ 10:01 am | delete
    I dream of living off the grid! i hope to someday soon make it my reality:) Thanks for this lens!
  • wheresthekarma Mar 30, 2012 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    I hope its ok that I feature this lens in my "If I Won The Lotto" lens. :)
  • juliet765 Mar 21, 2012 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    Thanks for reminding us that we need to start living again.
  • Mujjen Mar 17, 2012 @ 4:44 am | delete
    I think I could live off the grid, part-time. Like, cutting down on unnecessary stressful activities and gadgets. Good reminder that we need to think about what is most important in our lives.
  • JaguarJulie Mar 14, 2012 @ 4:59 am | delete
    Where is the best location for moving off the grid?
  • JoshK47 Mar 10, 2012 @ 11:07 am | delete
    Very interesting to know - thanks for sharing! Blessed by a SquidAngel!
  • Wulg Feb 24, 2012 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    How is it off the grid living if you are still paying taxes etc? if you are truly off the grid, you are just that, off the grid. That means disconnected from society and living a free life away from any kinds of rules or regulations.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 24, 2012 @ 9:24 pm | delete
    People define off the grid in various ways. I am off the power grid. Where I live things are far less regulated than in many places. I do enjoy many freedoms. Thank you for asking.
  • Words-of-Encouragement Feb 20, 2012 @ 2:15 pm | delete
    Learning skills to become more self-sufficient would be helpful. Plus basic skills for home maintenance, gardening, off the grid energy alternatives, etc.
  • earthybirthymama Feb 20, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    You inspire! Many Blessings
  • Tipi Feb 18, 2012 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Just wanted to step into your world for a bit. The weather has been so mild this winter, good for everyone, and wildlife too. I find so much peace here. :)
  • flicker Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:50 pm | delete
    Came back to read this lens a second time. Enjoyed my visit!
  • naheedahsan Feb 2, 2012 @ 4:25 am | delete
    very interesting lens.........
  • David in Hawaii Jan 29, 2012 @ 1:46 pm | delete
    I chose to live on-the-grid in a small neighborhood in Hawaii. 30-40 years ago, several individuals moved here to be off the grid. They are surrounded and resent it. What's more, they are demanding that we supply them with indoor bathrooms and flush toilets. They want to keep everything the same....except for conveniences for their aging bodies. Hogwash. I respect their choice and enjoy their company, but I am not responsible for bringing them into the 21st century
  • OzGirl Jan 26, 2012 @ 9:42 pm | delete
    I love your lenses about living off the grid. They are not only inspiring, but very informative also.
  • GayleMcLaughlin Jan 26, 2012 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    I am very intrigued about living off the grid. You have made it sound very interesting.
  • dvdmoviereviews Jan 23, 2012 @ 3:14 pm | delete
    I would really like to give this a try
  • Daphsam Jan 21, 2012 @ 8:16 pm | delete
    Great lens, thanks for sharing this. I have never thought what off the grid means.
  • OhMe Jan 21, 2012 @ 11:33 am | delete
    Very informative. Thanks
  • CarlArmes Jan 18, 2012 @ 7:41 pm | delete
    How to build my own wooden house.
  • TheArtLibrarian Jan 18, 2012 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    Organic gardening!
  • Michey Jan 16, 2012 @ 11:48 am | delete
    Very interesting lens, i nade a 71% so ... thanks to make me think... out of the box
    Regards
  • SecondHandJoe Jan 12, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    Who says all these awful things about off the gridders! I have a house in Nova Scotia, CA that has been completely off the grid since around 1998! It has sat tv, stereo, full kitchen appliances,spotlights outside- even a water feature that runs all summer! Solar panels, wind generator, and small hydro generator with a moderately sized battery backup and I rarely ever have to turn on the backup generator! I'm glad you are busting the myths!
  • BlueTrane Jan 7, 2012 @ 6:39 pm | delete
    I'm looking to relocate to some more remote areas of Colorado that will require an element of off-the grid (most likely solar), but I'm looking to extend that minimum requirement to more independence. Thanks for the encouragement :).
  • Graceonline Jan 6, 2012 @ 11:03 am | delete
    I'm in my sixties and still hoping to live off the grid one day, and I can't imagine why age would be barrier as long as we have access to the medical services we might need as we age. The biggest barrier to living off the grid for us is that we have no land and no means of acquiring it soon. We're working to change that. : )
  • Vallygems1 Jan 6, 2012 @ 9:29 am | delete
    Thank you again
  • ernieplotter Jan 3, 2012 @ 1:02 pm | delete
    What a nice lens. It points some interesting facts I did no know...
  • StrongMay Dec 31, 2011 @ 7:01 am | delete
    Thanks for the lense. I'm glad I aced the quiz, too.
  • KathyT Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:13 pm | delete
    I guess for me it would entail knowing if I could travel as much, and as freely, as I currently want. We live "low" on the grid, but not OFF it. Love the concept though...
  • SquidooPower Dec 30, 2011 @ 5:09 pm | delete
    GREAT lens that is close to my heart. I live on a boat sailing where the wind takes me so his lens holds a special place for me.
  • AlishaV Dec 30, 2011 @ 3:58 pm | delete
    I know I'm going to need to understand how to set up, manage, and do upkeep on a solar system. That and trying to figure out what I can build where since every place has their own building codes.
  • jimmyworldstar Dec 30, 2011 @ 1:50 pm | delete
    I think being off the grid is something that's for people who don't need a lot of technology in their life or who want to live in a different environment. I'd want to know if I get cell phone service in case of emergencies.
  • aesta1 Dec 30, 2011 @ 4:23 am | delete
    I am just so used to having the comforts the grid brings but we are thinking of putting solar in our beach house.
  • peppypatricia Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:46 am | delete
    living off the grid sounds awesome.
  • pheonix76 Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:15 am | delete
    I would like to know exactly what being "off the grid" entails and what options are available for generating electricity. :)
  • srioschavez Dec 29, 2011 @ 11:48 am | delete
    I think that off grid is probably how I was born to live. the world now is too noisy and the people drive me crazy i mean dont get me wrong i am not nor will i ever be a hermit its just i grew up in the middle of 25 acres of woods and now i am on a 1.5 acre lot with neighbors its wierd. when my husband and i first got married we had to get an apartment in town and i didnt even know to lock my doors lol. Great lens you have given me a dream!!!!!
  • PTurner56 Dec 29, 2011 @ 1:34 am | delete
    Seems like a wonderful dream...maybe someday...
  • Tipi Dec 28, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
    I just stopped by again because I saw this off the grid lens on the Squidoo front page. Nice to visit again and bring another blessing. ~ Best wishes in 2012.
  • juliavm Dec 28, 2011 @ 10:01 am | delete
    I would like to do this one day. Living off the grid sounds awesome.
  • SquidooMBA Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:42 pm | delete
    How to afford it...
  • MoonMaa Dec 27, 2011 @ 6:33 pm | delete
    Very informative lens! I enjoyed reading it!
  • healthymom132 Dec 27, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
    Great article - thank you.
  • LadyCharlie Dec 27, 2011 @ 10:23 am | delete
    Nice lens...love the idea of being independent from so called life necessities and the economy demands. Blessed
  • Godsgraciousgift Dec 27, 2011 @ 10:12 am | delete
    It seems that living off the grid is easier if everyone living in the house are in agreement to work on accomplishing the task.
  • fullofshoes Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:14 am | delete
    We have moved off the grid "partially" meaning we are off the beaten path, living as green as possible, and without a lot of money or immediate access to "civilization". We are connected to electricity; however, we live on a small mountain where it's cold, snowy, and windy 6 months out of the year and we lose power often. We live as inexpensively as possible and continue to learn everyday how to get closer to near total "off-the-grid" living. Getting rid of that electric bill is our big challenge. This is a great lens!!
  • timo5150 Dec 27, 2011 @ 1:51 am | delete
    Great lens but even if you do not live off grid people need to learn to be more self reliant. We have become SO dependent on our amenities that if they are gone one day most people would be totally lost. this wasn't the case 100 years ago
  • LDWorld Dec 26, 2011 @ 11:57 pm | delete
    I love the idea of "downshifting", but now you showed me even more extreme way. I'll be thinking about it.
  • BuddyBink Dec 26, 2011 @ 3:59 pm | delete
    Could it be done where I already am or do I have to move?
  • HERBMASTER Dec 26, 2011 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    Does it matter where you do this? That is can you do this in the city or do I need to do this in a Green community?
  • jaredsgirl Dec 14, 2011 @ 9:02 am | delete
    Great lens! Thanks for sharing. I didn't know enough about living off the grid and I'm glad I read this lens to learn more.
  • crosscreations Dec 13, 2011 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    I really appreciated what I've learned here about living off the grid, and yes I did believe some of the myths you have dispelled in your genuine way.
  • JDWheeler Nov 21, 2011 @ 12:48 pm | delete
    I've heard that Jackson Browne lives off the grid in Arizona. It's so fascinating to give it a try. I think you would be surprised how tough it would be at first, but once you did it awhile it seems like it would be so liberating. Freeing your mind to think about other things.
  • e2t2man Oct 30, 2011 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    Yet again a well documented and beautifully written work. Very Inspiring
  • poddys Sep 3, 2011 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    I would like to know how much electricity I could be assured to generate (by whatever means I chose, solar, wind etc) and what devices I could power as a result. I would find it hard to live without a fridge/freezer, television, internet etc, as well as electric lighting. Provided I could generate enough to be self sufficient, I would love to go off the grid.
  • fotolady49 Jun 17, 2011 @ 4:43 am | delete
    What a great resource lens! I have bookmarked this one (and your kayaking one). Living off the grid is a very interesting concept to me. I've recently subscribed to Off The Grid News!
    Thanks for sharing!
  • COUNTRYLUTHIER Jun 2, 2011 @ 12:07 am | delete
    Great lens there squiddler! Keep up the inspiring words and soon I'll be fit to be tied for the "off the grid life".
  • gypsyman27 May 26, 2011 @ 11:41 pm | delete
    I don't exactly want to live off the grid. I want to generate my own power. Zoning here in this area of Tidewater in Virginia is favorable to anyone wanting to put in a wind turbine, and of course photovoltaic solar panels. Good lens, very good information contained therein. See you around the galaxy...
  • vallain May 19, 2011 @ 6:17 pm | delete
    I used to read Mother Earth News faithfully and dream of doing this. It hasn't happened, but I sure learned a lot about composting and DIY. I'm featuring this on my page Woods Cottage: Caring for a Home in the Forest.
  • pilegirl May 15, 2011 @ 9:59 pm | delete
    It gets to be over 100º in the summer here. I don't see how people lived here in the 1800s.
  • hysongdesigns May 29, 2011 @ 11:20 pm | delete
    1) humans are very adaptable animals; you get used to it 2) siesta time in the afternoon; work early and late and take a nap during the heat 3) they engineered their buildings to take advantage of cool breezes and block the heat of the sun. many other ways to do that even now.
  • marsha32 Apr 8, 2011 @ 9:11 am | delete
    you explain things pretty well....my biggest concern would be (and I hate to say this) the internet. Obviously since you are building lenses, you do have the internet. You talk about the electricity. I love reading lenses on this subject as well as homesteading.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 15, 2011 @ 8:08 am | delete
    I'm with you... I must have access to the Internet. It's one thing I would hate to live without. All you need for Internet access off the grid is a small satellite dish and a service subscription. I use Wild Blue.
  • Cinnamonbite Apr 5, 2011 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    It's a nice thought, but you just can't live comfortably in Florida without ac. And there just aren't creeks and streams for running water. Solar power is hideously expensive and weak. It's hard enough to line dry clothes with the afternoon rain storms. Must get up and start laundry at 7am at the latest to get them close to dry in time to get them in, then they finish in the dryer. Dumb. But there's no way I'm moving. I detest cold weather. I truly hate it. It's hard to deal with not running the heat until it gets in the 50s, I just couldn't take it up north. So living off the grid and having a modern normal lifestyle is impossible down here. I grew up with nothing, I ain't going back to that way of living unless a nuclear bomb puts me there.
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Apr 2, 2011 @ 6:28 am | delete
    I know several people that are shifting off the grid a little at a time. They want to be completely off the grid by the time they retire.
  • Kimbesa Apr 1, 2011 @ 2:58 pm | delete
    Inspirational...thanks! Angel blessed!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 1, 2011 @ 7:45 pm | delete
    I'm very grateful for your blessing! Thank you for stopping by and sprinkling some stardust. Much appreciated!
  • Mickie_G Mar 31, 2011 @ 9:01 am | delete
    I know of a family that lives off the grid in CO as you do. They are one of the happiest couples that I have ever met, which is certainly "healthy".
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 31, 2011 @ 9:54 am | delete
    Happy and healthy are two of the greatest gifts in life and in family living. In this day and age, achieving those two things is huge. I'm happy for this couple. Thanks for visiting, sharing, and BLESSING this lens! :-) My happy-o-meter just hit a nice new level.
  • GetSillyProductions Mar 25, 2011 @ 8:51 pm | delete
    How to micro farm my own food in an eco-friendly sustainable way
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 26, 2011 @ 11:41 am | delete
    I can relate to your chosen topic of micro farming. I'm in the process of learning more about that myself. All the best to you as you move along that learning curve.
  • CruiseReady Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:35 pm | delete
    Very nice lens!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:58 pm | delete
    Thank you! Always appreciate your visits and support.
  • VickiSims Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    Your off-the grid lenses are all an inspiration. Great practical information.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    Really appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement!
  • UKGhostwriter Mar 24, 2011 @ 10:05 am | delete
    Fantastic lens!!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 25, 2011 @ 12:25 pm | delete
    Thank you! Really appreciate your comments.
  • M.B.Conant Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:27 am | delete
    What upfront cost are to establish a sustinable system, and what are the replacemant times for all pieces of equipment.
    Most people abandon the idea after finding out the upfront cost and that things last for sometimes less than five years or have frequent breakdowns.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:56 am | delete
    Very important considerations. I've been pretty fortunate in that regard. I wasn't sure how well my deep cell batteries would weather the cold winters here. They have done really well. The key to keeping my generator going is regular oil changes and a yearly tune-up. I did have to replace the inverter for my solar energy system. All of my systems are functioning very well. Not sure what it would cost today to start from scratch. I do know that the photovoltaic panels would be less expensive. Right now I'm researching the addition of a wind turbine since I live in Wind Zone 6 -- lots of steady and strong wind where I live. I may make my own turbine. I'll be sharing more details soon. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Very much appreciated!
  • debkrenaissance Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:20 am | delete
    Options for staying warm.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:50 am | delete
    Yes... very important consideration in a place with wide temperature swings or winter conditions. Many who live off the grid opt for wood stoves (both for heat and for cooking). Of course, good insulation helps a great deal, as does learning to dress with proper layers of the right kind of clothing. Thanks for commenting.

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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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