Living in an off the grid home, which is sometimes referred to as “homesteading,” is often thought of as a primitive practice that lost its charm more than a century ago. In the United States, for example, the 19th century government encouraged outward expansion by offering free or deeply discounted land if households would be willing to settle down and tame it.Living off the land isn’t just a 19th century dream that is only told in history books. Off the grid homes are a 21st century phenomenon that is growing bigger with each and every day. It offers a dream that an urban environment just does not provide: the chance to experience self-sufficiency and freedom.There are many advantages in going off the grid, but there are some disadvantages to consider as well. Here is a look at the pros and cons of independent living..
What Are the Pros of Going Off the Grid?
You will save money. There are numerous things that drain the modern bank account. From internet fees to the taxes that are on the power bill, going off the grid can literally save a household thousands of dollars every year. That’s not to say that every transition will be easy. After all, most off the grid homes won’t have enough of an independent power grid to use multiple modern appliances at once. Not having a bank account is a transition as well. In the end, however, you’ll save more than you lose.
It reduces your negative environmental impact. The average household in the US produces one 32 gallon bag of trash every week. For larger families, that could be two or three bags of trash. Then there’s the environmental impact of landfills, garbage truck routes, and even the oil that went into making the plastic for the trash bag. Living off the grid has a one-time charge to the environment, especially if purchasing solar panels or a wood stove, but when compared to the modern lifestyle, that impact is greatly reduced.
It brings families closer together. When a household is living directly off the land, only using natural resources, it brings them closer together. Everyone is required to pull their fair share of work to make this happen and there is pride in a job well done when it creates sustainability that the modern world doesn’t always teach.
Independent living enriches life. Many people dream of getting out of the 9-5 grind. The stresses placed on the modern employee are enormous. When homesteading, the stresses are a little different. There will probably be more work to do. Yet in the end, life becomes enriched because there is something real behind the work that is being done. Instead of becoming just another profit or loss statistic, you become part of the living, breathing planet.
It improves your health. Living off the grid means that all of the processed foods go away. They’re forced to go away because they just don’t store very well. You’ll be growing your own fruits and vegetables. You might go catch your own fish. You’ll raise your own chickens and livestock that are free of antibiotics and artificial hormones.
What Are the Cons of Living Off the Grid?
Certain conveniences today become luxuries while homesteading. Many of the things people take for granted today in the modern world become luxuries while living off the grid. The top luxury is actually hot water. Outside of homesteading, hot water is used more than many people realize and this adaptation can be difficult.
It can be a little expensive to get started. If you haven’t already started the process of going off the grid, then there are going to be a few things you’ll need to purchase to make it happen. Alternative energy systems are still a relatively new technology, so expect premium prices for your solar panels, water collectors, or other items you may want.
Conservation becomes a priority. The fact is this: we live in a society that almost demands instant gratification. We like to talk about conservation and may even have programs in place, like a community recycling program, that encourage it. There is a big difference between talking the talk and walking the talk. Being forced into an attitude of conservation can be a great culture shock.
Although some households may see a disadvantage or two as an obstacle to going off the grid, the advantages of homesteading often outweigh the issues that are faced. By evaluating the pros and cons of independent living, you and your family can decide if this would be a viable option for you.
What do you think? Do you live Off The Grid?
Or would you like to try it for a year and see how it works?
WOOFing can help you learn the ropes.
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