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Disconnecting from the infrastructures of towns and cities is a significant life change. However, escaping the system can be accomplished in many different ways, and as sustainable living appeals to more people, it’s easier to find resources that make it easier. Follow these top trends to learn more about how to live off the grid in 2023.
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What is Off-the-Grid Living?
For some people, living off-the-grid means completely disconnecting from the systems that supply power, water, sewer, and food to the rest of the world. For others, it means varying degrees of personal sustainability, whether that’s growing some of your own food or providing your own power.
Getting back to the land is a popular idea, but it’s not new. Homesteading started in the 1800s with land grants that allowed settlers to claim acreage for free by living on it and improving it. While that might seem like a dream come true to many people, homesteaders faced challenges and difficulties that make modern-day homesteading much more attractive.
Today, many people that live off the grid also have to hold down jobs to pay the bills. Finding ways to live off the land and use renewable resources while still working 40 hours a week is tough, but it’s much easier with modern technologies and sustainable living products.
Moving to a Rural Location
In the past few years, one of the top trends in off-the-grid living is moving to a rural location. Of course, it’s possible to live a more sustainable lifestyle in suburban areas, but when you move to a remote location, it’s easier to disconnect from power grids, public water, and municipal wastewater systems.
When choosing a rural location, consider things like building codes, weather, zoning, and property taxes. Some of the best states for homesteading offer reduced tax rates to homesteaders and protect your home from creditors.
Buying Vacant Land
Vacant land is much less expensive than developed land, and if you’re not planning on using the electrical grid for your power needs, you might not want to waste valuable resources on purchasing a home with electricity. So instead, buy a plot of vacant land and put your money towards renewable energy systems, like solar and wind.
Using Solar Power
With a modest investment, you can purchase a solar power system to provide energy for your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The average solar home needs about 7 kilowatts to operate on its own, which costs about $14,000 to install.
It’s important to research thoroughly when you’re considering disconnecting from the grid. First, make sure it’s legal in your state to disconnect completely from the power grid. Otherwise, consider net-metering, which allows you to sell excess power back to the electric company, and don’t forget to take the tax credit if you invest in solar in 2023.
Raising Small Livestock
Unless you’re a vegetarian, growing your own food means raising animals. That doesn’t mean you need a herd of cattle, even though you might eventually want to own a cow for milk. Raising small livestock is actually more efficient and offers a better return on your efforts when you’re operating a small homestead.
Chickens are one of the best choices when it comes to raising small livestock. They are easy to care for, and they provide both eggs and meat. For the amount of food they provide, they are less expensive to raise than any other type of livestock.
One way to earn extra money on your land to provide for your family is to raise broilers and sell them at the local farmer’s market. Organic broilers raised on fresh grass fetch an astonishingly good price. Take your broiler production to the next level by raising them in a mobile range coop. Mobile coops give your chickens fresh air, grass, and natural light, which makes their meat and eggs healthier.
Growing a Garden
There’s a lot to know about growing a garden. You can start learning right away, even if your off-the-grid plans are on hold until you find the right piece of land. Starting a small garden in your backyard can help you learn everything you need to know about raising your own food. If you live in the city, join a community garden to learn more about gardening.
Working Remotely
Most people don’t have the resources to purchase a piece of land and live on it sustainably without having a source of income. Even if you manage to provide food, water, energy, and shelter for yourself and your family, you’ll still need money to pay for fuel, clothing, and property taxes.
Remote work allows you to work from anywhere in the world, including that remote vacant lot that you’ve been looking at purchasing. So moving to remote work is another thing you can start right away, even before your dream of living off the grid becomes a reality.
Discover the Secrets of Sustainable Living
Living off the grid is a dream that many people have. The idea of being able to produce your own power and not being subject to the failures of municipal power systems is a motivating factor for some, and others are interested in growing their own food and connecting with nature.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to live off the grid, don’t wait to get started. There are actions you can take right now that will make it easier to transition to sustainable living on your own plot of land.
