101 Reasons to Live Off The Grid – People go off grid for all kinds of reasons, the biggest one I think is that people seem to think life will be easier, less stressful and perhaps even make them happier. Well, it’s WORK, and work is a four letter word. It’s not easy, it’s not luxury and it takes time and effort and determination. Having said that, these are some of the more uplifting and positive aspects of living off the grid. This list touches on the basic and fundamental reasons why we do what we do. This article was originally published in the October 2014 issue of Off Grid Living magazine, our premiere issue of our flagship publication. We hope you enjoy the article.
1. Self sufficiency
Living off grid is all about living a self sufficient lifestyle, one not dependent on outside resources because you create your own resources thereby reducing or totally eliminating your dependence on a system that could collapse at any moment.
2. Sustainable living
It’s about living more sustainably. Without constantly consuming resources, you will actually be producing more than you consume. This has the added benefit of not only providing for your family, but contributing to your local community.
3. Renewable energy
The use of renewable energy only makes sense. Using an energy source that is not renewable is absurd. Fossil fuels are not renewable, at least at the rate we are consuming them. So it makes sense to use sources of energy that are completely renewable, and that can be shared. Renewable energy is also more sustainable long term, and that’s just smart living.
4. Environmentally responsible
When one realizes their own responsibility is just as valuable as the next person’s and that no one person’s responsibility is less than another’s to make this world a better place, then we come to a crossroads where we must, as responsible human beings, and for the future of our children and their children, be more environmentally responsible, or there may not be an environment left for them.
5. Practical living
Living off the grid is more practical because we reuse, recycle, and stretch the use of our resources to their maximum purpose.
6. Smaller footprint
Living off grid means you don’t use as many resources as most people, and it cuts down on waste.
7. Less impact on the planet
When you’re off grid, you live your life more in tune with nature, and as such, have less of a negative impact on the planet.
8. Healthier lifestyle
It’s just plain healthier because you’re more active. The benefits of physical activity and exercise on your life, overall, are innumerable. This is why Used Gym Equipment are an excellent investment.
9. Rewarding
Living off the grid is more rewarding for all the reasons listed on this page. When you factor in all the benefits of the off grid lifestyle, you realize there’s really no other way to live that’s more rewarding.
10. Happiness
It makes you happy. Less stress and more activity creates a feeling of contentment, and this creates happiness.
11. Getting back to our roots
Living off the grid is getting back to our roots, and where we come from. Our ancestors lived this way for tens of thousands of years. The story is the same all over the world. Looking back throughout human history there’s one commonality that is universal. Save the fact we’re all human beings, we all lived off the land as hunter-gatherers. We built things and made stuff, created shelter, grew food, and tapped natural water sources to provide for our families and the village. Our tribe is humanity, and we’ve all done things the same way. Now, in modern times, with the advent of modern technology, things are done much more easily, and we’re in a time of unprecedented advancement. Living off grid with high technology. Solar panels, wind turbines, hydro electricity, geothermal, and renewable biofuels power our world, while at the same time, we can connect back to our roots and enjoy nature.
12. Preserves knowledge
When we live sustainably it preserves the knowledge through the ages for generations to come. If we all lived in a consumer world we’d lose this precious knowledge and it would be lost forever. What would we do if we didn’t preserve that knowledge by sharing it with our kids, and the world? The advent of the internet and high technology allows us to share with the entire world, with the click of a mouse, the knowledge of our ancestors, forever preserving the knowledge for humanity.
13. Teaches future generations
Teaching others brings its own rewards, both for the student and the teacher. The beauty of it is that being off grid allows us to teach a new (old) way of living that everyone should know. The reward of the good feeling of teaching is just a bonus.
14. Shares experience
Sharing the experience we have with others is part of life. It’s deeply fulfilling to share your experience with others, adds to your sense of purpose, and helps them at the same time. They will, in turn, share that experience with others and so on. It’s self perpetuating, and furthers the advancement of knowledge.
15. Advances humanity
The knowledge of course advances humanity – everyone’s knowledge base build atop the last. Like building blocks of sustainable living, it creates a foundation to build a better life, and that we can all benefit from.
16. Uses less resources
Living off grid consumes fewer resources. Simple as that. When we live off the grid we actually create more resources than we use, and this benefits the local community.
17. Avoids consumerism & waste
Consumption of resources is running rampant, and needless waste is at an all time high. To reduce waste and consumerism it’s much better to create and produce resources. When you live a sustainable and renewable lifestyle you become a boon to society and create more than you use. This helps keep consumption to a minimum and sets a great example for others.
18. Leads by example
Because you’re doing it, you’re living the lifestyle, you’re leading by example. When you walk the talk, and live this lifestyle, it shows others there is another way to do things. That it doesn’t have to be all about consuming, that you can give back, and still live a fulfilling and rich life.
19. Better for our kids
It also goes without saying that it’s better for our kids to see us live this way because it will help propagate awareness for the responsibility we have to live smarter lives.
