Living Green

Getting Off The Grid

Submitted by Raymond Linam on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 15:37

We are back talking with Raymond, who is building a home completely disconnected from a power grid.  He lives and is building in New Mexico where this is a more common practice.  I ask him about getting off the grid.  This is what he had to say:

"You pose a great question here, but a helpful reply must begin by understanding the question a bit better. 

There are different reasons for getting “off the grid.”  For some it is a matter of independence – of worst case scenarios and being prepared for the worst, or just feeling empowered by producing one’s own power.  We are “off grid” because there is no power line within four miles (of our property) and a solar power system is the cheapest option to live a normal existence. 

To me your question asks how one can become more self-reliant in terms of energy and its production.  From my limited understand there are three present, readily available means of producing energy:  wind, sun and water.

smnepa's picture

Build your own house using sustainable practices

Submitted by smnepa on Sun, 03/22/2009 - 23:49

My buddy Raymond L. is in the process of building a house on his own for his family.  I mean, he has to contract labor some times for multiple-person jobs and he has to build with the proper oversight and licensure of certain contractors.  But for the most part he is building his own house!  And it is completely off the grid.  He has a well for water.  His electricity is not supplied but the local power company but by solar panels.

Fair Trade - The Story

At Kilboa we believe strongly in fair trade, a market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. Fair trade advocates the payment of fair prices for goods as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production.

smnepa's picture

Freecycle - find a home for things you no longer need

Submitted by smnepa on Sun, 02/01/2009 - 21:25

Tami discovered and turned us on to www.freecycle.org. Freecycle is made up of thousands of local communities and millions of members who give items to each other for free. If you have something that you were planning on donating or have no need for you can post it within your local freecycle community. Someone who has a need for that item will tell you of their interest. No exchange of money. Everything is free.

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