I have just watched a programme on living Off Grid. It is becoming quite a growing trend.
The definition means living without public utilities, such as water, gas or electricity.
There are probably several reasons why this way of living has become so popular, particularly with young people.
I have often pointed out in my blogs, that as a country we are rather spoon fed, and a somewhat easy labour saving life has evolved, with little effort being required to get through the day.
Of course everyone doesn`t fit into that category, but much physical labour has been replaced by machines and technology, and many things are available on tap if we choose to use them.
What goes around, comes around, and with so much talk of treating the environment with more respect, there is a growing number of people who are rejecting the easy life and following a different version rather reflecting that of a previous era.
With so much emphasis on reducing fossil fuels and getting closer to the natural world, the next step is to actually explore how living an alternative lifestyle might work out.
The location is all important, as to live Off Grid, obviously means living in a remote area.
Generally houses in these areas are old and lack basic facilities which was probably the reason previous inhabitants left.
The objective is to live more independently, sustainably and economically by growing food and having livestock on site.
In order to get started, there has to be a reasonable amount of investment, both by having a safety net of money whilst earning capacity is reduced, and also to set up the alternatives to utilities.
The property must be as wind and water tight as possible. It is unlikely to be insulated, so generating and conserving heat is an essential factor.
If there is no mains water, a source must be identified and a reliable safe system of collection and management put in place.
Provision of light is necessary, and alternative ways to deal with cooking, washing and dare I say possible connection to the internet, have to be established. (A good phone signal will no doubt be important).
Setting up all of these things may be surprisingly expensive, and post and van deliveries may be sparse, depending on the location.
Everyone requires food, including animals, so purchasing and storage is vital, therefore shopping trips take on a whole new meaning.
If the main residence is a house, it will probably be in need of repair, unless a previous resident has already upgraded it.
If it is a caravan or motor home, it will be much easier to deal with initially.
The property may be rented from perhaps an estate as a former worker`s house, or it may be available for sale.
Areas which are proving popular are remote rural areas of England and particularly Wales and Scotland.
Many old houses were abandoned years ago and have been totally neglected, but have great potential for upgrading and are usually in beautiful parts of the country where nature can be enjoyed.
Once the essentials have been mastered, bit by bit other things can be added, such as having some hens to provide eggs, and perhaps some other livestock, depending on how much ground is available, together with planting some vegetables.
All this might sound on a small scale, but it is a tremendous amount of work, and where animals are concerned, they require daily feeding and maintenance, not to mention secure fencing and housing for them.
Don`t be fooled by the idea that you will have lots more time to relax and take it easy. The urban stresses may disappear, but remember you are having to fill in for everything that was previously done by machines or the click of a button!
There will be no room for boredom and no need for a gym, as physically and mentally the whole body will benefit!
New skills will be learned by trial and error. Sadly it has to be mainly through books and YouTube (if accessible), as the previous generation who could have passed these things on, have either left the countryside or are no longer with us.
Once things are up and running, where do finances to live on come from?
If you are fortunate enough to have at least one family member in work which provides a regular income, the money will be required for items of daily living which will still be required.
There may be small grants available towards installing utility alternatives, but processing may be a slow.
Many people can work online or set up internet businesses if they are connected, while others have a variety of creative money making schemes.
Crafts and skills can be learned, perfected and sold. Produce from animals and gardens can also be sold.
There are many imaginative ways to generate income although fortunes are rarely made.
Children can have a wonderful childhood in this type of environment, although there can be a tendency for lack of interaction with others if in a very remote area.
Schooling may be a problem, as sadly, most rural schools have closed and are incorporated into larger establishments, which may be quite some distance from the Off Grid property.
Off Grid living, although often appearing trouble free and wholesome, is not for the faint hearted.
The whole countryside has changed, and where once everyone helped their neighbour, and a community spirit drew everyone in, the choice to live Off Grid may be seen as a bit of a backward step to country dwellers today.
Personally, I think it is a way of life which should be on offer to young people in general for at least part of their education, as they would learn so much about themselves and also the natural world, and help to dispel the feelings of anxiety and depression which seem to be such common problems.
If opportunities were available to join the Off Grid community for a spell, it could be a win win situation, as would provide knowledge and skills to young people, and practical help and support to the individual living the Off Grid way of life.
You may be wondering why I have such an interest in Off Grid living?
When I was three years of age, I moved with my parents to a typical Off Grid home in an extremely remote area, although the term Off Grid had yet to be invented!
Times were very hard, and life very tough, but I have never forgotten these days and the wonderful memories I have of collecting water, lighting paraffin lamps, having wonderful play adventures, milking a cow, feeding the working horse, learning the names of the harness parts, making hay, picnics beside the wild flowers...I could go on.
It`s not an easy life, but set up properly can be a very rewarding one, and I can understand why people want to do it, so good luck to them and it is wonderful to see these old properties flourishing once again with a meaningful purpose.
In conclusion, I must stress that I am referring to Off Grid living, where an individual or family reside and make a living there through their own efforts and hard work. It is not to be confused with properties which are bought up purely as holiday investments where financing upgrades have no limits and using the property for no other reason than a holiday business, in other words bringing the easy life to the country. A completely different scenario.
