Jackie Thompson

While it’s predicted that over half of new electricity connections will be off-grid by 2030, it’s clear that eco-friendly ways of living are here to stay and form the future of how we live our day-to-day lives. With off-grid living being the go-to living arrangement for everyone who wishes to lead a more sustainable life, it’s important that the public is informed of the new and innovative options available for off-grid living and waste reduction.

Power sources: more than just solar energy
Having an off-grid power source is one of the main points of living the off-grid lifestyle, as traditional power supply uses and wastes valuable fossil fuels. When thinking of converting to living off-grid, many limit themselves to arguably one of the most common renewable energy sources – solar power. While solar power does the job well in reducing waste for some, this type of energy is largely dependent on the weather, as is wind energy. This is why it’s so important to explore other waste-reducing options, especially for those who wish to live in weather conditions that aren’t ideal for solar panels or wind turbines.

When choosing a renewable energy source, water energy is a great alternative, as there are some promising innovations and systems out there. That being said, microhydro electricity can be extremely efficient for many reasons – pending that there is a constant running stream of water nearby. Hydroelectricity works by turning a turbine that then turns the running water into electricity – meaning that it could work day and night since it doesn’t depend on the sun or wind. Because of this, water energy can be more cost-efficient in reducing energy waste – making it the perfect solution for many, despite being one of the lesser-known options out there.

Reducing waste through daily living
While having an off the grid electricity source is one of the most important parts of living the off-grid lifestyle, continuing to reduce waste through day-to-day living can also be simple. While composting toilets have been around for a while and can be the go-to eco-friendly by being virtually waterless (thus reducing water waste), other simple ways to reduce waste throughout the day can involve composting food scraps and harvesting rainwater. While these are all eco-friendly ways to live, they can contribute to living a zero-waste lifestyle while living off-grid. Often seen as a new and popular trend among the younger generation, zero-waste is a philosophy designed to eliminate waste that would otherwise end up in landfills and oceans. By incorporating zero-waste techniques, the public can help to reduce plastic and non-recyclables waste dramatically.

Innovative housing solutions
Before picking alternative energy sources, and considering the smaller details of off-grid living, the first thing on anyone’s list when preparing to live off-grid is looking for a suitable living space fit for eco-friendly adaptations. While many enjoy living in tiny houses, others decide to live in an RV. While all are innovative solutions to living off-grid, some have taken it a step further by going in a new direction by choosing sustainable (and recycled) options – making these homes the best ways for reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills in the long run. Shipping container homes have gained popularity in recent years, as have refurbished vans, and even school buses that have been converted into homes fit for the off-grid lifestyle. In the end, learning from what has been done in the past and figuring out how to incorporate waste-reducing elements into a new living space is key to living a sustainable life.

Living off-grid can be extremely rewarding for those that choose to do so. However, with many changes that need to be made in an off-grid life, such as implementing a renewable energy source to reduce waste, it’s important that the public be aware of the new technologies that are available to remain environmentally conscious while living off-grid.

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