The Benefits of Living off the Grid

 by Ann Harrison

Have you ever thought about downsizing your home? What if you could significantly lower your energy costs while doing so? Many people are moving from their large houses in the city to tiny rural houses and using solar power and wind energy, instead of plugging into a high cost energy source. Here are a few benefits of living off the grid for you to consider.

Reduction in Financial Stress

With energy costs consistently rising, what better way to reduce the strain on your pocket book and live stress free, than to use solar power to bring electricity into your home. What happens on days when the sun doesn’t shine? By installing a wind generator, you can use wind power on cloudy days. By using these free, renewable energy sources, you won’t have to spend sleepless nights worrying about how you’ll keep the wolf from howling at your door.

Preventing Power Outages

When using renewal wind and solar energy to bring electricity into your home, you are more likely to stay connected than people who pay for electricity through their local utility company. If a powerful storm blows through your area, people living on the grid are more likely to lose power. However, if you live an unplugged lifestyle, you still have power, while your distant neighbors are using generators to bring electricity into their homes during a power outage.

Education Outside the Classroom

Studying the patterns of the weather and learning how to make use of the natural resources available to you can be an educational experience for your entire family. Are you worried that your kids spend to much time on their phones, tablets or in front of the TV? Living in a rural area, supplied by natural renewable resources is a great way to get your kids off the screen and outdoors. While they play out in the open countryside, they can learn about the animals and plants in their back yard and enjoy all that life has to offer. My family and I were watching a show called “building off the Grid” on discovery channel. On this particular episode, a man was building a tiny house for his family. If I’m not mistaken, they had three kids. The children were excited about living off the grid in a rural area, because it gave them a safe environment where they could learn about the world around them, while playing outside. Living in this environment gave them more time with nature and less time on their screens.

Simplifying Your Life

Living off the grid is a much simpler lifestyle than that of a city dweller. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, moving to a rural area alleviates noise pollution, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of your environment.

About the Author

Ann Harrison is a totally blind author, who grew up in the small town of Rochelle, Georgia, and has moved back to her family home after living in North Georgia for several years. Ann has written many articles of general interest for a number of clients since June of 2010, including the Cordele Dispatch. She has also published a short story entitled “The Big Climb” in Awethology Light. Ann also published a story entitled “The Woods” in December Awethology Light Volume by The #Awethors. She is currently working on several novels, and a self-help book. To read more of Ms. Harrison’s inspirational writings, visit her blog at www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com.