Living off the grid might sound like an impossible feat, but these days it truly is something one can achieve. Even if you don't remove yourself entirely from the grid, there are definitely ways to reduce your impact on the environment and live in a much greener fashion.
For many of us, our home appliances and heater are powered by electricity, and this definitely can be problematic for the environment. Coal is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of Americans receive their energy using this source. Another 20% receive power from nuclear generating stations, which produces extremely hazardous waste as well. While natural gas produces fewer emissions, this is still a greenhouse gas.
If you are searching for an easy, greener choice, you might consider propane. While it is a by-product of petroleum and natural gas processing, it is not a greenhouse gas and burns much more cleanly than other energy sources. Thrifty Propane installs above-ground or underground tanks and then can deliver propane whenever you need. You will get the best deal, however, if you purchase your propane when prices are the lowest, typically in the warmer, summer months. Tanks can be purchased or leased, and Thrifty Propane also will provide you with a free tank when you pre-buy a large amount of propane.
Many people are using solar energy, and there are quite a few advantages to this over sources such as coal and nuclear power. While you obviously must pay for the solar panels and their installation, the power from the sun is not only completely free, it also will never go away and this is a completely green source of energy. When your neighbors experience a power outage, your solar panels still will have energy so you won't lose power. This is true of propane, as well, which is another advantage of having a propane tank.
If you are truly committed to living off the grid, you also will have to find ways to eliminate tapping into local water and sewer lines. Obviously, many people already have septic systems installed by their homes, especially in rural areas. If you don't have a well, you can actually have a licensed well driller come in and set up a system of harnessing the ground water beneath the surface of your property. Again, there will be a significant cost to do this, but if you are committed to reducing your dependence on local power or water, it might be worth considering. You can also harness and treat rainwater and use it for home use or as a source to water your garden.
If you are a city dweller or cannot afford the upfront costs of solar power, wind power or a groundwater system, you can still reduce a bit off your overall footprint. Consider creating a carpool with your co-workers or, if possible, walk or ride your bike to work or see if public transportation can work for you. Energy-efficient appliances reduce the strain on the grid, and even unplugging appliances and turning off lights around the house helps. You can drastically reduce your water usage by watering less and at more efficient times of day and opting for plants and grass that require less water in general.
For many of us, our home appliances and heater are powered by electricity, and this definitely can be problematic for the environment. Coal is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of Americans receive their energy using this source. Another 20% receive power from nuclear generating stations, which produces extremely hazardous waste as well. While natural gas produces fewer emissions, this is still a greenhouse gas.
If you are searching for an easy, greener choice, you might consider propane. While it is a by-product of petroleum and natural gas processing, it is not a greenhouse gas and burns much more cleanly than other energy sources. Thrifty Propane installs above-ground or underground tanks and then can deliver propane whenever you need. You will get the best deal, however, if you purchase your propane when prices are the lowest, typically in the warmer, summer months. Tanks can be purchased or leased, and Thrifty Propane also will provide you with a free tank when you pre-buy a large amount of propane.
Many people are using solar energy, and there are quite a few advantages to this over sources such as coal and nuclear power. While you obviously must pay for the solar panels and their installation, the power from the sun is not only completely free, it also will never go away and this is a completely green source of energy. When your neighbors experience a power outage, your solar panels still will have energy so you won't lose power. This is true of propane, as well, which is another advantage of having a propane tank.
If you are truly committed to living off the grid, you also will have to find ways to eliminate tapping into local water and sewer lines. Obviously, many people already have septic systems installed by their homes, especially in rural areas. If you don't have a well, you can actually have a licensed well driller come in and set up a system of harnessing the ground water beneath the surface of your property. Again, there will be a significant cost to do this, but if you are committed to reducing your dependence on local power or water, it might be worth considering. You can also harness and treat rainwater and use it for home use or as a source to water your garden.
If you are a city dweller or cannot afford the upfront costs of solar power, wind power or a groundwater system, you can still reduce a bit off your overall footprint. Consider creating a carpool with your co-workers or, if possible, walk or ride your bike to work or see if public transportation can work for you. Energy-efficient appliances reduce the strain on the grid, and even unplugging appliances and turning off lights around the house helps. You can drastically reduce your water usage by watering less and at more efficient times of day and opting for plants and grass that require less water in general.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr enjoys blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more information about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane website today.
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