What do you want to know about off-grid living and living a self-sufficient life

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   LongTimeMotherposted 12 years ago

   What do you want to know about off-grid living and living a self-sufficient lifestyle?
   
   I am about to begin my next batch of articles about my experiences living off the grid. I know lots of people cover issues from a 'theoretical' viewpoint, and many hubs provide good information. To be most helpful, I'm thinking I should try to address "What's it really like to ...." or "How does it really work when ..."
   
   Anything you'd like me to specifically address about living off the grid, solar power, organic gardening, bathroom issues, cooking off-grid, etc?
   
   I can happily just write as I have in past hubs, but do you have any specific fears or concerns that you'd like me to address?
   
   

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2. 81

   Georgie Loweryposted 12 years ago

   I would like to know where to start with a very limited budget. It's definitely something I'm interested in.

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Okay, Georgie. I can do that.
      There are lots of things people think you're going to need that you don't. when you start out. I have actually begun making notes for exactly this question.

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      DemiTposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would like to know the exact same thing! Thanks and looking forward to the new hubs.

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Here's a starting point. I have just finished writing this hub. Something I believe every home off (and on) grid should have.
      
      http://longtimemother.hubpages.com/hub/ … the-summer

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3. 69

   sunflowerforestsposted 12 years ago

   Hi.  I would like to know how much outside help did it take to become "off the grid" and how much outside help does it take to maintain that lifestyle too.  By outside help, I mean anything you didn't do on your very own.  I would love to live this way, but will be doing it by myself, so I'd like to know just exactly what I might need.  Thanks so much for writing about this topic! I am very interested to read your other hubs too, and you may have already told some of what I am asking, so I will start reading.  Thanks!

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good question. I hear you.
      
      I'll definitely address it because I know that some things wouldn't be possible here if my husband and I weren't working as a team. That doesn't mean they wouldn't get done. It would just be a bit more difficult. 

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4. 96

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   I would love to know what food to prioritize for having at home. I'd love to know the typical menu for living off the grid. We grow a lot of veggies but I still have tons of food I have to buy at the grocery store. So I'd like to learn how to minimize what I'm buying by having an idea of some meals that can be made just with homegrown food. I tend to plant the basics or stuff I can't use.
   Another idea I'd like to learn is the care for goats to use for milk. Really I have lots of questions, but I won't be greedy and I'll just leave it with these for right now.

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I will dig out my goat photos and goat soap recipe. lol.
      Cygnetbrown has raised goats. I'm not sure why I know that, and I'm not sure if she's yet written a hub about them. Hopefully she'll be along soon with some input.

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5. 97

   LongTimeMotherposted 12 years ago

   peeples,
   
   I ran out of characters in the comments box. More about the goats ... I notice that maryeaudet has written about goats and because there's lots more subjects I could be more helpful about (in other words, I'll probably take a while to get around to goats) I'll put a couple of her links here.
   
   http://maryeaudet.hubpages.com/hub/Heri … k_and_Meat
   Here's one on making goat's milk cheeses.
   http://maryeaudet.hubpages.com/hub/Chee … lk-Cheeses
   The photos in this hub should really inspire you! I'm still laughing at the memories of milking. lol.
   http://maryeaudet.hubpages.com/hub/A_Ty … e_Homested
   
   Your question about homegrown foods and menus, that's one I could sink my teeth into sooner!!
   
   Thanks.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much. Lots for me to read now. We are trying very hard to minimize the amount of outside resources we are using and it's A LOT of work! So there is lots left to learn. Looking forward to reading more of your hubs!

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome. One of the things I very quickly learned when living off the grid is just how frustrating it is when I discover that the 'standard advice' for something (ie what most people will tell you) really has no relevance in my world. lol.

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6. 97

   LongTimeMotherposted 12 years ago

   How do you keep warm in the winter without electricity? Can you keep cool without ac during a summer heat wave? What if your home loses power for more than a day? An illustrated guide to my solution. read more

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I strongly recommend this idea as a basic precaution whether you are off grid or on. In an emergency when you have no heating, no cooling, no power etc, I suspect you will thank me for this hub. lol.

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7. 97

   LongTimeMotherposted 12 years ago

   Helpful hints about off grid kitchen appliances and utensils for cooking off the grid. This is how I cook in my off-grid kitchen. Illustrated guide. read more

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      LongTimeMotherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This hub contains my views on what makes a workable kitchen for cooking off the grid. Hope it helps.

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8. 97

   LongTimeMotherposted 11 years ago

   We live off the grid so we harvest and store our own rainwater.  Here's how we set up water storage tanks to collect enough rain to supply our home and gardens. Instructions and photos. read more

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9. 78

   BizGenGirlposted 10 years ago

   Here's a few questions for ya that I've been contemplating...
   
   1. What are some hearty autumn and winter veggies and fruits that can be grown in areas that get rather wet and moderately cold (Such as Western Washington, where temps can dip down to the high 20's and are usually in the mid 30's-40's throughout the fall and winter).
   
   2. What kind of livestock animals are the best companions and providers of resources when you're off the grid? (ex: goats, cows, chickens, etc...)
   
   3. What are the best places in america to get off the grid?
   
   4. What are the best ways to earn an income enough to cover property taxes and any other small needs you might still need to procure off the stead from time to time?
   
   Looking forward to your hubs!

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