We have both a generac and solar for electrical backup. If they fail it is what it is and we can only hope we clear the freezer before that happens. We have 2 wood burning stoves for heat and cooking. We live near a game preserve and a lake. We have means to purify lake water. We have seed and are prepared to expand the garden area. We have medical supplies and food stored. You can only do so much and then the rest of it is GOD’s hands. HE will protect you or take you home.
Right, but you BROUGHT all your supplies in with you that allowed you to stay out there for 2 years. Or did you make all your metal tools from the earth beneath your feet? Did you go in naked and hunt down the animals that was needed to make clothing? Did you render all the fat needed from a few bears for the oil needed for lighting your dwelling that you made just using your hands ,
@MacMFer how do you fish, a fishing rod where do you get the parts for your fishing rod when it breaks? How do you hunt bow rifle ect? Where do you get your ammo? These are the exact points Dean is trying to make. There is no offgrid.
Yes, but look at the people! Didnt they 90% accepted safe and effective treatment? Didnt they say it was Ok to beat up the Convoy since the honking was too loud. The society is destroyed tbh
That's Ok life did not exist before electricity and the internet , Your great grandparents didn’t exist and we don't exist as a result I guess. Its simply The Off Grid Lie. Right ?
Many right and some not so much with a example of power as it can be generated with water fall or Simple Fire Charcoal gasification and these will break down in regard to generators etc. but can be extended for another decade. I invested in a European scythe to mow hay etc. I have a drawknife to make handles etc. Think out of the box. Look at Earth-Ships for clues .
That's Ok life did not exist before electricity and the internet , Your great grandparents didn’t exist and we don't exist as a result I guess. Its simply The Off Grid Lie. Right ? After all if this youtube creator can’t possibly exist off grid than well Nobody can. City folks are funny .
You don't need tractor. My grandfather had a small donkey and cut the grass by hand with scythe. No need to make bales. He stacked the hay on hay towers. He had chickens, goats, sheep, cows, pig, etc. My grandmother had 2 decares of land and used it for tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, peppers, carrots, beans, strawberries, apples, corn, lucerne, cabage, onions, grapes, what not. All prepared by hand with hoe. They only bought sugar, cooking oil, matches for fire and bread. They made their own soap. Before I was born they had no electricity or water - used well and candles and had bees.
I attempted that back in the late 1960s and came to the same conclusion that you have. No matter how close I came I was still using tools and equipment that I had bought years ago. Whether it was bullets,, guns, fishing hooks saws for cutting wood, boots,, garden tools and on and on. There is a degree of independence you can achieve but the minute your heath is side lined you are either dead or back at the hospital. A few years is easily do-able but for a life time and a family it makes it impossible without catastrophic events taking place.
I think it might be doable if you're brought up on it from a young age, when you have no other choice you learn to eat bugs and catch fish and survive at any cost. Then you probably develop eating habits, different microbial system, etc., how you survive winter? No clue.. But yeah thinking that someone brought up in a modern city and you will be able to go back to nature is just never going to happen. The extreme amount of changes you would need to overcome is too much and probably not really possible to prepare for.
Ive spent a TON of time thinking about this kind of stuff. Pretty much you have to find a primitive way of doing everything. Cant build a pencil? Make ink from walnuts. Cant use propane? Burn wood. Dont have plastic? Use lactose or clay. Clear glass or plastic is hard to replace tho...
Excellent video and lots of wisdom, thank you. I've just built a gasifier for my next video to run a generator. Everything can be built from scrap parts and runs of wood and produces bio char and wood vinegar which is a fertilizer. I can't build an engine but at least an engine is easily recycled into a new engine compared to batteries and solar. I would love to know your thoughts on it once I've released the video. Cheers J
I prefer solar and will be doing some solar shortly (where it makes sense). Wood gasification takes way too much wood for too little power, in my opinion. ✌️
@@ArkopiaUA-cam it's able to produce hot water and heating whilst generating electricity. It's mainly for winter use when solar isn't available too. Its also only £500 for 3kw system which is far cheaper to set up than solar. It's relative to how much wood you can get. Cheers J
Off grid is more about surviving and thriving for weeks, months or even a couple of years, not so much about surviving for decades on end without seeing other people.
Outstanding Review Brother 👏 There's nothing better than keeping thing's Real. It can really make you Think, I do my Best, trying to Prep are Food Storage, and Water, And I do Alot of Praying, God Bless 🙏
The last person that could legitimately claim to be literally "off grid" was a stone age hunter/ gatherer. And he undoubtedly lived a short and brutal life. Everyone since that time has relied on some form of society to exist to produce some of the tools and components of survival. That's why humans have created civilization. So that we could live in a level above cavemen.
I don't think I really agree with a claim that people used to live a short and brutal life. It just does not seem that way when you look at other animals. Sure you could say that anything around the corner could kill and eat you but I think when people use this argument they talk more about diseases and in general just feeling bad. I don't think animals have that. I think we have this feeling only because we assume that whatever we built must be better than how animals live but that neglects all the natural structures that were already there and that we don't understand to this day. There are people living primitive lives to this day, can you honestly say they are worse of than us? That kind of argument assumes a lot of things, but is certainly debatable. Sure they have problems which modern people don't, having worms and other diseases that we don't have to worry about but they are still there, they're surviving, they are having families, they even seem happy. When we say we are better, what on earth are we even saying?
Do we really want self sufficiency or do we want abundance? Self-sustainability and self-sufficiency are overlapping states of being in which a person or an organization needs little or no help from, or interaction with others. Self-sufficiency entails the self being enough (to fulfill needs), and a self-sustaining entity can maintain self-sufficiency indefinitely. These states represent types of personal or collective autonomy.[1] A self-sufficient economy is one that requires little or no trade with the outside world and is called an autarky. Abundant: Fully sufficient; found in copious supply; in great quantity; overflowing. Do we want to fulfill and that's it or do we want to over fill? In case something goes wrong do we want to have more than ENOUGH or just enough? If you're talking about just enough then that's sufficient but more than enough is abundance. Most "off grid" idealist want to have redundancy = more than enough such as 3 sources of water, 3 sources of energy etc. Self sustaining is another of those terms that get into every local, municipal and other unlawful books purporting some fictious mumbo jumbo word salad.
Offgrid means a drop in convenience. If you have a middleclass income, you'll be living low income, with limitations. To live glamping style, middle class with all the suburban conveniences and choices, you need to go in with a high income, or 200,000 + land, minimum and an income to pay running costs.
The typical "off-gridder" usually has very high dependence on fossil fuels (propane, diesel, gasoline). The only way it makes sense to generate your own electricity in an off-grid fashion is if you're completing a new build and the capital cost of connecting to the grid is significantly higher than the cost to build an off-grid power system.
this is an interesting and true statement. However on this whole matter I like to thing a little bit outside the box. I do think it is that way only because the system itself demands it to be this way. In other words if it was possible to have something like electricity for yourself that would rival the grid then the grid itself would most likely not allow it. Sure it sounds like a conspiracy but i think it would be naive to not give it at least a thought. I do think there are ways to produce electricity that we simply do not know off and that knowledge of such methods might have been suppressed. I think Tesla is the main candidate for this. Also isn't it odd that we used to have all these great inventions in the past 500 years but now it seems that the only inventions that ever happen only reinforce the already existing technologies rather than provide something new. In my opinion unfortunately it is controlled, I do think human mind is certainly capable of more than what it is producing at the moment and I blame our universities for it. I think the whole process of a university is no longer to produce a free thinking mind but rather a cog that will fit in well to the existing structure. It's a shame.
Freidman was an office theoretician, with literally zero productive skills. Some of his observations were accurate, some of them weren't. He was quite attached to the notion of clean hands management being the naturally superior level of humanity, and never questioned their overvaluing. Unsurprising, and the typical immigrant family sequence. He would be literally most valuable as compost, in an offgrid situation. Think about it. Would you trust him to cook a meal that would be safe to eat? Process food for storage? Process firewood without harming himself? Operate any machinery, or a woodstove? Deadweight dud.
Good vid!! .. Before starting a project I try to think... What's going to need maintenance, can I store those materials ahead of time (will they degrade even in storage), and what's the backup plan if they're too expensive or unavailable... Then design accordingly.
I lived off grid in Ontario for 8yrs,,,if we wanted Internet and our solar didn't have enough sun,,we had to use a small generator,,, very pricey in gas,,,,I appreciate the experience because we grew like a sabbatical,,enjoyed nature. Sadly where I was we didn't have a successful garden due to excess limestone and little soil. I will always bless those yrs of my life
The world has never been off grid. Folks have always relied on at least one other person to get what they need. A lot of off grid folks have Dick Pernoke(spelling??) as a hero, He lived in the deep remote Alaskan area and he relied on a plane to bring him items that were essential to his survival, twice a year. I believe it may have been his brother was a pilot, not sure. Lots of archeological proof in the ancient Levant of the Phoniecians sailing to do trade etc etc, some even believe they sailed over to North America.
Sheep are a great animal to have for a Canadian homestead. So many uses with sheep, as you can use the wool as a home insulation in the walls, blankets, clothing, sheep milk and cheeses, meat (easy to butcher because of size)
Great thoughts and a reality check for some... Communications is alsoa big factor of grid-connectedness... Internet, Cable etc are obvious, but even if the zombie apocalypse comes along and we are back to old school 27Mhz CB radios, repeaters and such... I can't put a comms tower together for mobile, TV, 5G data etc. Same as I can't build and launch a satellite, but for no cost, I can use an app and my bike and create massive virtual line art on the planet using the satellites of the GPS network to track me...
Correction: Justin Trudeau did not build an eight million dollar barn. The NCC (National Capitol Commission built an eight million dollar vehicle garage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The NCC spends money on government property upkeep and upgrades regardless of the prime minister of the day. Was this money well spent? No, it doesn't sound like it at all. But Trudeau didn't waste those dollars. Around here, in central British Columbia, 'off-grid' simply means having no connection with utility electric power. Only armageddonists use the term to mean dropping entirely out of society. And unless they're going to live in a cave and hunt with a sharp stick they're still participating in the economy.
This is why I want to learn how to make my own mud bricks so I can make my own blacksmith furnace. And buy a property that is high in certain metals that is easy to mine. And build a community around my property of like minded individuals and we all focus on a certain field of expertise. Like I would be the brick maker and blacksmith/smelter. Another family could specialize in lumberjacking, sawmills and carpentry. And so on do on. Also having a beekeeper in the community will be great for making beeswax candles to replace basic lights. So no type of power grid is needed. Off grid is possible to those who wish it.
Personally, I think it became a buzz word/dog whistle people use for clicks by people who don’t know better…just the same way the word “abandoned” or phrase “better than take out” gets thrown around. There was a video I died laughing at that was entitled “we fix up this ABANDONED swimming pool”, or something like that, and it was clearly someone’s concrete swimming pool in their backyard. It wasn’t like they found a pink plastic kiddie pool on the side of the road that flew out of someone’s truck. 😂😂 But yeah, we’re all part of the invisible hand and no one can truly be “off-grid”.
Yes, today's society will generally never be off grid. You can't say it isn't possible. People do do it. They survive with out a pencil lol. My great grandmother had no power cut her firewood with a hand buck saw. Ya your gonna say the bucks was built in a factory lol. Well how far are you gonna go with your terminology. Pioneers hauled stoves, pots pans with them. Explorers hauled gunpowder smelting tools for the lead shot. I guess we could go true native and craft our own tools. True homesteaders burn wood not propane. Still need gas for chainsaw. I do now and always will call myself off grid. I'm as close as I will ever get without living with no power. Our solar system has been running for 10 years with zero problems and I totally see it running another 20 years easily. So I would be saying 5-10 years.
Instead of running away and isolating yourself from society, you might want to integrate and participate in society, thereby helping steer the course of humanity.
Nobody uses wood and axes anymore? Throw in some blacksmithing and leatherwork, typical planning for food and water, combine with a good shelter and knowledge of how to use the resources you grow/gather and you can live a simple life. I'm severely lacking the funds for appropriate land, shelter, and the stockpile of ammo I'd need to hold off the seemingly endless regulations disallowing pretty much all of the above.
Really great summary! I came to this conclusion several years ago my cell when I thought it would be so great to live off the grid but then started looking at all the minutiae and details of that. One thing I think that is a really great traditional type of building in the American southwest is Adobe. You can make your own mud bricks with straw etcetera and the thick walls keep things very cool in the summer and warmer in the winter depending on the elevation. Would love to see your pig breed! And are you raising goats for meat and milk or just milk just curious. I think Community semi self-sufficiency is also good. Working with neighbors and bartering and loaning tools Etc
I like you man, You think just like me😂👍. We do what we can. A long term strategy would be more of an off-grid community. Each focusing on some of these issues.👍
It is true, the only way this would be possible is if you have a very dedicated community with a common goal. And you have to simplify everything including your lifestyle, culture, expectations, etc. A relatively good example would be amish people, but even they depend on external factors such as protection from your government and they also do trading with outside as well. You have to all agree to live under extremely strict rules that are very hard to enforce. If something goes down and the political structure fails, you're not gonna last, raiders will come with guns and you wont be able to defend yourself alone anyway. In small communities you might last a little bit, alone you got no chance. This is a massive thinking point for me. Stresses me out thinking about it but what is the right thing to do? That being said I admire your dedication to do what you do, I have thoughts about doing something similar and I came across your channel because I'm interested in greenhouses, maybe one day I will manage to escape the dull life of a city. Unfortunately in my country we have even less freedom and even more threats where one would probably be laughed at for even daring to think about having some sort of a life off the grid.
Going though health changes, am now working on better food options with fewer chemical preservatives and things I can't pronounce, do the canned goods get tossed ... NO!
Nature will probably over time try to sludge up the hole you dug unless you dredge it out every so often. Back to the Stone Age, with Justin Trublow!!!!
True but many lake or woods camps off logging roads have no paved road and no electric. I use 7k Honda generator feeding to 110 15 amps and inverter batteries that charge in a hour. No solar unreliable in Western Maine winter. I also have starlink and well and propane for cooking and heat, with Unique 12 amp Fridge drawing 40 watts. Works good but takes a few years to figure it out. Have septic and 110 washer dryer. About an hour from town via truck or snowmobile.
You can go of grid there’s a thing called have spar parts but you don’t need elictric all you need is a good source and water and fire there’s people that live in the woods in cabins no elictric they have a well and live of the land
one grid props up another, when one of the major ones like power goes, the rest will fall in time, preppers will just last a few months/years longer than the rest
if it were impossible, we wouldnt be here. think about it. electricity is not all that old. the city folks might be in trouble but most of us country bumpkin deplorables will be ok. Good luck
here in kentucky the average corn yield in this county was about 30-35 bu if u were dedicated cause we did not have fertilizers ..........now its 150 to 200 per acre and in places like iowa its 300 plus bu/acre all because of big equipment and lots of chemicals.
even people 200 years back that lived in mid west used sod for home ( they need ed shovels. 125 years ago there were not a lot of cattle in the usa because they could not feed through the winter. Haying equip with diesel/gasoline tractors really did not come into vogue till about 1950 when it became possible to feed cattle through the winter ( before that the cattle meat came from southern exposures like texas)
Some years back, perhaps almost 20 years now, there was a couple who challenged themselves to eat locally here in BC, they called it The 100 mile diet. Even though I followed their story and bought the book, I don't recall every detail but they did struggle while learning and came out on top.
Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Many preppers never get to that stage. We can do our best, but the sooner the electrical grid is reestablished the better.
Off grid doesnt mean not interacting with society or not utilizing a supply chain off of your land. It literally and only means off the grid. As in not connected to a utility grid. Thats it. It doesnt have anything to do with self sustainability or independence.
@@ArkopiaUA-cam its not a grid dude. A supply chain is not a grid. I dont have to sign up and give people my address and pay a monthly fee and make sure there is an easement for their access to go buy a propane tank.
Very well said,just like tiny houses. 8ft wide is not a living space,shower at a gym,keep beer making supplies,pets ,seasonal clothes at relative's "ridiculously gross oversized" buildings. A economical small home of 1200sft is actually very efficient, without borrowing other's infrastructure. I am not a rice lover,but have 50lbs in a bucket for an emergency. Plywood and other building materials always fluctuate,osb often changes 150% in cost per year. If you learn to buy on sale (food especially),then sort through your pantry for meal prep is much cheaper than buying weekly full priced items. There are tradeoffs for time vs money. Youngest of 8 on a farm,our record was 360 qts of corn in a single day... I now buy most of my corn,but grind wheat for bread since its a larger % cost vs other foods. Freedman had a lot of common usable sense,but articulated it better than most.
Exactly. Offgid has been romanticized...a dream. When I first got into homesteading I did much research into offgrid and came to the same conclusion. Batteries and panels, which are great, will only last a short time. Looking into the pioneer lifestyle will serve people better. It's a tough go without the grid but certainly easier in the country, if something were to happen. Arkopia smoothies are awesome BTW. I gave some out for Christmas...great stocking stuffers😊
This was one of the most honest, thought-provoking videos I have ever watched. Thank you for putting this out there. As I look forward to moving to an "off grid" property, this just reinforces the reality behind the concept. There's a lot to consider.
I never ever comment. But seriously as I watch this video and I absolutely love your videos. But this video.... You completely miss the point of what off grid means to people. The idea of someone producing their own electricity is because they are NOT tied to a system that is supposed to be regulated but it's not. A power company for instance has been allowed out of control price increases and it never stops. Gas companies, water companies, same thing. Going off grid doesn't mean you do not purchase from commerce the things in which you utilize everyday. But it allows us to go back to a time where government doesn't dictate what we are forced to pay on utilities. It limits their ability to drive our expenses up. Next let talk about that graphite pencil. There are other forms of writing utensils such as ink and a the old fashioned pens they dipped in the ink jar. Not many will do that however there are those who make their own ink and bringing trade back amongst other families will take most of commerce away from the big corporations and again the government on that aspect. You can make your own clothing from hand spun wool or cotton. And yes I know several ppl who do this already. Food is raised and grown as you know. Most farmers who raise and grow sell to others and make their trade that way. Either money or staples. Being off grid is an ideal of removing the chains that we have on the fictional freedom that we possess. It's the fact that we don't have to ask for permission for basic commodities or farming. And as you know most off grid families have actually learned how to make quite a lucrative business off of teaching on UA-cam. Anyways, I do enjoy your videos a lot. However, this particular one did get me a tad heated. Your comments are a form of mocking. Mocking someone else's desires to live a certain way. And I don't see that as being very supportive.
Didn’t mean to come across that way. In fact, I don’t know why I look “mean” in videos sometimes. Trying to get the idea across (literal brain) I’m trying to put things in perspective and make you think. ✌️
Yes it is possible, first you need money, then all you have to do is buy replacement parts/components/systems. So when something dies, you have a replacement. Thats what the super wealthy do. They have 3 to 5 of the same items/systems in permanent storage for emergency. So while you buy 1 panel and use it they buy 6 panels, use one and place the other 5 in backup storage. They also buy the manufacturing equipment, the raw materials and all the things they need to make those items. There's a youtube channel of a super wealthy prepper who literally has his own spectacularly giant factory, metal works, etc, attached to his luxury bunker. Now imagine what the billionaires have.
I built my original off grid solar system 26 years ago. Since then I have improved my solar system significantly I have a lot of experience doing this because I have designed and installed many off grid solar systems. There is nothing like electricity when it comes from your own solar panels and batteries. Society is far too fragile if the electrical grid fails. The first thing I did on my remote property is bring large format solar modules with me and lithium batteries and the first night I slept there when I woke up I plugged in my 1200 W kettle into my inverter and made myself a coffee in the morning. I really think it would be a great fit for you to have an active solar system since the solar panels are more affordable now than ever before
The pencil grid does not use lead. I'm pretty sure that's graphite in there, but you still can't make it. Even the "off grid" mountain men of several centuries ago had to come to town for sugar, salt, ccffee, etc. and had to buy their rifles and traps.
I love your point. I have been shown that years ago and I found it very true.. i believe I can be less dependent under certain circumstances but that's about it. So if you go to wood burning for heating and cooking, and think you are off the grid ... how are you going to harvest the wood. transport it to your home, then prep it for your stove. It takes equipment which will break or wear out.
THIS IS AMAZING....I don't know why I find this comedic probably because comedy, good comedy is based on truths and the piercing of the everyday concepts, buzz words, and trends that are constantly swirling around us....when exposing them with simple humble truths told in an entertaining way it is worth a thousand times more than gold....now wait!...gold is something I can't produce but I can store it away.... you're having an effect on me Dean you sonuva....
Do you have “seasons” in your greenhouse or can you basically start any crop whenever you want? This would effectively allow you to have fresh produce of any variety all year round without storage/canning requirements.
You can heat a greenhouse all you want, but in the Northern winter there is no light, so everything stops. Unless you install grow lights, but that requires massive wattage so not feasible.
If you give up almost everything and make enough money selling vegetables locally to pay property Tax then you can go off grid. But no cell phone sucks.
Thanks for the perspective... I am wondering if you would be willing to go further in depth about how you built you house to be as efficient as possible. You mentioned insulation, siding, roofing, windows etc and I have watched your passive solar videos but I am in the process of building out of town myself and want to make sure I apply all your ideas when it comes to your home. I have applied what I can so far but would greatly appreciate what and why you used and things you'd suggest are a "must" as I do what I can while I can. Thank you
Insulation, south glazing, proper shading of windows, thermal mass inside, white/light siding, standing seam heavy guage roof (or other long term permanent roof), R80 insulation in attic. PV direct water heating. Wood stove. Small north windows for summer ventilation. Good air exchanger system. 👍
Thank you! Did you spray foam insulation at all? Batting everywhere? or Blow insulation? Im in zone 6 (upper Wisconsin) They are recommending only R60 max would it pay to do more? Ive currently got it drawn up with a wood stove (any recommendations on brand) that is centralized in the house. Planning to heat the whole house 1700sqft with it, but think it's best to have a back up system. Thoughts on a back up system? And possibly an AC as well. I truly appreciate it, I'm 30 and want to get it done right the first time. thanks again @@ArkopiaUA-cam
I'm trying to be as self-sufficient as I can be at this point in time. A lot of people would call me a 'prepper' but I don't call myself that. To a lot of people 'a prepper' is 'a crazy person who plan on outliving everyone else after the end of the world'. I'm not that! I'm just trying to be as self-sufficient as I can be. And if I can find others who have that goal as well...that be great! We'll start our own grid. If we get enough people we'll have our own complete grid that doesn't need anything from the outside. But, I think that when most people talk about 'off-grid' they don't mean literally 'you produce everything you need yourself'. Most people would say the Amish are 'off-grid'. But, look how they do their 'off-grid' living! You're building a barn and other members of the community hear about it and just show up and be like 'how can I help?' And, they don't even get paid for it! But, if you're able-bodied you're kind of EXPECTED to help. So, there's the human grid.
I'm sorry, but you're completely wrong. You can absolutely go 100% off grid. The only question is, how much modern conveniences are you willing to give up? You forget that just a few hundred years ago, before europe invaded every part of the planet, aboriginal people lived just about every part of the world. They lived one with nature, they used only what they could find around them. Some still do. A more recent example is the vast amazonian rainforests. Most of the tribes are gone or "civilized" by now, but it's still possible that some still out there completely untouched by civilization. So yeah, you wanna go completely off grid? No problem. You gonna have to live like a cavemen, but it's absolutely possible. Not just possible, but don't forget that our ancestors lived that way literally for thousands of years. This modern way of life we're so use to only been about for a blink of an eye when you look at the entire history of our species.
Dude.. I simply read through a lot of the comments to get a pulse of the people.. You instill common sense and Confidence with your straight talk!! I like many others are So Blessed to have you & your beautiful family out there And on the " UA-cam Grid"!!!
You need to clarify your interpretation of the term “off grid” as opposed to “self sufficient “. Off grid means not relying on normal services, electricity, water and possibly gas. It’s not being a survivor, a la prepper, or growing/ catching all your food. So, like many things in life, it depends what you mean.
Just an FYI for you. The actual working part of a pencil that deposits particles on paper or some other substrate is graphite, not lead. Seems a bit of a semantic argument if you will; that is, what does "Off Grid" actually mean when used? As it seems to many (most?), the litteral meaning is not being dependent on the typical utilities like, gas, electric, water/sewage and/or communications like phone, satellite, radio, television, cable, cell tower service for example. But off grid as being described here amounts to being totally independent from anybody for anything and everything you need. And then you lump in the notion of having total independence as (main?) part of the "off grid" definition. It is true that no person can get and do absolutely everything on their own... Anyone with common sense knows that. Consider this; before there was ANY of the things I just listed, there was not even a thing called "the grid". And yet people got by as was normal for them at the time without any "grid services" NO LIE! Disappointing when such things get posted with "click bait" titles. Being "Off Grid" may be difficult by our accustomed standards, but not an impossibility or a lie.
what about amish mennonites that don't use electricity if they still exist (I'm assuming they still do) I think they would be a north american example of being off grid
I'm off grid, propane is for water heat only. going completely is impossible, the goal for us is to be more self-reliant. green house is the next thing to work on.
Off grid just means the power grid, it doesn't extend to other things unless specified. Someone has to make the pencil. If you have oil to make diesel in your backyard making use of it might be a benefit to you far beyond buying some at a gas station. Life serves you lemons, make lemonade.
Thankyou for pointing many points and connections out. The ✏️ does not have "lead" in the middle. It is Graphite. If you don't have 📝, you have to find a replacement. $20 for 18 Kilo Rice? That's cheap. What sort of rice do you have and where is it produced? I wouldn't be buying it. You can pasture chickens and let them feed from large deposits of compost covered with high roofing and open barn sides in winter. The compost produces heat and provides chicken protein.
We have both a generac and solar for electrical backup. If they fail it is what it is and we can only hope we clear the freezer before that happens. We have 2 wood burning stoves for heat and cooking. We live near a game preserve and a lake. We have means to purify lake water. We have seed and are prepared to expand the garden area. We have medical supplies and food stored. You can only do so much and then the rest of it is GOD’s hands. HE will protect you or take you home.
When I went and lived in the Alaskan bush for 2 years, it was completely off grid. I didn't come out for nothing.
Surely you went on with something. ✌️. Impressive though. 💪✌️
You must have been a hungry man then 😂
Right, but you BROUGHT all your supplies in with you that allowed you to stay out there for 2 years. Or did you make all your metal tools from the earth beneath your feet? Did you go in naked and hunt down the animals that was needed to make clothing? Did you render all the fat needed from a few bears for the oil needed for lighting your dwelling that you made just using your hands ,
@MacMFer how do you fish, a fishing rod where do you get the parts for your fishing rod when it breaks?
How do you hunt bow rifle ect?
Where do you get your ammo?
These are the exact points Dean is trying to make.
There is no offgrid.
@MacMFer yeah sure, but that's not the point im trying to make.
This realization means we should do our best to ensure societal resilience. No man is an island.
Yes, but look at the people! Didnt they 90% accepted safe and effective treatment? Didnt they say it was Ok to beat up the Convoy since the honking was too loud. The society is destroyed tbh
That's Ok life did not exist before electricity and the internet ,
Your great grandparents didn’t exist and we don't exist as a result I guess.
Its simply The Off Grid Lie. Right ?
This is the most intelligent and thoughtful presentation that I have seen on this topic available on the internet. Period.
🙏💪✌️
Many right and some not so much with a example of power as it can be generated with water fall or Simple Fire Charcoal gasification and these will break down in regard to generators etc. but can be extended for another decade.
I invested in a European scythe to mow hay etc. I have a drawknife to make handles etc.
Think out of the box. Look at Earth-Ships for clues .
That's Ok life did not exist before electricity and the internet ,
Your great grandparents didn’t exist and we don't exist as a result I guess.
Its simply The Off Grid Lie. Right ?
After all if this youtube creator can’t possibly exist off grid than well
Nobody can. City folks are funny .
I tried to go off grid once, but, it only last few days, Cause the wife needed to go shopping. lol
I love how you are like “you can’t go off grid” … BUT here’s how I am darn tootin tryin
You don't need tractor. My grandfather had a small donkey and cut the grass by hand with scythe. No need to make bales. He stacked the hay on hay towers. He had chickens, goats, sheep, cows, pig, etc. My grandmother had 2 decares of land and used it for tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, peppers, carrots, beans, strawberries, apples, corn, lucerne, cabage, onions, grapes, what not. All prepared by hand with hoe. They only bought sugar, cooking oil, matches for fire and bread. They made their own soap. Before I was born they had no electricity or water - used well and candles and had bees.
I attempted that back in the late 1960s and came to the same conclusion that you have. No matter how close I came I was still using tools and equipment that I had bought years ago. Whether it was bullets,, guns, fishing hooks saws for cutting wood, boots,, garden tools and on and on. There is a degree of independence you can achieve but the minute your heath is side lined you are either dead or back at the hospital. A few years is easily do-able but for a life time and a family it makes it impossible without catastrophic events taking place.
I think it might be doable if you're brought up on it from a young age, when you have no other choice you learn to eat bugs and catch fish and survive at any cost. Then you probably develop eating habits, different microbial system, etc., how you survive winter? No clue.. But yeah thinking that someone brought up in a modern city and you will be able to go back to nature is just never going to happen. The extreme amount of changes you would need to overcome is too much and probably not really possible to prepare for.
Ive spent a TON of time thinking about this kind of stuff. Pretty much you have to find a primitive way of doing everything. Cant build a pencil? Make ink from walnuts. Cant use propane? Burn wood. Dont have plastic? Use lactose or clay.
Clear glass or plastic is hard to replace tho...
Excellent video and lots of wisdom, thank you. I've just built a gasifier for my next video to run a generator. Everything can be built from scrap parts and runs of wood and produces bio char and wood vinegar which is a fertilizer. I can't build an engine but at least an engine is easily recycled into a new engine compared to batteries and solar. I would love to know your thoughts on it once I've released the video. Cheers J
I prefer solar and will be doing some solar shortly (where it makes sense). Wood gasification takes way too much wood for too little power, in my opinion. ✌️
@@ArkopiaUA-cam it's able to produce hot water and heating whilst generating electricity. It's mainly for winter use when solar isn't available too. Its also only £500 for 3kw system which is far cheaper to set up than solar. It's relative to how much wood you can get. Cheers J
Off grid is more about surviving and thriving for weeks, months or even a couple of years, not so much about surviving for decades on end without seeing other people.
Yep. Every day or week away from the hellscape cities is worth it. Not to mention in an actual SHTF scenario.
@@killjoyredux8361 Traded out a house in the city with 550 acres. Not looking back.
@@noc8076 550 shit that's huge. I'm on 10 and fine with it! Hope it's going well.
Not lead, graphite is in pencils. Feather and ink is the off grid. Paper from thin bark trees or process pulp left from sawing your lumber.
Got Turkey feathers....Trying for walnuts right now but it's going to take time ;) Charcoal is our only hope ;)
Outstanding Review Brother 👏 There's nothing better than keeping thing's Real. It can really make you Think, I do my Best, trying to Prep are Food Storage, and Water, And I do Alot of Praying, God Bless 🙏
The last person that could legitimately claim to be literally "off grid" was a stone age hunter/ gatherer.
And he undoubtedly lived a short and brutal life.
Everyone since that time has relied on some form of society to exist to produce some of the tools and components of survival. That's why humans have created civilization. So that we could live in a level above cavemen.
I don't think I really agree with a claim that people used to live a short and brutal life. It just does not seem that way when you look at other animals. Sure you could say that anything around the corner could kill and eat you but I think when people use this argument they talk more about diseases and in general just feeling bad. I don't think animals have that. I think we have this feeling only because we assume that whatever we built must be better than how animals live but that neglects all the natural structures that were already there and that we don't understand to this day. There are people living primitive lives to this day, can you honestly say they are worse of than us? That kind of argument assumes a lot of things, but is certainly debatable. Sure they have problems which modern people don't, having worms and other diseases that we don't have to worry about but they are still there, they're surviving, they are having families, they even seem happy. When we say we are better, what on earth are we even saying?
Do we really want self sufficiency or do we want abundance? Self-sustainability and self-sufficiency are overlapping states of being in which a person or an organization needs little or no help from, or interaction with others. Self-sufficiency entails the self being enough (to fulfill needs), and a self-sustaining entity can maintain self-sufficiency indefinitely. These states represent types of personal or collective autonomy.[1] A self-sufficient economy is one that requires little or no trade with the outside world and is called an autarky.
Abundant: Fully sufficient; found in copious supply; in great quantity; overflowing.
Do we want to fulfill and that's it or do we want to over fill? In case something goes wrong do we want to have more than ENOUGH or just enough? If you're talking about just enough then that's sufficient but more than enough is abundance. Most "off grid" idealist want to have redundancy = more than enough such as 3 sources of water, 3 sources of energy etc.
Self sustaining is another of those terms that get into every local, municipal and other unlawful books purporting some fictious mumbo jumbo word salad.
Offgrid means a drop in convenience. If you have a middleclass income, you'll be living low income, with limitations. To live glamping style, middle class with all the suburban conveniences and choices, you need to go in with a high income, or 200,000 + land, minimum and an income to pay running costs.
Thankyou for your thoughtful good video . People need to hear this .
The typical "off-gridder" usually has very high dependence on fossil fuels (propane, diesel, gasoline). The only way it makes sense to generate your own electricity in an off-grid fashion is if you're completing a new build and the capital cost of connecting to the grid is significantly higher than the cost to build an off-grid power system.
this is an interesting and true statement. However on this whole matter I like to thing a little bit outside the box. I do think it is that way only because the system itself demands it to be this way. In other words if it was possible to have something like electricity for yourself that would rival the grid then the grid itself would most likely not allow it. Sure it sounds like a conspiracy but i think it would be naive to not give it at least a thought. I do think there are ways to produce electricity that we simply do not know off and that knowledge of such methods might have been suppressed. I think Tesla is the main candidate for this. Also isn't it odd that we used to have all these great inventions in the past 500 years but now it seems that the only inventions that ever happen only reinforce the already existing technologies rather than provide something new. In my opinion unfortunately it is controlled, I do think human mind is certainly capable of more than what it is producing at the moment and I blame our universities for it. I think the whole process of a university is no longer to produce a free thinking mind but rather a cog that will fit in well to the existing structure. It's a shame.
Off grid just me not connected in to the grid. Its as simple as that depending on what you need
Honestly, didn't think you would make a video like this. And you like Friedman? Impressive!
Freidman was an office theoretician, with literally zero productive skills. Some of his observations were accurate, some of them weren't. He was quite attached to the notion of clean hands management being the naturally superior level of humanity, and never questioned their overvaluing. Unsurprising, and the typical immigrant family sequence. He would be literally most valuable as compost, in an offgrid situation. Think about it. Would you trust him to cook a meal that would be safe to eat? Process food for storage? Process firewood without harming himself? Operate any machinery, or a woodstove? Deadweight dud.
Good vid!! .. Before starting a project I try to think... What's going to need maintenance, can I store those materials ahead of time (will they degrade even in storage), and what's the backup plan if they're too expensive or unavailable... Then design accordingly.
I lived off grid in Ontario for 8yrs,,,if we wanted Internet and our solar didn't have enough sun,,we had to use a small generator,,, very pricey in gas,,,,I appreciate the experience because we grew like a sabbatical,,enjoyed nature. Sadly where I was we didn't have a successful garden due to excess limestone and little soil. I will always bless those yrs of my life
Trudeau's gotta go! # No1
The world has never been off grid. Folks have always relied on at least one other person to get what they need.
A lot of off grid folks have Dick Pernoke(spelling??) as a hero, He lived in the deep remote Alaskan area and he relied on a plane to bring him items that were essential to his survival, twice a year. I believe it may have been his brother was a pilot, not sure.
Lots of archeological proof in the ancient Levant of the Phoniecians sailing to do trade etc etc, some even believe they sailed over to North America.
Sheep are a great animal to have for a Canadian homestead. So many uses with sheep, as you can use the wool as a home insulation in the walls, blankets, clothing, sheep milk and cheeses, meat (easy to butcher because of size)
your common sense is off the charts, you are awesome!!
Great Video, Hello From Niagara Falls Ontario Canada
You need a community
Alaska needs more sweet cabins here and there. nice ones with basements.
Great thoughts and a reality check for some... Communications is alsoa big factor of grid-connectedness... Internet, Cable etc are obvious, but even if the zombie apocalypse comes along and we are back to old school 27Mhz CB radios, repeaters and such... I can't put a comms tower together for mobile, TV, 5G data etc. Same as I can't build and launch a satellite, but for no cost, I can use an app and my bike and create massive virtual line art on the planet using the satellites of the GPS network to track me...
You forgot to mention the bandage grid 🙂
Correction: Justin Trudeau did not build an eight million dollar barn. The NCC (National Capitol Commission built an eight million dollar vehicle garage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The NCC spends money on government property upkeep and upgrades regardless of the prime minister of the day. Was this money well spent? No, it doesn't sound like it at all. But Trudeau didn't waste those dollars.
Around here, in central British Columbia, 'off-grid' simply means having no connection with utility electric power. Only armageddonists use the term to mean dropping entirely out of society. And unless they're going to live in a cave and hunt with a sharp stick they're still participating in the economy.
You’re right. Justin Trudeau hasn’t built a single thing in his entire life. 👍
This is why I want to learn how to make my own mud bricks so I can make my own blacksmith furnace. And buy a property that is high in certain metals that is easy to mine. And build a community around my property of like minded individuals and we all focus on a certain field of expertise. Like I would be the brick maker and blacksmith/smelter. Another family could specialize in lumberjacking, sawmills and carpentry. And so on do on. Also having a beekeeper in the community will be great for making beeswax candles to replace basic lights. So no type of power grid is needed. Off grid is possible to those who wish it.
Personally, I think it became a buzz word/dog whistle people use for clicks by people who don’t know better…just the same way the word “abandoned” or phrase “better than take out” gets thrown around. There was a video I died laughing at that was entitled “we fix up this ABANDONED swimming pool”, or something like that, and it was clearly someone’s concrete swimming pool in their backyard. It wasn’t like they found a pink plastic kiddie pool on the side of the road that flew out of someone’s truck. 😂😂
But yeah, we’re all part of the invisible hand and no one can truly be “off-grid”.
Yes, today's society will generally never be off grid. You can't say it isn't possible. People do do it. They survive with out a pencil lol. My great grandmother had no power cut her firewood with a hand buck saw. Ya your gonna say the bucks was built in a factory lol. Well how far are you gonna go with your terminology. Pioneers hauled stoves, pots pans with them. Explorers hauled gunpowder smelting tools for the lead shot. I guess we could go true native and craft our own tools.
True homesteaders burn wood not propane. Still need gas for chainsaw.
I do now and always will call myself off grid. I'm as close as I will ever get without living with no power.
Our solar system has been running for 10 years with zero problems and I totally see it running another 20 years easily. So I would be saying 5-10 years.
Instead of running away and isolating yourself from society, you might want to integrate and participate in society, thereby helping steer the course of humanity.
I think I do a decent job steering with what I do. ✌️
Nobody uses wood and axes anymore? Throw in some blacksmithing and leatherwork, typical planning for food and water, combine with a good shelter and knowledge of how to use the resources you grow/gather and you can live a simple life. I'm severely lacking the funds for appropriate land, shelter, and the stockpile of ammo I'd need to hold off the seemingly endless regulations disallowing pretty much all of the above.
Really great summary! I came to this conclusion several years ago my cell when I thought it would be so great to live off the grid but then started looking at all the minutiae and details of that. One thing I think that is a really great traditional type of building in the American southwest is Adobe. You can make your own mud bricks with straw etcetera and the thick walls keep things very cool in the summer and warmer in the winter depending on the elevation. Would love to see your pig breed! And are you raising goats for meat and milk or just milk just curious. I think Community semi self-sufficiency is also good. Working with neighbors and bartering and loaning tools Etc
I like you man, You think just like me😂👍. We do what we can. A long term strategy would be more of an off-grid community. Each focusing on some of these issues.👍
It is true, the only way this would be possible is if you have a very dedicated community with a common goal. And you have to simplify everything including your lifestyle, culture, expectations, etc. A relatively good example would be amish people, but even they depend on external factors such as protection from your government and they also do trading with outside as well. You have to all agree to live under extremely strict rules that are very hard to enforce. If something goes down and the political structure fails, you're not gonna last, raiders will come with guns and you wont be able to defend yourself alone anyway. In small communities you might last a little bit, alone you got no chance. This is a massive thinking point for me. Stresses me out thinking about it but what is the right thing to do? That being said I admire your dedication to do what you do, I have thoughts about doing something similar and I came across your channel because I'm interested in greenhouses, maybe one day I will manage to escape the dull life of a city. Unfortunately in my country we have even less freedom and even more threats where one would probably be laughed at for even daring to think about having some sort of a life off the grid.
Going though health changes, am now working on better food options with fewer chemical preservatives and things I can't pronounce, do the canned goods get tossed ... NO!
Nature will probably over time try to sludge up the hole you dug unless you dredge it out every so often. Back to the Stone Age, with Justin Trublow!!!!
I went off grid.... and on to someone else’s lol JK excellent videos with Canadian Prepper by the way
Thanks for the great video
Off-grid living is totally possible....as long as you are willing to live like people lived hundreds of years ago.
Alot of what your talking about is moving from opex to capex.
A single expensive outlay on a passive solar greenhouse vs a small ongoing monthly bill.
You forgot to talk about your aquaponics setup. Otherwise, good job.
True but many lake or woods camps off logging roads have no paved road and no electric. I use 7k Honda generator feeding to 110 15 amps and inverter batteries that charge in a hour. No solar unreliable in Western Maine winter. I also have starlink and well and propane for cooking and heat, with Unique 12 amp Fridge drawing 40 watts. Works good but takes a few years to figure it out. Have septic and 110 washer dryer. About an hour from town via truck or snowmobile.
You can go of grid there’s a thing called have spar parts but you don’t need elictric all you need is a good source and water and fire there’s people that live in the woods in cabins no elictric they have a well and live of the land
Off grid means you produce all your own energy and “cash flow” on your land.
one grid props up another, when one of the major ones like power goes, the rest will fall in time, preppers will just last a few months/years longer than the rest
if it were impossible, we wouldnt be here. think about it. electricity is not all that old. the city folks might be in trouble but most of us country bumpkin deplorables will be ok. Good luck
here in kentucky the average corn yield in this county was about 30-35 bu if u were dedicated cause we did not have fertilizers ..........now its 150 to 200 per acre and in places like iowa its 300 plus bu/acre all because of big equipment and lots of chemicals.
wood gasifier, steel shop, and iron ore mine on the property, doesn't everyone have this?
even people 200 years back that lived in mid west used sod for home ( they need ed shovels. 125 years ago there were not a lot of cattle in the usa because they could not feed through the winter. Haying equip with diesel/gasoline tractors really did not come into vogue till about 1950 when it became possible to feed cattle through the winter ( before that the cattle meat came from southern exposures like texas)
You're off the grid in Prepper Ideology! So many UA-cam Prepper channels give a false impression. You Nailed It!!!
Us Native American Indians were and we are still to this day here on the reservation
Some years back, perhaps almost 20 years now, there was a couple who challenged themselves to eat locally here in BC, they called it The 100 mile diet.
Even though I followed their story and bought the book, I don't recall every detail but they did struggle while learning and came out on top.
You know fire was the first light source, by no means is it obsolete.
So now you know how I got my name Right I am an offgrid wannabe because nobody can be offgrid at least not for long.
Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Many preppers never get to that stage.
We can do our best, but the sooner the electrical grid is reestablished the better.
Milton Friedman pencil a classic and on UA-cam. Worth watching
Off grid doesnt mean not interacting with society or not utilizing a supply chain off of your land.
It literally and only means off the grid. As in not connected to a utility grid. Thats it.
It doesnt have anything to do with self sustainability or independence.
So propane and gas/diesel generators, that grid is okay?
@@ArkopiaUA-cam its not a grid dude.
A supply chain is not a grid.
I dont have to sign up and give people my address and pay a monthly fee and make sure there is an easement for their access to go buy a propane tank.
Great point! Milton Friedman is great!
Very well said,just like tiny houses.
8ft wide is not a living space,shower at a gym,keep beer making supplies,pets ,seasonal clothes at relative's "ridiculously gross oversized" buildings.
A economical small home of 1200sft is actually very efficient, without borrowing other's infrastructure.
I am not a rice lover,but have 50lbs in a bucket for an emergency.
Plywood and other building materials always fluctuate,osb often changes 150% in cost per year.
If you learn to buy on sale (food especially),then sort through your pantry for meal prep is much cheaper than buying weekly full priced items.
There are tradeoffs for time vs money.
Youngest of 8 on a farm,our record was 360 qts of corn in a single day... I now buy most of my corn,but grind wheat for bread since its a larger % cost vs other foods.
Freedman had a lot of common usable sense,but articulated it better than most.
Exactly. Offgid has been romanticized...a dream. When I first got into homesteading I did much research into offgrid and came to the same conclusion. Batteries and panels, which are great, will only last a short time. Looking into the pioneer lifestyle will serve people better. It's a tough go without the grid but certainly easier in the country, if something were to happen. Arkopia smoothies are awesome BTW. I gave some out for Christmas...great stocking stuffers😊
Appreciate it. 👍🙏
This was one of the most honest, thought-provoking videos I have ever watched. Thank you for putting this out there.
As I look forward to moving to an "off grid" property, this just reinforces the reality behind the concept. There's a lot to consider.
Glad to hear it. Thank you. 🙏✌️
I never ever comment. But seriously as I watch this video and I absolutely love your videos. But this video....
You completely miss the point of what off grid means to people. The idea of someone producing their own electricity is because they are NOT tied to a system that is supposed to be regulated but it's not. A power company for instance has been allowed out of control price increases and it never stops. Gas companies, water companies, same thing. Going off grid doesn't mean you do not purchase from commerce the things in which you utilize everyday. But it allows us to go back to a time where government doesn't dictate what we are forced to pay on utilities. It limits their ability to drive our expenses up. Next let talk about that graphite pencil. There are other forms of writing utensils such as ink and a the old fashioned pens they dipped in the ink jar. Not many will do that however there are those who make their own ink and bringing trade back amongst other families will take most of commerce away from the big corporations and again the government on that aspect. You can make your own clothing from hand spun wool or cotton. And yes I know several ppl who do this already. Food is raised and grown as you know. Most farmers who raise and grow sell to others and make their trade that way. Either money or staples. Being off grid is an ideal of removing the chains that we have on the fictional freedom that we possess. It's the fact that we don't have to ask for permission for basic commodities or farming. And as you know most off grid families have actually learned how to make quite a lucrative business off of teaching on UA-cam.
Anyways, I do enjoy your videos a lot. However, this particular one did get me a tad heated. Your comments are a form of mocking. Mocking someone else's desires to live a certain way. And I don't see that as being very supportive.
Didn’t mean to come across that way. In fact, I don’t know why I look “mean” in videos sometimes. Trying to get the idea across (literal brain) I’m trying to put things in perspective and make you think. ✌️
Yes it is possible, first you need money, then all you have to do is buy replacement parts/components/systems. So when something dies, you have a replacement. Thats what the super wealthy do. They have 3 to 5 of the same items/systems in permanent storage for emergency. So while you buy 1 panel and use it they buy 6 panels, use one and place the other 5 in backup storage. They also buy the manufacturing equipment, the raw materials and all the things they need to make those items. There's a youtube channel of a super wealthy prepper who literally has his own spectacularly giant factory, metal works, etc, attached to his luxury bunker. Now imagine what the billionaires have.
I suppose, for the few where money is no object that is doable. 👍
I built my original off grid solar system 26 years ago. Since then I have improved my solar system significantly I have a lot of experience doing this because I have designed and installed many off grid solar systems. There is nothing like electricity when it comes from your own solar panels and batteries. Society is far too fragile if the electrical grid fails.
The first thing I did on my remote property is bring large format solar modules with me and lithium batteries and the first night I slept there when I woke up I plugged in my 1200 W kettle into my inverter and made myself a coffee in the morning.
I really think it would be a great fit for you to have an active solar system since the solar panels are more affordable now than ever before
For sure. I’m doing some solar. Maybe didn’t give that impression. It’s just changing one set of bills for another, for a buffer of resilience. 👍
You are right. Off grid is just another expensive hobby. No different than owning a yacht.
Gives a nice buffer from government and society problems anyways. But ya.
Thank you for explaining this to people, they need to understand, and most do not.
Graffite not lead in a pencil
Its extreme but it does exist.
Charcoal. No need for lead
Off-grid is so overrated
The pencil grid does not use lead. I'm pretty sure that's graphite in there, but you still can't make it. Even the "off grid" mountain men of several centuries ago had to come to town for sugar, salt, ccffee, etc. and had to buy their rifles and traps.
Grandpa used to say “that’ll put lead in your pencil” 😂. But ya, graphite now I think.
Well said
I love your point. I have been shown that years ago and I found it very true.. i believe I can be less dependent under certain circumstances but that's about it. So if you go to wood burning for heating and cooking, and think you are off the grid ... how are you going to harvest the wood. transport it to your home, then prep it for your stove. It takes equipment which will break or wear out.
It’s true. And if the grid goes down as we know it, we will create a new grid. That’s how humans roll. ❤
Another good video. Thank you! Keep it up!
Excellent video
Did you hear the one about the constipated mathematician - he worked it out with a pencil.
😂
THIS IS AMAZING....I don't know why I find this comedic probably because comedy, good comedy is based on truths and the piercing of the everyday concepts, buzz words, and trends that are constantly swirling around us....when exposing them with simple humble truths told in an entertaining way it is worth a thousand times more than gold....now wait!...gold is something I can't produce but I can store it away.... you're having an effect on me Dean you sonuva....
Do you have “seasons” in your greenhouse or can you basically start any crop whenever you want? This would effectively allow you to have fresh produce of any variety all year round without storage/canning requirements.
No seasons, but slows down a fair bit in the winter, less daylight conditions.
You can heat a greenhouse all you want, but in the Northern winter there is no light, so everything stops. Unless you install grow lights, but that requires massive wattage so not feasible.
Works at my latitude. Slows down a bit though for sure.
If you give up almost everything and make enough money selling vegetables locally to pay property Tax then you can go off grid. But no cell phone sucks.
I mean you need to work on grid for 4-8 years first to get your property and likely build your building.
It’s call going off grid because you don’t start off grid unless it was handed down from family.
Passive systems FTW!
true off grid is just living a hunter-gatherer lifestyle away from any grids
Great thoughts
Thanks for the perspective... I am wondering if you would be willing to go further in depth about how you built you house to be as efficient as possible. You mentioned insulation, siding, roofing, windows etc and I have watched your passive solar videos but I am in the process of building out of town myself and want to make sure I apply all your ideas when it comes to your home. I have applied what I can so far but would greatly appreciate what and why you used and things you'd suggest are a "must" as I do what I can while I can. Thank you
Insulation, south glazing, proper shading of windows, thermal mass inside, white/light siding, standing seam heavy guage roof (or other long term permanent roof), R80 insulation in attic. PV direct water heating. Wood stove. Small north windows for summer ventilation. Good air exchanger system. 👍
Thank you! Did you spray foam insulation at all? Batting everywhere? or Blow insulation? Im in zone 6 (upper Wisconsin) They are recommending only R60 max would it pay to do more? Ive currently got it drawn up with a wood stove (any recommendations on brand) that is centralized in the house. Planning to heat the whole house 1700sqft with it, but think it's best to have a back up system. Thoughts on a back up system? And possibly an AC as well. I truly appreciate it, I'm 30 and want to get it done right the first time. thanks again @@ArkopiaUA-cam
I'm trying to be as self-sufficient as I can be at this point in time. A lot of people would call me a 'prepper' but I don't call myself that. To a lot of people 'a prepper' is 'a crazy person who plan on outliving everyone else after the end of the world'. I'm not that! I'm just trying to be as self-sufficient as I can be. And if I can find others who have that goal as well...that be great! We'll start our own grid. If we get enough people we'll have our own complete grid that doesn't need anything from the outside.
But, I think that when most people talk about 'off-grid' they don't mean literally 'you produce everything you need yourself'. Most people would say the Amish are 'off-grid'. But, look how they do their 'off-grid' living! You're building a barn and other members of the community hear about it and just show up and be like 'how can I help?' And, they don't even get paid for it! But, if you're able-bodied you're kind of EXPECTED to help.
So, there's the human grid.
I'm on the fruit of the loom underwear grid.
Me too ✌️🤣
I'm sorry, but you're completely wrong. You can absolutely go 100% off grid. The only question is, how much modern conveniences are you willing to give up? You forget that just a few hundred years ago, before europe invaded every part of the planet, aboriginal people lived just about every part of the world. They lived one with nature, they used only what they could find around them. Some still do. A more recent example is the vast amazonian rainforests. Most of the tribes are gone or "civilized" by now, but it's still possible that some still out there completely untouched by civilization.
So yeah, you wanna go completely off grid? No problem. You gonna have to live like a cavemen, but it's absolutely possible. Not just possible, but don't forget that our ancestors lived that way literally for thousands of years. This modern way of life we're so use to only been about for a blink of an eye when you look at the entire history of our species.
Dude.. I simply read through a lot of the comments to get a pulse of the people.. You instill common sense and Confidence with your straight talk!! I like many others are So Blessed to have you & your beautiful family out there And on the " UA-cam Grid"!!!
Appreciate it. 👊💪🙏
You need to clarify your interpretation of the term “off grid” as opposed to “self sufficient “. Off grid means not relying on normal services, electricity, water and possibly gas. It’s not being a survivor, a la prepper, or growing/ catching all your food. So, like many things in life, it depends what you mean.
Just an FYI for you. The actual working part of a pencil that deposits particles on paper or some other substrate is graphite, not lead.
Seems a bit of a semantic argument if you will; that is, what does "Off Grid" actually mean when used? As it seems to many (most?), the litteral meaning is not being dependent on the typical utilities like, gas, electric, water/sewage and/or communications like phone, satellite, radio, television, cable, cell tower service for example. But off grid as being described here amounts to being totally independent from anybody for anything and everything you need. And then you lump in the notion of having total independence as (main?) part of the "off grid" definition. It is true that no person can get and do absolutely everything on their own... Anyone with common sense knows that. Consider this; before there was ANY of the things I just listed, there was not even a thing called "the grid". And yet people got by as was normal for them at the time without any "grid services" NO LIE! Disappointing when such things get posted with "click bait" titles. Being "Off Grid" may be difficult by our accustomed standards, but not an impossibility or a lie.
what about amish mennonites that don't use electricity if they still exist (I'm assuming they still do)
I think they would be a north american example of being off grid
I'm off grid, propane is for water heat only. going completely is impossible, the goal for us is to be more self-reliant. green house is the next thing to work on.
Off grid just means the power grid, it doesn't extend to other things unless specified. Someone has to make the pencil. If you have oil to make diesel in your backyard making use of it might be a benefit to you far beyond buying some at a gas station. Life serves you lemons, make lemonade.
Thankyou for pointing many points and connections out. The ✏️ does not have "lead" in the middle. It is Graphite. If you don't have 📝, you have to find a replacement. $20 for 18 Kilo Rice? That's cheap. What sort of rice do you have and where is it produced? I wouldn't be buying it. You can pasture chickens and let them feed from large deposits of compost covered with high roofing and open barn sides in winter. The compost produces heat and provides chicken protein.