January 20, 2017

Community

What does President Trump mean for off-grid living?

Trump’s politics resonate with those who want to live our American dream. He is selling a promise to ‘make America great again’. Conversely, many feel like they might pack up and move to another country.

 

One voter, Tim Kennedy, claims America will be a dying country if people don’t change their ways. He says off-grid living may be the secret to freedom and a sustainable way of life, that it is the way that we as humans are supposed to live.

 

This is just one man’s view, a staunchly patriotic view at that. It may not be for everyone, as it takes a lot to adapt to, and not everyone has an opportunity to do so. However, there is truth in that we are paying a higher cost in our own personal happiness and wellbeing by subscribing to the confines and regimented expectations of society.

 

Many of those who have been living off-grid for some time, now preparing for life under Trump out of fear and trepidation, are surprised others see it as the ultimate act of patriotism and are preparing for it out of sheer anticipation.

 

Some simply believe that our society is, and has been in a downward spiral since the 2008 global financial crisis, and prefer to live off-grid to escape global threats to modern society such as terrorism, cyber security, and further economic turmoil.

 

In 2014, an estimated 1 million people live off-grid in America, a figure that has steadily risen in the past few decades. Across the UK, there are already thousands of people who have embraced the off-grid movement. There is a certain appeal to this way of life, to be self sufficient and liberated from the chains of a capitalist consumer society, by embracing this low cost, eco-friendly way of life.

 

Generally speaking, much of Trump’s support comes from disenfranchised elements who feel nobody was speaking for them.

 

Does Trump’s America mean that people will embrace this way of living? Certain states ban homes smaller than a few hundred square feet, and some cities welcome these so-called ‘tiny homes’. Trump has spoken about the costliness of renewable solar and wind power; however there is evidence to show that renewable energy in the US is cheaper than it has ever been.

 

For off-gridders preparing for life under Trump, some don’t see his rule as so much of a threat. Rather, they believe that he may not be able to accomplish what he says that he is set out to do, and are simply fed up of politicians and politics in America. It may be this very reason why more people turn to off-grid living.

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Off-Grid, Course, Permaculture, Eco-friendly, ecovillage, Earthaven
Community

Try Out Ecovillage Life

Want to test out living off-grid but don’t want to do it alone? If you have $6000 to spare you can by taking part in the Permaculture and Ecovillage Immersion Experience with the School of Integrated Living (SOIL).

This two month residency running from June 10th to August 11th is less of a course and more of an eco-cultural learning experience.

Located in the ecovillage Earthaven near Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll gain new skills on a wide curriculum. From learning about ecological farming to efficient irrigation techniques and eco-spirituality, there is something for everyone. Most days will begin with a meditation session before getting stuck into the day. There will be unstructured time, but most weeks will cover approximately 50 hours of learning. A Permaculture Design Certification course is also included, which will take place in mid-June.

Earthaven was founded in 1994 and sits in 329 acres of land. A completely off-grid community powered with solar panels and two small hydropower stations. The buildings are made of environmentally friendly materials, usually lumber, with metal roofs for water catchment. Most are passively solar heated and propane burners help to keep them warm during colder months. The huts and residences have either individual or shared solar systems which supply their electricity. Batteries and generators are also charged by the micro hydropower stations for back up supplies. Although most of the residents get around by foot or bike, three solar powered golf carts can also be used.

Course participants will camp on site, with the majority of spots being for two person tents. A tarp covered kitchen with propane burners and a composting toilet are all available for use. Food is also included and most is sourced from the local environment and small farms in the village.

The cost of the course is $6,800 including tuition, food, camping, field trips and the permaculture design certificate. There is a $400 discount if booked before February 10th.

If you don’t want to spend two months at Earthaven but would still like to visit – you can! Workshops and tours are open to the public. Camping is also offered for $15 per adult per night, or $20 for two adults sharing a tent. The camping season runs from March 31st to November 5th.

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