Energy|Off-Grid 101

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Embracing Freedom: The Compelling Case for Off-Grid Living

In a world dominated by technology and constant connectivity, the idea of living off the grid might sound like a radical departure from the norm. However, there’s a growing movement of individuals and families who are choosing to embrace a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle by disconnecting from the traditional grid. In this blog post, we’ll explore the compelling reasons why you should consider living off the grid.

1. Environmental Stewardship:

Living off the grid is a powerful way to reduce your ecological footprint. By generating your own power through renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines, you can significantly decrease your reliance on fossil fuels. This sustainable approach contributes to a healthier planet, promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

2. Energy Independence:

One of the primary benefits of off-grid living is the freedom it provides from the vulnerabilities of centralized power systems. Dependence on traditional power grids can leave individuals susceptible to outages, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors. By harnessing your own energy, you gain independence and security, ensuring a consistent power supply even in the face of external uncertainties.

3. Financial Freedom:

Living off the grid can also be a financially liberating choice. While the initial investment in renewable energy systems and off-grid infrastructure may seem significant, the long-term savings can be substantial. Once your system is in place, you’ll enjoy reduced or even eliminated utility bills, allowing you to allocate your resources to other aspects of your life, such as education, travel, or pursuing your passions.

4. Connection to Nature:

The hustle and bustle of modern life often lead to a disconnection from the natural world. Off-grid living encourages a return to a more harmonious relationship with nature. With fewer distractions and a focus on sustainable practices, you’ll find time to appreciate the changing seasons, starlit nights, and the simple joys of a life lived closer to the Earth.

5. Self-Sufficiency and Resilience:

Off-grid living fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and resilience. By growing your own food, sourcing your water, and producing your energy, you become less reliant on external systems. This newfound independence not only empowers individuals but also prepares them to face unforeseen challenges, whether they be economic downturns, natural disasters, or other disruptions.

6. Minimalist Living:

The off-grid lifestyle naturally lends itself to minimalism. With limited space and resources, individuals often find that they prioritize what truly matters. This shift towards a more intentional and minimalist existence can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment, as possessions take a back seat to experiences and meaningful connections.

Conclusion:

Living off the grid is a conscious choice that goes beyond simply disconnecting from mainstream society. It’s a commitment to sustainability, independence, and a deeper connection with the environment. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, those who embrace off-grid living often find themselves on a transformative journey towards …

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Thermometer and phone sweat
Energy|Off-Grid 101

Never Charge Your Cellphone 100% (& 9 Other Battery Tips)

Miles from anywhere, your battery powered devices are a lifeline – especially your phone. Apple, Samsung and most other device manufacturers say to avoid letting the temperature of your battery-powered gadgets dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 95 degrees. So make sure you don’t let them freeze overnight. Or get too hot.

Here are some other dos and don’ts for taking care of your precious smartphones.

DON’T: Burn out your battery

You might be abusing your battery, especially if you have a habit of leaving the screen on, shutting down apps or tossing it in your bag on a particularly frigid morning.

Smartphones are designed to keep apps open in the background. Forcibly closing them may satisfy that little part of your brain that wants to keep things neat and tidy, but because it takes more juice to start an app fresh than to wake it up, you’re beating up on your battery every time you do it.
In either case, damage can occur, lowering – in some cases, dramatically – the life of your battery.

Never leave your laptop or mobile device in a hot car or attempt a sub-zero bike ride with your smartphone strapped to the handlebars. If it’s particularly cold outside, keep your phone in a pocket, so it can benefit from the warmth of your body, and conversely, keep electronics out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

2. DO: Charge early and often

Stop with the “all or nothing” thinking when it comes to your smartphone battery. Charging your phone to 100% may seem like a good idea, but if you’re using a high-voltage charger, it can put a strain on your battery. Instead, he said to pull the plug at 80%-90% for optimal usage. Old nickel-based batteries had a memory effect, which meant that if you didn’t charge them from 1-100%, they started to ‘forget’ their maximum capacity. As for the modern-day lithium batteries, the most stress is put on the battery when charging or discharging them fully; both reduce the charging cycles and overall battery life cycle.

Do “more fast top-ups during the day,” versus charging smartphones overnight. Once batteries reach 100%, they will start doing trickle charges, which means that the phone will allow the charge to drop down a little and then recharge to 100%.

Try to keep the battery above 30% or so, letting it discharge occasionally to calibrate the sensors, and you’ll keep your battery healthier longer.

Even the most battery-conscious among us find our phones totally drained from time to time. If you’re on the grid home it’s not a big deal, but what if you’re stuck in an airport terminal or in the desert? To get the absolute fastest charge, toggle on Airplane Mode after plugging it in. Doing so will cut off data connections and should prevent virtually all notifications …

Read More »
Thermometer and phone sweat
Energy|Off-Grid 101

Never Charge Your Cellphone Battery 100% (& 9 Other Tips)

Miles from anywhere, your battery powered devices are a lifeline – especially your phone. Apple, Samsung and most other device manufacturers say to avoid letting the temperature of your battery-powered gadgets dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 95 degrees. So make sure you don’t let them freeze overnight. Or get too hot.

Here are some other dos and don’ts for taking care of your precious smartphones.

DON’T: Burn out your battery

You might be abusing your battery, especially if you have a habit of leaving the screen on, shutting down apps or tossing it in your bag on a particularly frigid morning.

Smartphones are designed to keep apps open in the background. Forcibly closing them may satisfy that little part of your brain that wants to keep things neat and tidy, but because it takes more juice to start an app fresh than to wake it up, you’re beating up on your battery every time you do it.
In either case, damage can occur, lowering – in some cases, dramatically – the life of your battery.

Never leave your laptop or mobile device in a hot car or attempt a sub-zero bike ride with your smartphone strapped to the handlebars. If it’s particularly cold outside, keep your phone in a pocket, so it can benefit from the warmth of your body, and conversely, keep electronics out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

2. DO: Charge early and often

Stop with the “all or nothing” thinking when it comes to your smartphone battery. Charging your phone to 100% may seem like a good idea, but if you’re using a high-voltage charger, it can put a strain on your battery. Instead, he said to pull the plug at 80%-90% for optimal usage. Old nickel-based batteries had a memory effect, which meant that if you didn’t charge them from 1-100%, they started to ‘forget’ their maximum capacity. As for the modern-day lithium batteries, the most stress is put on the battery when charging or discharging them fully; both reduce the charging cycles and overall battery life cycle.

Do “more fast top-ups during the day,” versus charging smartphones overnight. Once batteries reach 100%, they will start doing trickle charges, which means that the phone will allow the charge to drop down a little and then recharge to 100%.

Try to keep the battery above 30% or so, letting it discharge occasionally to calibrate the sensors, and you’ll keep your battery healthier longer.

Even the most battery-conscious among us find our phones totally drained from time to time. If you’re on the grid home it’s not a big deal, but what if you’re stuck in an airport terminal or in the desert? To get the absolute fastest charge, toggle on Airplane Mode after plugging it in. Doing so will cut off data connections and should prevent virtually all notifications …

Read More »
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