It saves us money and is great for the environment, but is living “off-the-grid” really possible? It may seem difficult, but even small efforts, like repurposing materials or switching to energy-efficient appliances, can make a big difference. Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. shares his thoughts:
Q: What does living “off-the-grid” mean?
A: I have always dreamed of living off-the-grid. I’m nowhere near 100 percent, but I keep working on it. It’s a lifelong mission. Living off-the-grid involves breaking free from some of the comforts we have grown accustomed to and becoming self-sufficient. It’s a difficult goal, as we often depend on many types of grids – electric, gas, water, trash, sewer, etc. Ultimately, it means being responsible for everything you consume as well as everything you throw out.
Q: Does living off-the-grid mean you have to lose all the comforts of a home or cabin?
A: No, it doesn’t. I can still give you a cold beverage and a warm shower; I’m just going to do it more efficiently. It’s a three-step process. The first step is conservation – doing everything you can to increase your efficiency by conserving energy and resources. Insulation, windows, lighting, thermostat programming, and composting toilets all reduce your dependency on the grid. Step two is the production of resources through solar power, wind, etc. The final step is management, or making sure your usage and production are in line and manageable.
Q: Isn’t it expensive to get started? Can the average person do it?
A: You have to be realistic and start slow. You don’t just run up Mt. Everest. You get to base camp, get acclimated, and then climb as high as you can. In other words, you do what you can within your means. I have a solar system on my home now, but I didn’t start with that because I couldn’t afford it. I started slow. First, you pick the low hanging fruit, the cheap and easy stuff that gets you payback right away. Recycling, composting, home gardening, energy-efficient lighting, a properly programmed thermostat, public transportation, riding a bike – these are all inexpensive and easy ways to save energy, resources, and money. I also recommend starting with a home energy audit, which will help determine your cabin’s roadmap for resource conservation and energy efficiency. It wasn’t until I was a working actor that I could afford a solar system for my home. This was about 20 years ago, and it has reduced my dependence on the power grid considerably. Now, it powers most of my house and even charges my electric car. This is not only better for the environment, but it also saves me money, which is just as important.
Q: What are some other simple things you can do?
A: Recycling is a great place to start – I call it the ‘gateway drug’ to sustainable living. It puts money back in your pocket from day one. Energy-efficient lighting is another. Almost everyone can afford a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulb, and it pays you back in just a few weeks. Another really easy thing to start with is a rain barrel. Buy one or make your own to collect rainwater, then use that to water your garden. Finally, get a backyard composter for all of your kitchen scraps so you send less waste to the dump. It’ll also give you great soil for your gardens.
Q: What about the cabin?
A: Anything you can do at your home, can be done at your cabin. A perfect example is a composting toilet. With a composting toilet, you can get off the sewage grid, use no water at all, and avoid a septic system. You use it like a normal toilet, and it converts waste into compost.
See Ed at the Lake Home and Cabin Show.
