In a world where most people live within complex urban infrastructures, becoming self-reliant might seem like a pipe dream. After all, living in the city means trading eco-conscious living for dependence on your local government—doesn’t it?
In truth, more and more people are choosing to live off the grid in small ways, even within crowded urban areas. This happens for plenty of reasons, from a desire for green living to the drive to save more money. But how can you make it happen when you don’t have a half-acre to call your own?
If you’re interested in living off the grid, here are a few ways to make it work, even if you live in a city.
- Invest in Solar Panels
There’s a reason solar panels are popping up on rooftops across the country these days. The technology is easy to install on your house or in your yard, and the panels themselves are increasingly affordable. What’s more, they’re a great way to generate your own electricity with little work beyond the initial investment of time and expense.
For off-grid living, look for reputable companies in your area who can do a hassle-free installation, such as this team in Kansas City: https://blueravensolar.com/missouri/solar-panel-installers-kansas-city/.
- Get Your Water Off the Grid
As someone living in an urban area, the best way to get water off the grid is by collecting rainwater. You can order a system online, but it’s also possible to build one yourself, provided you have basic crafting and DIY skills. Combining a rainwater harvesting setup with basic tactics to conserve water can help you cut back your reliance on the city’s pipelines.
- Start Your Own Garden
If you have enough backyard space, you can set up a garden that can contribute to some or even all of your family’s produce needs. Once you’ve spent time creating and starting the garden, maintaining it isn’t difficult, and it allows you to grow the types of foods you like with less reliance on pesticides and herbicides. For the best results, make sure to grow fruits and vegetables that perform well in your climate and season, as these options will require less work to grow.
- Consider Getting Animals
Animals can bring a great deal of value in terms of food, though owning them can be tricky if you’re living off-grid in the city. Egg-producing chickens, however, take up relatively little yard space, and small animals like goats can be a great source of milk and lawn maintenance! Do your research before starting any new livestock project, of course, and don’t forget to plan ahead in terms of building a small coop or shelter on your property.
- Be Prepared to Conserve Food
With a garden and livestock, it’s important to know how to build up a food supply. Tactics like canning vegetables or drying meat can be great ways to process your own foods for the long term, allowing you to enjoy your off-grid life without wasting food you could otherwise eat.
Get Ready to Live Off the Grid
As you can see, eco-conscious living doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for anyone who lives outside of a rural area. Instead, even city-dwellers can live off the grid with a few simple tactics. Whether you adopt one or all of the techniques above, you’ll find that the payoff in terms of both savings and self-reliance can be immense.
Looking for more of the tips you need to make the most of your home and lifestyle? Be sure to check out our other guides for additional insights!