Home & Garden...

Eventually I want to live off-grid. Off-grid, while not a perfect term, is what usually describes a home that's not powered by a utility grid. Off-grid is deceptive, because people sometimes think that off-grid equals out in the middle of no-where, cut off from society, hippie-like homes. That's not true. You can live on grid, say in a traditional neighborhood, and still live off-grid, so long as you're using an alternative energy source.

Also, not all off-grid homes are crunchy granola style; true, mine likely would be, but that's just me. I've seen off-grid homes that are designed just like the classic, traditionally built homes you might see on a T.V. sitcom.

Off-grid is more about method than style. Produce your own energy using solar or wind power, and you can call yourself off-grid. There are variables on the term that run in-between as well.

In any case, if off-grid living is your ideal gig, there are more ways to save resources than with simply alternative energy alone. Check out these 25 cool off-grid tools, activities, and ideas that can help you to live better, while using less energy and traditional commercial resources.

1. Wood burning cook stove

2. Manual lawn mower

3. Small kitchen or outside compost bins

4. Bat homes

5. Let it Rot - The Gardener's Guide to Composting

6. Food storage solutions

7. Grain, bean, and nut grinder

8. Organic garden seeds

9. Sundial

10. Wood fired hot tub

11. PANtrie

12. The Eagle Stove

13. Foot powered sewing machine

14. Composting toilet

15. Honey

16. Spin that wool

17. Make your own veggie and fruit dyes

18. Root cellar know-how

19. Reused home materials

20. How to prepare your home for winter & emergencies

21. Rotary sweeper

22. Solar heated chicken coop

23. Homemade candles

24. Back to Basics

25. A good place to learn more and ask questions

Have fun!