Summary
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Solar power is easier than you think: All the solar components seem confusing but there is a lot available out there to help. You're not going to get it horribly wrong.
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Plants can't grow where there's no soil: The first step is to build up fertile soil, then you can grow plants. Bring in organic matter, use a chicken tractor, do sheet mulching before you plant.
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Water runs downhill: Carrying water is the worst, the literal worst, especially in the winter. Create plumbing as soon as possible. Gravity fed water systems are easier than you think.
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Batteries run out: LED lights are very efficient because they require less electricity. Rechargable head lamps are much better than buying a bunch of batteries that run out.
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Bears like trash: Secure your trash or a bear will want to hang out & move in.
10 Things We Wish We'd Known Before We Went Off Grid
Stuff
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Firewood is a ton of work: It takes about 5 cords of wood to get a small family through the winter and that's a lot of work. Build a rocket mass heater as soon as possible. It is a huge savings of the amount of fire wood that you need.
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Yurts are better at cold weather than they are at hot weather: An insulated yurt is fairly warm in the winter but it also traps hot air in the summer. Install a solar fan to move the hot air out.
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Temporary is longer than you think: If you are setting up a "temporary" situation, make it as comfortable as possible.
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You can do things you didn't know you could do: Accept that you don't know it all, an attitude of learning helps. Just pay attention.
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Many of the things you think you don't know, you really do know: Don't be afraid to get out there and get started. A lot of the things that you need to know to create an alternative lifestyle, you've already got.
Ten Things We Wish We'd Known Before We Went Off Grid
A video by Fouch-o-matic Off Grid