Someone that lives off grid would be able to provide themselves freedom from regulated utilities such as water, electric, and waste. I think that for someone to be off the grid, they do not need to be 100% self sufficient, but be working their way towards reducing their dependency on these utilities.
“The more we share, the more we have” - Leonard NimoyA Community Pooled Resource is something that benefits a group of people equally. Everyone puts in time, money, effort, or whatever may be required, and then everyone is able to reap the benefits. As off griders, our resources such as waste management or electricity, are usually supplied by ourselves, requiring some time and effort in order to produce. Utilizing a community pooled resource model could possibly be beneficial to number of people. Water is often a difficult utility to provide when living off grid. Rain water collection, gravity fed systems from existing sources, and underground wells all provide viable options for water, but can be difficult to secure as a single off grid homeowner.
Large, community shared cisterns could be useful for storing rain water collected from roofs of homes. This could allow for a greater, more productive pump and filter systems, that could be afforded by splitting costs between the community. The tasks of maintenance and upkeep would also be split among the members of the community, reducing everyones workload. In the same sense, gravity fed water systems from streams and reservoirs could also be utilized in a community pooled resource manner. Underground wells are a more reliable source of water for climates that have less than desirable conditions for water catchment. The drawback of wells though, is the expense of drilling one, if your site isn't already equipped. In a community of off grid dwellers, resources could be pooled in order to afford locating, drilling, installing a pump and maintaining the system. Having a community that could equally contribute, and benefit from this system would allow for more people to be able to go off grid. Megan |
CategoriesAuthorI am a student studying Hospitality Management, with the goal of creating a sustainable dining and entertainment venue. I have always been aware of the environment, and the impact that my choices have on it. I dream of one day living tiny, off grid, allowing myself the freedom that comes with it. Archives |