Living off the Grid

[jeffrey]

At a time when we carry computers in our pockets and our cars practically do the driving for us, a certain subset of people have willingly chosen to cut the cord on modern American life — for good.

Off-the-grid living — that is, using natural resources like sun and wind power to provide amenties like heat and electricity — has become commonplace in places like Terlingua, an isolated community in Southwest Texas. What was once a bustling mining town is now a veritable ghost town, tucked into the foothills of Big Bend National Park in the north Chihuahuan desert.

To Abe Connally, 34, it was the perfect place to go off the map. In 2002, Connally moved to Terlingua, leaving behind a lucrative job as a web designer in Austin, Texas in order to try his hand at rural life...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/family-life-off-the-grid-abe-connally-vela-creations-144054081.html

[disneysteve]

I can't see myself ever doing this but I have often thought about simplifying. If I was single, I would definitely be living a different lifestyle (and saving a lot more money).

[rob62521]

This truly is a lifestyle and I don't believe I could do it. We do, however, like growing some of our own vegetables and herbs so I guess that is a start.

[wjcalderon]

We do, however, like growing some of our own vegetables and herbs so I guess that is a start.

After watching the news about the severe drought in California, growing your own vegetables might be the only way to afford them!

I usually just grow a few vegetables as "supplements", but I think I'll expand my garden this year.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Thanks, I enjoyed the article. Was curious about the photo that shows the child with the edible fungus, but on the instrcuctables.com there is an article from this family showing how to grow oyster mushrooms in a laundry basket.

Like California, Texas has been having drought. I hope this family and others in Texas can get through it well.

wcjalderon, I think that is a good idea to expand your garden....I'll be starting peppers today as they take so long from seed.