Living off the grid might sound like an impossible feat, but these days it truly is something one can achieve. Even if you don't remove yourself entirely from the grid, there are definitely ways to reduce your impact on the environment and live in a much greener fashion.
For many of us, our home appliances and heater are powered by electricity, and this definitely can be problematic for the environment. Coal is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of Americans receive their energy using this source. Another 20% receive power from nuclear generating stations, which produces extremely hazardous waste as well. While natural gas produces fewer emissions, this is still a greenhouse gas.
Fortunately, you have other options as a homeowner, and one source of power to consider is propane. Propane is considered a green fuel despite the fact that it is created when you process natural gas or petroleum. Propane-powered cars are common all over the world, and many Americans have propane tanks set up in their yards providing them with a source of heat and energy for their household. The staff at Thrifty Propane can deliver all the propane you need, and if you purchase during the summer or when demand is lower, you can buy all of your propane for an entire year at an extremely low cost per gallon. If you pre-buy certain amounts, Thrifty Propane will even give you a free tank, but you can also lease tanks as well.
Solar panels are another source of energy that many people are installing these days. With solar energy, you will contribute nothing toxic to the environment and reduce your need to use electricity from a utility company entirely. Of course, there is a substantial up-front cost involved with installing these panels, but over time, you definitely will see a savings, and if the grid experiences a power outage, this shouldn't have any effect on you. This is also another advantage with propane, as well.
Beyond power, other utilities such as sewer services and water can be taken off the grid as well. It might surprise you to know that you can hire a well driller to create a system that will extract ground water from your property. This isn't cheap, but can be a great option if you really want off the grid or if you live in a rural area without easy access to water lines. You also can create a system to harness rainwater. A septic tank can be installed to deal with sewage, and while this requires maintenance and there are upfront costs, you can disconnect from local sewer lines.
For those who cannot make these changes, there are still ways to live a little greener. Reduce the amount of time you spend driving by carpooling or uses buses or trains. If you are close enough to work to bike or walk, consider doing this a few times each week. Shop at your local farmer's market and buy foods sourced close to home whenever possible and cook using seasonal ingredients. You can even grow some of your own produce, even if you have a small yard. These are just a few ways that you can live a greener lifestyle.
For many of us, our home appliances and heater are powered by electricity, and this definitely can be problematic for the environment. Coal is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of Americans receive their energy using this source. Another 20% receive power from nuclear generating stations, which produces extremely hazardous waste as well. While natural gas produces fewer emissions, this is still a greenhouse gas.
Fortunately, you have other options as a homeowner, and one source of power to consider is propane. Propane is considered a green fuel despite the fact that it is created when you process natural gas or petroleum. Propane-powered cars are common all over the world, and many Americans have propane tanks set up in their yards providing them with a source of heat and energy for their household. The staff at Thrifty Propane can deliver all the propane you need, and if you purchase during the summer or when demand is lower, you can buy all of your propane for an entire year at an extremely low cost per gallon. If you pre-buy certain amounts, Thrifty Propane will even give you a free tank, but you can also lease tanks as well.
Solar panels are another source of energy that many people are installing these days. With solar energy, you will contribute nothing toxic to the environment and reduce your need to use electricity from a utility company entirely. Of course, there is a substantial up-front cost involved with installing these panels, but over time, you definitely will see a savings, and if the grid experiences a power outage, this shouldn't have any effect on you. This is also another advantage with propane, as well.
Beyond power, other utilities such as sewer services and water can be taken off the grid as well. It might surprise you to know that you can hire a well driller to create a system that will extract ground water from your property. This isn't cheap, but can be a great option if you really want off the grid or if you live in a rural area without easy access to water lines. You also can create a system to harness rainwater. A septic tank can be installed to deal with sewage, and while this requires maintenance and there are upfront costs, you can disconnect from local sewer lines.
For those who cannot make these changes, there are still ways to live a little greener. Reduce the amount of time you spend driving by carpooling or uses buses or trains. If you are close enough to work to bike or walk, consider doing this a few times each week. Shop at your local farmer's market and buy foods sourced close to home whenever possible and cook using seasonal ingredients. You can even grow some of your own produce, even if you have a small yard. These are just a few ways that you can live a greener lifestyle.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr enjoys blogging reviews on propane retailers. To get more information about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please visit the Thrifty Propane website now.