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.
It isn't just energy that keeps us tied to the grid. We need to have a source of clean water and a method for dealing with sewage. A septic tank can be installed in your yard to handle the waste. This is an upfront cost and you have to be careful with your tank and provide proper maintenance. Beneath the surface of our yards, there usually is abundant groundwater. This can be tapped into and a groundwater retrieval system can be built at your home. Again, this is expensive, but you won't be taking water from the community sources and it can be an excellent option if you live in a sparsely populated area.
If you are a city dweller or cannot afford the upfront costs of solar power, wind power or a groundwater system, you can still reduce a bit off your overall footprint. Consider creating a carpool with your co-workers or, if possible, walk or ride your bike to work or see if public transportation can work for you. Energy-efficient appliances reduce the strain on the grid, and even unplugging appliances and turning off lights around the house helps. You can drastically reduce your water usage by watering less and at more efficient times of day and opting for plants and grass that require less water in general.
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.
It isn't just energy that keeps us tied to the grid. We need to have a source of clean water and a method for dealing with sewage. A septic tank can be installed in your yard to handle the waste. This is an upfront cost and you have to be careful with your tank and provide proper maintenance. Beneath the surface of our yards, there usually is abundant groundwater. This can be tapped into and a groundwater retrieval system can be built at your home. Again, this is expensive, but you won't be taking water from the community sources and it can be an excellent option if you live in a sparsely populated area.
If you are a city dweller or cannot afford the upfront costs of solar power, wind power or a groundwater system, you can still reduce a bit off your overall footprint. Consider creating a carpool with your co-workers or, if possible, walk or ride your bike to work or see if public transportation can work for you. Energy-efficient appliances reduce the strain on the grid, and even unplugging appliances and turning off lights around the house helps. You can drastically reduce your water usage by watering less and at more efficient times of day and opting for plants and grass that require less water in general.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr enjoys blogging reviews on propane retailers. To get more details about Dayton propane retailers or to discover local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane website now.
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