By Chere Di Boscio, founder of Eco Home Magazine
Several years ago, I made the bold decision to walk away from life in the bustling metropolis of London. After founding an ethical lifestyle magazine back in 2013, I realized that while my professional life championed sustainability, my personal habits hadn’t quite caught up.
Sure, I was opting for organic skincare and consciously sourced clothing. But I was still heavily reliant on supermarkets packed with plastic packaging. I lived in a draughty old Victorian conversion, had zero outdoor space, and my basic utilities – water, energy, food – were entirely dependent on external systems. Despite my best intentions, I often caved to consumer culture, buying things I didn’t need just because they were accessible and appealing.
It was clear: a bigger change was needed. When a chance to relocate to rural Peru arose, I took it – and that decision reshaped everything.
Life Now: A New Way of Living
Today, I live in a home designed with sustainability at its core. Built using materials sourced directly from our land – including local stone, adobe, and timber from two necessary tree removals – the house runs independently in several ways. We’re not linked to city sewage systems; instead, we rely on a septic tank. Cooking and hot water are powered by gas tanks (since no pipelines exist here), and one of our showers operates entirely on solar power.
Our vegetable garden supplies the majority of our food. We’ve also begun investing more seriously in solar energy, especially after a lengthy gas shortage caused by political strikes left us in a tricky spot. What I learned about living off grid during that time was invaluable – preparedness and adaptability are everything.
As conversations around political instability and climate change intensify globally, more people are looking to reduce their reliance on centralized infrastructure. Whether motivated by environmental concern or the desire for independence, many are asking: is off grid living right for me?
Here’s what I’ve discovered from my own experience.
1. Energy Efficiency Doesn’t Require Full Disconnection
A major lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t need to disconnect completely from the grid to live more sustainably. In fact, depending on where you live, staying partially connected while incorporating solar or wind power as a backup can be the best of both worlds.
My husband, an architect, reminded me that newer homes are often built with modern environmental standards already in place. And if you’re building from scratch, you can go even further by choosing sustainable materials and top-tier insulation.
Homeowners can also retrofit their existing spaces to be more eco-friendly: solar panels, greywater systems, better insulation, and more. If you’re not especially handy, there are now many architectural and construction firms that specialize in green retrofitting, even in urban settings.
2. Food Independence is Possible – Even in the City
With recent global events triggering concerns about food shortages, growing your own produce has never felt more vital. While I now have the privilege of a large garden, I’ll admit: growing food is a learning curve. I’ve had great success with leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard, but struggled with crops like squash and berries.
That said, you don’t need a farm to be more self-sufficient. Urban gardening is on the rise. Whether you’re using balcony containers, rooftop plots, or community gardens, there are plenty of ways to produce food in the city. Even windowsill herbs or a compact vertical garden can go a long way.
And let’s not forget foraging. What I learned about living off grid includes making use of natural, often-overlooked urban bounty: dandelion greens, nettles, mushrooms, berries, and chestnuts can all supplement your diet – for free.
3. Off Grid Land Is Significantly More Affordable
One clear financial benefit of moving off the grid is the price of land. Properties that aren’t connected to utilities like water or electricity tend to cost much less. After all, infrastructure adds value – and if you don’t need it, you won’t pay for it.
Of course, setting up alternative systems (like solar arrays or water filtration units) comes with upfront costs. But over time, your independence pays off through lower utility bills and freedom from market-driven price surges.
4. Backups Are Essential
If you decide to reduce or eliminate your reliance on grid power, having a backup energy source is essential. While we mostly rely on gas and solar power, we quickly learned during a gas shortage that backup solutions can be lifesaving.
Solar generators are a reliable, eco-friendly choice. They can power your home during outages and are becoming increasingly efficient. But they do require storage space, and in tiny homes, biofuel generators might be more practical.
The bottom line? Regardless of your setup, redundancy is your friend.
5. Be Ready to Learn New Skills
One of the biggest takeaways from what I learned about living off grid is that you need to become more self-reliant – not just in principle, but in practice. If something goes wrong with your water filtration system or solar inverter, and you live remotely, expert help may not be readily available.
That means you need to develop basic maintenance and troubleshooting skills. From plumbing quirks to electrical faults, off-grid living demands a do-it-yourself attitude and a willingness to learn.
6. Check the Legalities First
Before you pack up and move to a patch of wild land, make sure you’ve done your legal homework. Shockingly, in some regions, living fully off grid is restricted or even illegal due to zoning laws and building codes.
Local regulations might limit your ability to harvest rainwater, raise animals, or disconnect from municipal systems. Always research local and national guidelines before making a move, especially if you plan to be self-sufficient.
7. Off Grid Doesn’t Mean Outdated
There’s a widespread myth that going off grid means giving up modern conveniences – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many off-grid homes today are tech-savvy and comfortable. We have internet, smart TVs, and all the essentials.
What I learned about living off grid is that once you're aware of how energy-intensive certain luxuries are, you start to use them more mindfully. A minimalist lifestyle becomes more appealing, not because it’s trendy – but because it makes sense.
So, Is Off Grid Living Right For You?
Choosing to live off grid has been one of the most enlightening decisions I’ve ever made. It’s taught me to value self-sufficiency, minimize waste, and reconnect with natural cycles.
That said, complete independence from utilities isn’t always the most efficient or practical solution. There are solid reasons why shared infrastructure exists – economic, environmental, and logistical. You don’t have to abandon the grid entirely to live a more conscious, eco-friendly life.
What I learned about living off grid is that it’s not just about survival or rebellion – it’s about balance, preparation, and thoughtful choices. Whether you dream of rural solitude or simply want to reduce your carbon footprint in the city, the journey begins with awareness and action.
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