City Living: Can urbanites live off-the-grid?

The other day, someone asked me if I would be willing to live ‘off the grid’. The romantic notion of moving to the backwoods and living off the land started to take shape in my imagination until I realized that it meant leaving my blow dryer and espresso maker behind.

Definitely anyone that is handy and currently living on a 5 acre plot outside the city will find transitioning to ‘off the grid’ a whole lot easier than city folks.

In fact, for city dwellers, the idea of going off the grid, while a nice concept, is not entirely attainable. In many places in Canada it’s not just space limitations it’s the municipal bylaws that are holding us back.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t think about reducing our footprint. There are loads of things that city dwellers can do to start living life ‘less on the grid’.

The experts suggest that living a more sustainable lifestyle is a more about the journey than a destination. And it certainly doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition.

Here are a few ideas for urbanites:

Less is More

As real estate agents, we talk ‘de-cluttering’ to almost all of our sellers. Everyone seems to think they have too much stuff. The trick then is to purchase less in the first place.  For every new acquisition, ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ or ‘What am I prepared to get rid of, to make room for my new purchase?’ Bonus, if you buy less, you’ll have less to de-clutter.

Turn-It-Off

If you aren’t using it, it doesn’t need to be on. Many of us run our household appliances (TV, lights, air conditioners) night and day. Following your hydro bills and mindfully cutting down your power intake by making due-with-less, will not only help the environment but your pocket book.

Home Efficiencies

Many people wrongly believe that off-the-grid homes are cold, dark, shaky and damp. Quite the contrary. Off-grid homes are vastly more efficient: better insulated, more-responsibly heated, more-intelligently-lit, and better designed to take advantage of passive solar energy. Consider having a professional audit done on your home to see where you can gain efficiencies. Even installing a single solar panel is a positive step.

Another option is to consider a Ontario Home Energy Audit.  It appears that the $5,000 renovation grants are no longer available but there are numerous other grants and rebates available through the government of Canada. Keep in mind that these agencies require positive proof that the work was complete, which usually means before and after photos and receipts.

Getting ‘Round Town

As urbanites, we can live beyond our cars. Public transportation, walking even biking are options. Not taking your car requires a little more planning, time and sometimes a creative idea. For example a brisk walk to work could do double-duty as a morning workout.

Gardening

Nothing could be finer than growing your own vegetables. If you’re not a gardener, enticing your neighbour into extending their wonderful garden unto your property might be an option.

Many cities, certainly the City of Burlington has, have created community gardens. There is an application process and a few rules, but an easy way to grow a few vegetables particularly if you are an apartment dweller.

Many urban gardeners have turned their front lawns into ‘wild garden delights’, often a mixture of flowers, plants, herbs and the odd tomato plant.

There’s no debate which is better for the environment. Gardens are not only more attractive, they provide homes for birds, insects and rodents and don’t require the use of an annoying lawnmower.

Save On Water

I’m not advocating ‘shower with a friend’ but there are ways to reduce your water consumption. Start with a rain barrel for watering the garden. Gardening expert Ed Lawrence told CBC listeners that taking a 5 gallon pail into the shower was a great way to collect water and they would be absolutely shocked as to how much water went down the drain.

Working towards a smaller footprint will open your eyes to things that you’ve been taking for granted, and help you understand the concept of consumption. Small changes can have large consequences.

Wanting a smaller footprint, takes time, planning, creativity, but it can also be a whole lot of fun.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.