From Guest Blogger Bekki Ramsay: Four Simple, Sustainable Ways to Start Living ‘Off-Grid’ in the City

Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of living an inner-city life?

If so, you may have considered going ‘off-grid’. This self-sufficient lifestyle disconnects you from the electricity grid, water supply and gas mains, whilst allowing you to live a more cost-effective, and eco-lifestyle. There are 75,000 Brits who are choosing this way of life.

While becoming completely self-sufficient isn’t an option for many people, the dream of a less stressful life is alluring.

To help, Insulation Express have uncovered how to get the ‘off-grid’ lifestyle whilst living in a city.

4 Simple Steps to Switching to an ‘Off-grid Lifestyle’

1. Instead of relying on electricity, install solar panels. With government grants and incentives, the installation fee can also be minimal and will cut down your utility bills.
2. Switch your gas system to a wood-burning stove. This will reduce particle emissions by 90%.
3. Remove your broadband and instead rely on the free Wi-Fi available in coffee shops and public places. We’re so used to being “connected” every day but by switching off sometimes, this allows you to be more mindful of your surroundings.
4. Consider water-saving techniques such as shorter showers and ordering a free water-saving kit from your local water authority. This gives back to the environment and is a cost-cutting technique.

‘Off-Grid’ Helps Maintain Your Mental Health

Living off-grid can also have benefits for your mental health. A daily routine that is hectic and stressful with countless demands on your time and energy can increase the sense of anxiety.

At any one time, it’s estimated that more than 300 million people have depression, according to the World Health Organisation– that’s about 4% of the world’s population. Although depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors, research from Mind has shown that “ecotherapy” offers benefits to mental health and wellbeing.

Also known as green therapy, this includes things like gardening, growing your own food and environmental conservation work. These are all elements of an off-grid lifestyle that can be fused into your own style of living.

While living off-grid can look daunting, there are a lot of benefits that can be incorporated into the modern day world. Despite technology often being seen as the enemy of this style of living, it’s actually making it a lot easier, with many gadgets and initiatives helping people to recycle, save waste and live a more economical and sustainable life. With so many benefits and multiple ways to get started, why not read Insulation Express’ beginners guide to living ‘off-grid’ in the city.