ifansinnott
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8 Simple Ways To Live Off Grid On Less Watts:
How often do you take electricity for granted? If you are like I once was, it happens quite frequently.
Often, I would shut off lights and unplug things when not in use, but I still never really took the time to think about what it would be like to go without power — that is, until I spent more than two weeks after a hurricane in just that situation.
I didn’t like it at first, but after a while, it was kind of nice to read with a lantern by my bed or work hard while the sun was up and relax once it retired. I figured it must have been kind of like how life had been for my great-grandparents at one time. I eventually did get into a routine, and it was at this time that I realized just how much the availability of electricity set the tone of my life.
Just last year I had the amazing opportunity to spend several months off the grid in a very remote location. Although the home I rented had a well-appointed solar system and a back-up generator, there were still some things that I had to “get used to.” It took some time to develop a good working relationship with the solar system, and I prided myself on using the generator as infrequently as possible.
Get Free Electricity — That Works Even During Blackouts!
Of course, the amazing thing about going solar is that you can make your system as large as you desire. For me, though, there was some adventure to working with the system that was in place and having to adjust to the solar power rather than taking power for granted.
8 Simple Ways To Live Off Grid On Less Watts
For example, vacuuming was something that was reserved for days when there was ample sun and backup power. We did quite a few things differently while we learned to live on fewer watts, and our off-grid experience was richer for the thought we had to put into preserving the free power from the sun.
Here are just a few of the changes that we made to our off-grid lives that helped us use less watts:
We never took a shower before the sun was up.
We never took a shower when the sun was down.
We only did laundry between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and only one load per day.
We went to bed early and got up early (this proved to be most productive).
We used battery-operated lanterns and book lights for evening reading.
We unplugged everything — the coffee pot, the toaster, etc. – when not in use.
We rarely used the microwave.
We never left the TV on, and we used it sparingly.
I think the nicest thing about living on fewer watts is just the lifestyle that it dictates. You become much closer to nature and the rising and setting of the sun and much more aware of your surroundings. The changes that we made did not come naturally, and it did take time to grow accustomed to them. But after a month or so, we were in a pretty good routine and had more than enough power for our day
I am convinced that the time living fully off-grid made me a more resourceful person, and I am anxiously awaiting another opportunity to leave the grid behind again!
How Captain America Convinced Me Not to Vote for Trump:
I have to admit that I have never been a comic book fan. Super heroes with flat abs, bulked muscles, extraordinary abilities and figure-shaping costumes were not something I grew up with. So when my husband dragged me to watch the latest Marvel film, "Captain America: Civil War," I had planned to take a two-hour nap in the darkness on one of those plushy comfortable chairs in the theater.
But I didn't. The plot and the main character - Captain America - kept me engaged the whole time.
If you haven't seen the movie, here is the spoiler alert. The basic plot of the movie is that the U.S. government, tired of the number of civilian casualties and property destruction that the Avengers had left behind after their do-good missions, urged/convinced the Avengers to sign the Sokovia Accords, which would place them under the control of the United Nations. Some of the Avengers, led by Tony Stark/Iron Man, believed that having the UN oversight was a good idea and quickly signed their names. But another group of Avengers, led by Steve Rogers/Captain America, refused to sign their names because of the concern that they might lose their autonomy to do what they believed to be right and act accordingly whenever necessary. Thus, a civil war inevitably broke out between the two factions of Avengers. I won't spill any more details. But anyone who hasn't seen this movie yet should go to a theater now.
The plot resonated with me perhaps because it mimics the current state of struggle within the Republican Party about whether to support Trump as the Party's presidential nominee; whether every Republican is obliged to a unified party; whether we should jump on the Trump train in order to defeat Hillary even if we feel Trump doesn't represent our values and stand for our principles.
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The Justice League of America. Helpful hints for the Ca... - 
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