The concept of off-grid living is often encumbered by numerous false assumptions and associations. Many think that to delve into the lifestyle you must be either a grizzled anti-social mountain man, a pompous starry-eyed hippie, or, a criminal on the lam. The spectrum of characterizations range from “kooky” bunker building militia members to spoiled Al Gore worshipping vegan hipsters out to prove they are better than everyone else by reducing their “carbon footprint”. The point is, for the average television-fed American, the idea of off-grid life automatically conjures visions of the extreme.
I believe this reaction is due in large part to our society’s obsession with feeling “connected”. Ever challenge a friend or family member to go without touching their cell phone for a day? Ever ask them to shut off their TV and see if they can find other ways to occupy themselves? Ever ask them to leave modern conveniences behind, if only for a weekend, to take part in some simple camping? I can say that in my own experience, nine out of ten people will stare at you pale faced like you just kicked them square in the loins. For them, leaving behind the buzz of our make-believe culture is the same as stepping outside of time, or abandoning one’s very identity. The whole suggestion is alien.
Luckily, here in Montana, I’ve encountered far hardier souls than in most other places, and the pursuit of an existence disconnected from dependence on the system is not treated as quite so outlandish. In fact, many here have taken the leap into self-sufficiency and gone 100% off-grid. I was lucky enough to meet one of these pioneers recently, and take a tour of his farm, but what interested me most about him were his origins, which were rooted about as far away from his current environment as you can get…
Rich Scheben was once a highly respected sales associate in the world of big-pharma, who had spent much of his life in the urban landscape of New York. He received accolades for his performance working within titanic companies like Merck and Glaxo, but his dream had always been to pursue a career in forestry. Despite having a degree in the field as well as a long history participating in wilderness sports, he soon discovered that affirmative action quotas within state and federal institutions were stringent. His applications were passed up time and again while others with little to no experience or training were hired immediately because of their politically designated victim-status. The corporate world too was rife with people who climbed upwards on the efforts of more worthy employees, or who were given positions of prominence based on their willingness to schmooze with management, rather than work hard.
Finally, when Rich noticed troubling health difficulties creeping up on him, a fateful doctor’s visit revealed severe damage in his spinal column. The company immediately found out, and sidelined him.
These circumstances led Rich not only to question the structure and meaning of his efforts within the circus-like corporate framework, but to also question the structure and meaning of modern America. Today, he is an avid supporter of the Liberty Movement, a devout Constitutionalist, decidedly anti-corporate oligarchy, and even anti-big pharma. His day-to-day financial existence is built upon savings, sound money, and living below his means. His health habits have taken a 180 degree turn, and he is now subsisting on largely organic and home grown diet. Everything has changed.
Rich Scheben holding a bull trout caught in his backyard
In a beautiful corner of Northwest Montana, Mr. Scheben found a sizable plot of land to begin his off-grid adventure. He recommends varied terrain, rather than flat. The more rough the terrain, the more resources are generally available, and the more privacy you are usually afforded. With hills, valleys, gorges, and even a river, Scheben has an incredible array of land types at his disposal.
The main cabin is a straightforward structure without a lot of the elaborate design often seen in average suburban McMansions. Electricity is provided by a small solar array and a minimal battery bank. I have always said that it does not take much in terms of solar power in order to adequately supply an off-grid retreat or farm, and Rich’s system is a perfect example. With only four deep-cycle batteries charging on a minimal array, Rich is able to fulfill all his electricity needs.
The cabin itself is heated by a single wood stove, which is fueled by cords of wood from timber growing on Scheben’s land. Water is supplied by a well and pump, which is then hoisted to a large tank on the second floor. The tank uses gravity to feed the faucets on the first floor below. Bathroom cleaning is handled in a number of ways. Hot showers can be had using a solar shower filled and placed near the wood stove to warm. Water can be heated and poured into the bathtub. Relieving one’s self is handled in a good old fashioned out-house.
Scheben's wood stove, which adequately heats his entire cabin
Though Rich still stocks bulk foods from town, his farm is completely capable of providing enough food that he would never have to leave if he so desired. His garden area is not immense, and can easily be worked by hand. In fact, it does not take much space at all to grow more than enough produce for a family if needed, and Scheben’s lifestyle proves that if every landowner used a corner of his yard for a garden, centralized farming and food production would disappear. Livestock rounds out the food necessities of Schebens farm, including chickens for meat and eggs, goats for milk and cheese, turkeys, etc. With land surrounded by Montana wilderness, wild game is abundant, and there is little to no chance of Scheben ever going hungry.
Scheben's homemade greenhouse with bathtub for summer bathing
Wild elk roaming through Scheben's property
One issue that is constantly raised when discussing Off-Grid living is that of cost. The problem is that so many people only consider the initial expenditures involved when diving into this new life, but never take into account the extreme SAVINGS involved after they have settled in. Scheben’s daily costs are next to nothing. His land provides nearly every essential imaginable, and the financial drain after setting up shop is minute in comparison to the average suburbanite. This is what preppers in the Liberty Movement need to understand when uncertain about the Off-Grid strategy. Ultimately, it is about providing for yourself for next to nothing what you once had to pay out the nose for!
Going off-grid also does not necessarily mean abandoning technology, and I was glad to see that Scheben felt the same way. He uses LED’s, not hurricane lanterns. He surfs the internet and keeps up with news events, instead of isolating himself in the backwoods from the concerns of the world. He rides ATV’s back and forth across his land, not horses (though horses are great if you can keep them). There is a serious misconception out there that going off-grid or living through a collapse will automatically necessitate a return to a pre-industrial 18th century type of existence. This is simply not so. The technological advances of today should be mixed and melded with the agricultural skills of yesterday. Neither should be hastily cast aside if we are to find balance once again in our culture.
In light of our current chaotic economic situation, as well as the potential for social breakdown, energy crisis, hyperinflation, freight disruption, and global war, the off-grid life is not just a hobby, but a valuable form of insurance. There may come a day when, whether we like it or not, we will all be forced to survive off-grid. Some will be prepared with the expertise required to make it work. Some will have at least a practical understanding of the methods and philosophies that drive decentralized and independent living. Others will not.
Frankly, if a former New York big-pharma salesman like Rich Scheben is able to wake up to the social catastrophe looming in our country’s future, and the extraordinary significance inherent in off-grid knowledge, then anyone can, and the dismissive excuses I hear so often from those who can’t wrap their heads around the importance of this step in the realm of survival, now tend to ring lazy and hollow…
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written by Brandon Smith , February 14, 2012
@Dan
Actually, Rich came here with enough money to purchase his land, and that's about it. He lived in a small trailer and built everything you see in the pictures. I've been in his house and yes, he heats the entire building with that stove, very comfortably.
If you live off-grid as well, then why don't you write an article telling us how it's done, rather than pissing and moaning about another guy who may or may not have more money than you. It's pretty pathetic.
written by Karen Taylor , February 14, 2012
Rich was in a big money makiing business. Land is not cheap in Montana or anywhere for that matter. I would LOVE to move there and build a place and live off the grid..but it takes money to do it! We live in a $40,000 repo home, make about $26,000 a year. There is NO way we could do it! I see what is coming to our nation, and I would love to move somewhere "safer"..but you still have to have money to do it! with NO savings and very little wo work with, I don't see how someone like me can do it!
written by Marko , February 14, 2012
If you're off grid, does that mean you don't have to pay property tax? I read that if your property is private and you own the title you don't have to pay property tax as long as you don't have a contract to pay. But in a land where the government violates your rights every day with the barrel of a gun, where can you go to be truly off the grid??
written by Brandon Smith , February 14, 2012
@Karen
Its possible if you find some trustworthy people to purchase a parcel with you. But yes, it still costs money. I am amazed at how many preppers out there do not understand that buying land is an investment, and every investment worth anything is going to take capital.
I actually hear complaints from preppers making near minimum wage that its not fair for these "rich guys" to be able to afford their off-grid setup.
Really? Are we all turning communist?
If they couldn't afford a land parcel when the economy was good, then how in the world can they fantasize about it when the economy is in crisis? Its truly bewildering...
written by Sam Turner , February 14, 2012
Karen, You and (your husband/fam.) find somebody like me and team up. Many are in the same boat as us. It's about priorities, like my years+ worth of food and no place to build a under ground home. Mt. Rainier Wa.
written by pastor craig , February 14, 2012
I am about off grid, could make the change by forece anytime . Work pt, make enough to survive, $600 am mnth! Preach, travle for the Lord Jesus. It has taken a few years, have grains for a few months, coffee, oats, , my own seeds from the garden! A lot of my time is in chores to keep fire going, splitting wood, already starter plants for early spring. All cold winter I have had a few plants in the house. Parsley, celery growing, garlic, .My point is, life is not free, neither is knowing Jesus. It will cost you your friends, comforts of the world. Time tp seek HIM. I look to the eternal life, soon this life will be past. Only what is in Christ will last.My friends change as they want or do want to seek the Lord. I have learned to live with that. I will fight this fight of faith, all it rerquires here , with any willing to fight the fight. Most think this life is free, God owes you. The important thing is , does that HE owns you!? And with that, only those who take the time too seek Jesus are ready for what is about to happen and the harvest of souls coming from the troubles, the persecution and martyr deaths about to flood the usa and the world.
written by Debbi and Jim in Wisconsin , February 14, 2012
That was an interesting article! We have the same cook stove and yes it does heat our entire home. We built our home little at a time because we did not want to borrow much money. My husband is a contrctor so we were able to build a very nice half log home, 2700 sq. feet on 19 acres of land and swamp. We lived in a garage with no running water for 10 years and have been off grid since 1993. Raised our four children, homeschooled, if we were public school we would have been turned in for not providing running water--but no one knew. We are back off a side road by 1/4 mile. We have solar, wind and generator back-up. We put up 400+ jars of food yearly when kids were home but now just hubby and me we do good with 200+. We have a trout stream wandering next to our property, raise milk and meat goats, chickens, pigs in summer, and rabbits. We love our life and as we are getting older we are also getting a little slower. When we talk to people they are amazed we have all the conviences, computer, internet, direct tv, etc. except no microwave or clothes dryer-our dryer is wind and solar run (fresh air and sun). Lots to talk about but must get back to work. Thanks for the article.
written by Artemus , February 14, 2012
Have known Rich for several years and he is a remarkable self-made mountain man. He lives frugally and spends very little on food, clothing and heat, due to 12-inch logs which contain heat quite well. In fact, he usually stops feeding the Amish cook stove at dark, otherwise the home would be too warm for sleep in the loft. Rich taught me to catch spawning salmon and I caught the limit each day in the river. Might have some for dinner tonight. Finally, Rich is a sharing gentleman who graciously teaches anyone who wants to learn about off-grid living and producing all the nutritious food you need.
written by PioneerWife , February 14, 2012
A lot of people think they can't have something like Rich has, but if you have the time and the wherewithal to do it, it doesn't cost that much. A $40,000 repo? You could have had a beautiful log home for not much more, many can be had weather-tight for less than $100,000. Don't believe me? Here's one: http://www.coventryloghomes.co...ail/id,30/
I saw nothing in these pics that looked fancy and store-bought. A homemade green house out of PVC and plastic? Homemade curtains in the windows? These things cost more time than they do money. If you can't spend the money, spend the time. Jim and Debbie said it best in the above comment.
written by David Chu , February 14, 2012
What people are missing is the ability to grow their own fuel . . .
liquidenergyoasis.com
written by Fred F , February 14, 2012
So this guy - who was a govt certified drug dealer never questioned his job or his life UNTIL they threw him under the bus and he was FORCED to change. He built a 'cabin' that looks huge to me - and BTW I have built a cabin by hand myself with jeep and a chainsaw - and it sure as hell didnt look like that mini log McMansion.
Granted the guy may be a cool dude, and he's a friend of yours - as an example of howto, not so much. Howto steps : rip people off for years selling drugs and when corp america finds you are no longer useful, you take your bankroll and head for the woods.
Nah, not so ethical not so cool - just another Boomer who worked the system to get 'his' share then used it to bid up land and property that they rest of us will never afford until the whole system collapses and then it will be too late.
It's an envious place, but what he did to get there - sell his soul and ruin his health - not really a guy to emulate IMO - especially compared to people who did it the hard way.
Not what you wanted to hear I'm sure - but I've met lots and lots of people who did this the hard way without selling their souls to do it and articles like this pumping up people like this are misleading at best.
written by Brandon Smith , February 14, 2012
@Fred
The transparent jealousy in some of these comments is absurdly sad. I find it interesting that certain preppers (or half-assed preppers) are willing to take on such a childish attitude. Its like the whiny pre-teen who complains to his parents that the next door neighbor kid has better toys than he does.
First off, I'm not sure how the size of Rich's cabin has anything to do with anything.
Second, it doesn't matter how the guy woke up to the problems of the field he worked in, or the problems of the country. The fact is, he did.
Anyone who claims they have never worked for an evil corporation or bought their products is a liar.
I think Rich is a perfect example of someone who was deeply entrenched in the illusory American dream, and broke free. Frankly, it takes a lot of guts to walk away from it all and change one's life and one's world view completely.
The money is not the point. We have all made money from unseemly sources, including you, Fred. The point is to change how you live so that you no longer have to. Don't be a hypocrite.
written by flatbilly , February 14, 2012
Being a grizzled, antisocial mountain man, as well as a native Montanan and living off grid, I'm gonna put my .02frn in.
I have great respect for what this guy has done. The complaints that I have seen so far seem to focus on how this guy made a living in the past, not on how he is living now. It takes a lot of planning and a lot of drive to put in the work to do something like this. Money won't do it alone. If you don't have the drive to make more than 26,000 a year, you certainly wont make it off-grid. It is not a 40 hour a week job with paid holidays and 25 hours a week of TV time. It is work for real.
I don't care where someone moves here from, I don't even care what they do when they get here as long as they don't make themselves a pain in the ass. This guy troubles me not at all.
written by illyia , February 14, 2012
You said two things that bothered me, Brandon - because I think we excuse the advertising medium within which we are swimming. We have been sold a bill of goods (down the stream)...
You said:
and
I believe that this is why we do not hear more about self-sustainability as a personal resource/economic driver. I also believe this is why we see so little effort at supplying energy through wind and easy solar (thinking roof tiles here). And, I think I know the reason - cynical as it may appear:
Revenue stream. The securitization model providing middle-exec jobs and ongoing revenues meaning 30% of GDP being Financial Services. And, controlled tax revenues: Revenue Stream, again!
Where is the revenue stream for the securities and taxes in the sustainability movement? Eh? (this is a rhetorical question)
Loved the article
written by illyia , February 14, 2012
Obviously, copy and paste is a problem...
I believe this reaction is due to our society's obsession with feeling "connected."
and
that is every landowner used a corner of his yard for a garden, centralized farming and food production would disappear.
written by Brandon Smith , February 14, 2012
@Illyia
I'm not sure exactly what you are trying to say...
Are you saying that off-grid living is not viable, or that it is?
Are you saying that off-grid living must become a revenue producing endeavor in order to be viable?
Please clarify.
written by theron , February 14, 2012
I'm counting up the growing beds in his greenhouse. Looks like 4 beds or so in the Quonset Hut shaped greenhouse. And then he's got another greenhouse.
If romaine lettuce and most crops take 2 months to mature, and say 5 days per head to use up, I guess I should have about 20 of each going all the time, planted 5 days apart. That can be done in let's say 25 square feet.
Holy Smoke! That's only one 5X5 grow bed! So figure, I dunno, 10 vegetables and 10 beds. Plus I want to do the fish farming. From what I've seen others do, that might be more food than one guy needs.
If I can eat free organic vegetables by obtaining TEN BOXES OF DIRT, I think I can take the time to get friendly with someone who has land. And if things are going to get hairy, people will be happy to have known, friendly faces around them, so long as the faces feed themselves.
Or, if I want the security of more resources, then I need 4 other guys to have 5 times the money. If land is going for $2K per acre, 5 guys can make the payments on $10K, for 1 acre each. And by the time we build 5 greenhouses, we're going to be so quick at it that people will hire us. We can then earn cash and barter for our produce and our labor.
It is very surprising to me that I am trying to figure out how to do this. But among other things, I am looking at Mr. Scheben's photograph and contemplating that in the event of serious economic difficulties, he is far less likely to kill me for meat than are my present neighbors.
written by John G. , February 14, 2012
Great setup that Rich. Wow, that is awesome, to have a running stream and nice greenery on those hills. Much nicer than my ranch in northern Arizona.
Alternative to outhouse -- I have composting toilets; they work great, but are expensive and a bit cumbersome (you have to step up, turn around, then sit down). But, if I could do it over again, I would use a 'collection system,' and compost the collection. 'The Humanure Handbook' lays out how to compost human waste, and the author and his family have done it for over 25 years. He sells a simple collection system here: http://humanurehandbook.com/st...oilet.html
Stepping out to do business in the outhouse in the dead of winter in Montana sounds like no fun!
Great work, Rich; congratulations!
written by the minnesota connection , February 14, 2012
"Second, it doesn't matter how the guy woke up to the problems of the field he worked in, or the problems of the country. The fact is, he did."
"Anyone who claims they have never worked for an evil corporation or bought their products is a liar."
I couldn't have said it any better Sir Brandon.
I spent almost half my life destroying my life and the people's live's around me before I finally "woke up" to discover the ruins that I had left behind. But it doesn't matter anymore. What matters is today.
Some of us take a lot longer to wake up than others, but it doesn't matter just as long as we wake up. I fought my wife and children for years just to keep a computer out of our home (fear driven issue) but finally relented, bought one, and learned how to use it. I never realized how ignorant I was about our country and the world around us until then. I am not proud of that but today I use that fact to continue to educate myself and to also set personal goals. One of those goals happens to be exactly what this article is about. I am not that young anymore but I know that I will accomplish this someday as I already have the land bought and the plans drawn. There's no better place to find that peace and serenity than in an area such as shown above. I will not give up on my dreams!!!
p.s. Fred, the glass is half full my friend.
written by http://journeymanjack.com/ , February 15, 2012
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written by Duked , February 15, 2012
It would be great to be able to afford anything like that. I live in the Caribbean on a small island. If you need something you have to import. the government Customs and duts here are very corrupt and dutys often reach to over 300% of what the item costs. (The country is called St Vincent) You can't just go to the store and buy everything! Food prices are also often 300% more than in the US. Not to mention that earnings are much less than in the US. A cashier earns about $280. a month!!! An agricultural worker earns about 12.$ a day. I pay about 300.$ a month rent.
The one thing good is that it is possible to grow crops all year round. No heating bills. Fresh clean water.....I just wish I could get the money to build! We put all earnings into getting a piece of land.
written by f , February 15, 2012
If you think you can't go off grid in the city google them. It is mind blowing what collective endeavor can accomplish!! These 25 or so suburban families sold their homes and moved into an area that had such urban blight the city continues to give them abandonned homes, lots and even a school! Check out their videos on how to build methane biodigestor or how to set up an aquaponic system, all out of stuff you can find for free or at a low cost. You don't have to make much of an investment when you band together with like minded individuals!
written by CARY G DEAN , February 15, 2012
This is all very commendable and yes it look's like a very expensive retreat but the trouble with setting yourself up like this is you put yourself right in the crosshairs of the NWO geeks who want to take you off the map when all this crap starts going down, he is making it far too easy for them, best to hunker down right in the middle of the urban jungle nightmare with thousands of other people around and yes I'm sure these nutters will nuke cities to take out one person that they don't like but that will be the last thing they do, this place will be first to go with a mini nuke the type that bought down the twin towers 1O years ago we'v left it way too long to do anything about it they'v had a decade to get the next false flag in place and the right year lets just get on with WW3 let the dust settle and see who's left standing, way more important to get yourself ready MIND-BODY-AND SOUL great project all the same good luck too us all and GOD help us.
written by theron , February 15, 2012
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MEE7f3PFeE
I've seen this done and it works. And look at all those people building the equivalent of an early science-fiction era "BioDome" or suchlike.
This is the sort of thing I will show up to work at for 10 or 12 hours a day. I would do it just to feel healthy. I would do it just so the kids could see it and get used to it. To know that my work left something tangible behind.
And even better reasons to do it would be to feed some machinists, medical and healing people, some craftsmen, and let them do their thing. So we can have factories, and resume the technological development that was shipped out of here. Edison and Ford were the sources of that, not "capital" or corporations. Look at those people harvesting the fish crap to feed their plants.
New York's activities are 90% stupid makework. Getting worthless pieces of paper and cheap metals and living on cat food when you go on Social Security. There are some great people here but this place is the incarnation of form over function, in which the final form isn't even appealing. (And everyone splits, like we're doing!)
written by Jarhead , February 15, 2012
For Christians, whatever we have is what we have earned and what God has given us. Some are given much and some very little in material goods. What counts is where we go when all this is over. In the mean time be satisfied with what you have, don't envy others material means, live your live in conformity with God's laws and at the moment:
Stock up on all the food you can, pray to God and keep your ammo dry.
written by Toni Reita , February 15, 2012
There are all levels of off grid.
In this area, some people spend years building their property, by then it's probably time to remodel. Some live in barns, Tipis or shops for a few years while they break ground on their permanent home.
Others have the cash to build their creations right away, Does it really matter how it's done?
There is productive land all over the US where this lifestyle is possible. There can be a steep learning curve, but never a dull moment.
We've been off grid with solar/wind/generator since 1999, however, aren't nearly as industrious to prepare vast stores of food as some of the readers are. Everyone has their priorities and there is no wrong way of building a lifestyle that pleases you.
Here's an example of what log home living off grid can look like:
http://www.natural-health-home-remedies.com/log-home.html
Dream change, we're passing this dream on to someone else for less than replacement cost.
written by Braedalbane , February 15, 2012
"What people are missing is the ability to grow their own fuel . . .written by David Chu , February 14, 2012
What people are missing is the ability to grow their own fuel . . .liquidenergyoasis.com"
I've been spreading your word wherever I could. I still think it's a great idea. Why don't you write up a report on your progress down there in beautiful Patagonia?
Breck
written by Braedalbane , February 15, 2012
crosshairs of the N.W.O.
written by CARY G DEAN , February 15, 2012
"This is all very commendable and yes it look's like a very expensive retreat but the trouble with setting yourself up like this is you put yourself right in the crosshairs of the NWO geeks who want to take you off the map when all this crap starts going down, he is making it far too easy for them, best to hunker down right in the middle of the urban jungle nightmare with thousands of other people around and yes I'm sure these nutters will nuke cities to take out one person [snip]"
I couldn't disagree with you more. Putting yourself smack dab in the middle of thousands wil be dangerous. Survival resources have to be apportioned out and when there are so many people per any systems ability to sustain same, a shortfall will occur pretty damned quick!
I don't see this Montana fellow being in the crosshairs of the NWO. Why would they care about someone like him? He's minding his own business. I don't believe they are going to go around and look for prepared individuals just so they can whack 'em. They will have much bigger and dumber fish to fry.
written by Chhuckk , February 15, 2012
Beautiful dream. Guard it with your life. Your enemy: Agenda 21. The UN wants to herd people into commie-style city apartments, calling them "sustainable". They want to drive the real sustainable folks like Rich from their land -- because they don't like the "freedoms"? Fight Agenda 21 now, across the globe.
written by Patrick Kyle , February 16, 2012
Brandon,
I am interested to hear more from Rich about how he accomplished all this, and the various financial, strategic, and logistical considerations that need to be taken into account. He has accomplished quite a bit. Maybe a follow up post or have him write a guest post?
Keep up the great work.
written by Kat , February 16, 2012
Wonderful write up! We own property that's been in the family for a long time, and are unable to live in the old farm house without serious and financially strapping renovations, but the main house is sound and fixable to the point where we'd have shelter and the warmth of two wood stoves. We have been preparing for decades, but now ironically, the tables have turned. I'm on dialysis. Living off the grid can be done, but dialysis puts me at a disadvantage when speaking longevity. I stay as healthy as possible, eating fresh eggs and growing veggies, buying local fresh meat. I can only hope for the best when the time comes to revert back to how I lived as a child. Thanks for posting this awesome read!
written by Lynn at Wood Ridge Homestead , February 16, 2012
Sad to see so much anger but this is the surfacing emotion that Americans have been engineered to have. The "social justice" ideology that's running rampant is ruining American's ability to seek self-reliance.
We are not off-grid yet but we are, and have been, homesteaders. We are not in debt and have worked hard to be where we are today. We grow almost all of our own foods, have goats, rabbits, chickens, and a pig in warm weather. We opted out of the establishment long ago and it saddens us to see how many Americans are dependent on the fragile government Socialist system.
The only way to get out of the 'rat race' is to embrace the same belief as Rich Scheben. It doesn't matter "where" he came from, what matters is what he is engaged in now and what his future holds. He is obviously a rational thinker and is independent enough that he had the COURAGE to turn away from the establishment.
Those who are angry have no courage to wean themselves from the establishment. They are more afraid than they realize but they are jealous and feel trapped. If only people could understand that negative emotions would better serve them if they were re-directed towards a more positive lifestyle of self-reliance. If they really wanted to change their lifestyles, they have the power to do it. Most won't, but it's their choice.
Excellent article.
written by Marko , February 16, 2012
Do you still have to pay property tax or any fees to the government when you are off grid or do you own the land?
written by Brandon Smith , February 16, 2012
@Marko
That's one thing that's almost impossible to avoid, however, if you own 20 acres or more, property taxes are considerably lower, at least in the state of Montana.
written by Bob Fenstermaker , February 16, 2012
I live in northern New Mexico...off grid. 525 sq ft. Passive solar heat, Small solar system. You can get by with a lot less.
I wrote about it in my book Revolution 222.
Download the book FREE at www.revolution222.com
written by FrankMc , February 17, 2012
This is slightly off topic, but this might prove to be helpful to many. Check out this website: http://www.no2foreclosures.info/
David Chu is doing a good deed for many Americans.
written by Roger in Kalispell , February 17, 2012
Some of the comments here sadden me. When I think of American Patriots I think of individuals who recognized that this country was built on Christianity and capitalism. Corporate America was relatively healthy when Rich worked for what today we abhor as ‘Big Pharma’. Let there be no misunderstanding. I firmly believe Rich has nothing to apologize for. That said, his values are much different today than decades ago. My values have changed as has probably most folks. We do not have to forgive Rich for anything. However, nor should we covet what he has or bear false witness to his character. Rich has been blessed with a wealth of knowledge, skills, experience and the generosity to share them with us. He just wants to help others as much as he can. How many of us can say the same? Think about that before casting stones.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet Rich. He volunteered to talk to our group about self-sufficiency. Well believe me, he is a motivational type of guy! He not only discussed self-sufficiency but also stressed the importance of ‘synergy’ and ‘thinking outside the box’. Just typical ‘Corporate-speak’ you say? Wrong!
Let me address the folks here whining about their lack of money to make their dreams happen. Where is your American spirit? I suggest you take action. Go and listen to Rich. He is not selling anything. His ideas about ‘thinking outside the box’ just might help you (or your group) make your dreams come true.
written by SgtCharlie , February 18, 2012
I am a 40 year old Sergeant in the US Army and I am only just starting to wake up to the current crisis' that are sure to happen to this country in my lifetime.
I have often said that I feel like a German soldier in 1936... How will I react and what will I do in 1939?
I got back into the military in 2008 to provide for my family and I really want that retirement check, but at what cost?
I'm not sure "selling my sole" is worth it, but at the same time, I have to make some money, some how in order to be able to afford to purchase land.
I began "prepping" during my deployment to Afghanistan in 2010/2011 (AMAZON.com is great!) and haven't stopped yet. We've got 2 diesel pickups and a diesel genset that we run on waste veggie oil, but even that is getting hard to obtain because companies have found that they can pay restaurants .20/gallon, clean it and sell it to ranchers, who then feed it to cattle, for $4.00/gallon. (And then we eat that meat, yuck!)
I'm pretty much just learning right now. We have a solar oven, a treadle sewing machine, weapons and food stocks and I'm learning to weld as well.
I'm not sure what to do next. I've got 4 teenage boys and a wife to think about, not to mention that I could probably be brought up on charges in the military for just talking like this.
Any suggestions?
I just keep telling myself that God is in control... But lately, even though I know it's true, it seems like I'm having to convince myself it's true!
Thanks for any input ya'll might have. Feel free to visit me on FB at "SgtCharlie MrsKelley" or YT at SgtKelleyCharlie
God Bless you all and happy prepping!
written by SCPO CB , February 23, 2012
Do your homework. Planning is the key. I'm about to venture into off the grid life. I purhcased 40 acres in Montana a few years back. I found this plot surrounded on 4 sides by USFS and BLM land for only 30K. I did my tours in the sand box and saved every penny, been saving here and there my whole career. Had the road built to the top of the hill for a SW face, well is drilled too. Septic this summer - all of it cash. I'll retire in two yrs and build the house pole barn style. You just have to want it. It's a huge sacrfice to save like that but it'll pay off in the long run.
I spent my time overseas engineering the mechanical systems in my head - taking them apart, then rebuilding them. I've sacrifice alot to get to be able to realize this dream - spent 7 yrs deployed out of 20. Not as many as a lot of guys but certainly plenty nonetheless. If you think anything comes easy, your kidding yourself. Hard work is the only way to get there.
And by the way, I ain't in no big money business, but I'm still able to do this. Soldiering and sailoring will never make me (money) rich.
Good luck everyone - especially to SGT Charlie.
written by 3DDano , March 10, 2012
I'll bet we're neighbors? As a 3rd gen native Montanan and builder, I think it's awesome what he's accomplished.
I've built self sufficient places for others twice from the ground up, Hella lotta work! I lost my place during the housing crisis(bankster robbery) 4 years ago, luckily I had bought 3 acres of lake front for retirement($18,000). My wife and I started from scratch at that point with a $700 a month income and a 1954 28' trailer. We now produce 90% of our food from 10 goats 20 chickens a 20x28' solar aquaponic greenhouse, a 600sq' barn, 12x12 super insulated well/root cellar , a 100x300 yard terraced organic garden and soon to be 32x40 shop/apt and I'm freakin disabled...so any body can do it! after the shop a strawbale timber frame house if TS doesn't hit the fan before then that is...my opinion ,,,start now! start small, grow when you can...
