Living off the Grid


So we live in a yurt, off the grid. Technically off the “powerline grid”; however, not quite off the “petroleum grid”. It’s a solid yurt, beautiful cedar in and out, 31 feet in diameter inside. My partner Eric built this yurt 2 and a half years ago on the San Juan Ridge about 23 miles from Nevada City, California. It’s a beautiful space: organic, warm, open, and big enough for our needs. (Our 12-year old, Jasper, has his own room – a smaller yurt right next to ours.)

This “sustainability” blog will present my experience living off the grid: how we get water, heat, power; how much (or actually, how little) water and power we use, and many other topics. (I write a blog in my head a couple times a day!) My Master’s degree is in Environmental Studies with an interest in community stability and community sustainability so this new lifestyle has been an eye-opening experience. And although it took a minute to get used to the added chores and challenges, it is an absolutely wonderful way to live.