Less is more for many people in Western Pennsylvania who choose an off-grid lifestyle. They embrace simplicity, aiming for a stress-free life while also caring for the environment and knowing where their food comes from.
Living off-grid means not depending on public utilities. Instead, people use natural resources for food, energy, and water. In Pennsylvania, this is quite legal. Those in rural areas find it easier to adopt off-grid living, using their land for farming or energy systems and facing fewer regulatory hurdles.
A 2020 HomeAdvisor study listed Pennsylvania among the top states for off-grid living, which includes places like California and Colorado. TribLive spoke to several Pennsylvanians who shared their off-grid journeys.
Living Off-Grid
Brandi Umbaugh always dreamed of full off-grid living. She currently uses electricity but is transitioning to solar power. At Mountain Sky Farm, she has built a rainwater collection system that collects thousands of gallons. This water nourishes her 70-acre farm, and a natural spring provides water for her home.
Umbaugh runs the farm with family and produces a variety of foods, including beef, chicken, and honey from her apiary of 22,000 bees. “We hunt and forage, too,” Umbaugh shares, emphasizing self-sufficiency.
Kira Karpinski, who lives on a small farm with her family, adopted this lifestyle during the pandemic amid rising costs and supply chain problems. “It’s a way to save money and live independently,” she explains. Their farm operates without a water bill, relying on a deep well and a rainwater tank. They enjoy preparing meals from their gardens and caring for their livestock as a family.
Van Life
Summer Smith took her off-grid lifestyle mobile. Now living full-time in a customized cargo van, she appreciates the freedom it brings. After working in a demanding nursing job, Smith decided to change her life. She built out her van, which includes a bed and a portable stove. Now, she travels as a registered nurse, moving where she feels like going.
“My biggest bills are parking and a phone bill,” Smith notes. When asked about her adventures, she lights up about spotting bears in Alaska—experiences you can’t get in a traditional home.
Solar Solutions
Brett Zambotti in Kittanning has turned to solar energy to minimize his electric expenses. After installing 27 solar panels last year, he hasn’t seen an electric bill in months. “Sunny days are my favorite,” he says, clearly enjoying the financial freedom it brings him.
In comparison, the average American household spent about $117 on electricity monthly in 2021. Zambotti calculated that moving to solar made sense for his budget. He emphasizes the long-term savings, especially with available tax credits.
Growing Trends
The off-grid movement is more than a trend; it reflects a desire for sustainability and independence. People are increasingly looking for ways to live with less reliance on traditional systems. Surveys show that nearly 70% of Americans express a desire to grow their own food, indicating a larger shift toward self-sufficiency.
As technology advances, more individuals, like Zambotti, can harness solar power. With the rise of DIY off-grid solutions and a growing community of like-minded individuals, the movement continues to grow.
The off-grid lifestyle isn’t just about living without modern comforts; it’s about creating a sustainable way of life that resonates with many seeking a simpler, more meaningful existence.
Environment
Why Climate Action Doesn’t Require Consensus: Insights from Boykoff