The term "off the grid," referring to the changes in one's lifestyle to become more self sufficient and disconnected from modern technologies, has become pretty colloquial now. However, I feel like there is confusion surrounding it's seriousness. For example, those truly looking to go off the grid are encouraged to build a well and collect their own water. For many of us, collecting water seems like a huge waste of time and energy when we can easily turn on a faucet, but by going back to this traditional method, off-the-griders are relying only on nature and their own skill. I truly commend anyone who lives in such a way, honestly I dream that one day I can live like that.
But for now, as a very poor college student, I realize that I can't and shouldn't live so minimally. Yet the idea of being "off the grid" still really appeals to me. So what do I do? Well I began thinking about little things I can change that make my life more simple and myself more self sufficient. Things like getting rid of clothes, buying local produce, growing your own vegetables and fruits, and cooking more are just little things that really anyone can do. But I was also interested in becoming digitally "off the grid." I feel that the amount of dependency I have on technology and the internet is directly related to my ability to live minimally. And so, I began thinking of ways to become more "off the grid" digitally. Here is what I've come up with:
1. Limit Social Media
Today there are so many different sites that take a minor spin on the same idea: connecting with others. And though social media is a great idea, it is also suspect A to biggest time waster. By cutting back, you are freeing up you time to do other things
2. Limit your technological devices
This means that instead of owning a smartphone, laptop, and iPad, cut back! You don't need all of that because essentially they all do the same thing. Maybe get rid of the smartphone or trash the iPad. Figure out what works best for you so that you aren't swarmed with devices.
3. Limit your time using technology
Hopefully with decreasing the amount of devices you have, you will begin to use technology less and dedicate that time to other things. Its important to recognize the dangers of wasting too much time "signed on."
4. Monitor your content
This means all posts, blogs, pictures, videos, etc. Make sure that what you are posting online is something you are okay with being online forever. So that status update about the fly that just scared you half to death might not be worth it. Be critical!
5. Write more.
No not on Word processor- on paper...with a pen. Spend time you would have used just scrolling through Facebook to write about your day, ideas you have, or plans for the future. This is where you can write all the statuses you want about flies and other bugs. Hopefully by writing more you will become more in touch with yourself.
6. Understand the role of technology
This is key. Recognize that technology is another resource we have to better our lives, just like books. We were never meant to depend so heavily on technology. If you really want to make the change and become digitally "off the grid," this revelation is extremely important.
I am not trying to put people on blast with this article- its up to you how to use technology. In fact, I am not even saying that to be off the grid you have to remove yourself from technology. But, I have found that becoming digitally "off the grid" is an easy first step for me to in this whole lifestyle shift. And I think it might be for other people too. More importantly, if you want to live life more "off the grid," figure out what you are comfortable changing. If it is just limiting technology, great! But if it is only making a promise to use more self grown produce, awesome! There are different ways to go about changing your lifestyle, its not all or nothing. I just hope that if you are thinking about making a change like this, this blog will help inspire you!
