Couple's 12-Year Off-Grid Journey: 'Everything You Do, You Do Yourself'

The Journey of a Lifetime: 12 Years of Off-Grid Living

After spending 12 years living off-grid, a couple has shared the knowledge they've gained throughout their journey, revealing that starting this lifestyle might be easier than people think. Misty and Bryce, who run the Ontario Permaculture YouTube channel, have become a source of inspiration for many interested in sustainable living. Their content regularly features tips on how to homestead effectively.

What they’ve learned over the years has become so natural to them that it now feels effortless to practice. “We can put the seeds in the ground and we can make it happen now,” said Bryce in a video from the Exploring Alternatives YouTube channel, which recently gained renewed attention after being reposted on TikTok.

Through permaculture and a lot of time spent thinking about the long-term effects of their choices, they have discovered that this lifestyle is very real and that the Earth is incredibly abundant. “There are more and more people catching onto permaculture ideas every day,” Bryce added.

Permaculture, also known as natural gardening, focuses on creating sustainable and mutually supportive ecosystems. This approach has allowed the couple to maintain their off-grid lifestyle for such a long time. Native plants play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystem healthy and are easy to maintain once established.

Despite the benefits, Bryce discussed one of the major challenges of homesteading. “Everything you do, you do yourself. ... I cannot take any time off. It must be done,” he explained.

While the entire homesteading lifestyle may not be suitable for everyone, there are valuable lessons that can be applied by anyone. These include saving money, living more healthily, and improving the environment. Native gardens, for example, can significantly reduce utility bills. Relying on solar energy instead of traditional power grids, which often depend on fossil fuels, is another way to help the planet while saving money in the long run.

Although the initial setup costs for solar energy can be high, the technology can eventually bring energy bills down to zero. EnergySage offers an easy way to compare local installers and get the best price on solar panels, which can save homeowners up to $10,000 in installation costs.

A New Perspective on Sustainable Living

The idea of living in a home made of bacteria sparked a discussion among viewers. Some responded with:

• "I'm all for it," wrote one commenter. "But I think my goal is 100% renewable energy and water reclamation. I love this idea a lot."
• Another simply wrote, "Bring back cob houses!" referring to homes built entirely from natural materials.

For those interested in learning more, joining a free newsletter can provide easy tips on saving more and wasting less. Subscribers can also explore a list of simple ways to help both themselves and the planet.

Key Takeaways from 12 Years of Homesteading

Living off-grid is not for everyone, but the lessons learned from a decade and a half of homesteading can still be valuable. Here are some key takeaways:

• Embrace Permaculture: Focus on creating sustainable ecosystems that support each other.
• Use Native Plants: These require less maintenance and help keep the ecosystem healthy.
• Invest in Solar Energy: While the initial cost may be high, it can lead to significant long-term savings.
• Reduce Utility Bills: Native gardens and renewable energy sources can make a big difference.
• Consider Alternative Building Materials: Cob houses and other natural building methods offer sustainable options.

By applying these principles, individuals can make a positive impact on their lives and the environment, even if they don’t fully commit to a homesteading lifestyle.