Living Off-Grid: Reflections on Four Years of Self-Sufficiency
As we celebrate our four-year anniversary of living off-grid in the harsh yet stunning Sorin Desert, it's a time for reflection—looking back on lessons learned, challenges faced, and the gratifying life we've built. We are the Terraform Homestead, a diverse off-grid community dedicated to sustainable living. This article encapsulates our journey, focusing on the most significant strides we’ve made, particularly in water security, energy solutions, and community engagement.
When we purchased our land in January 2020, it was entirely abandoned—without basic necessities like water, electricity, roads, and shelter. Little did we know that the world would soon be engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, complicating our initial efforts to develop this desert oasis. The first two years were consumed with survival, as we battled both the challenges of the land and the effects of the pandemic. Now, after four years of resilience, we find ourselves emerging from survival mode, finally able to appreciate our lifestyle and foster deeper connections within our community.
A significant focus of our fourth year was to enhance our water capture and storage capabilities. We undertook the ambitious task of building over 600 feet of berm and swale which will reliably capture approximately 20,000 gallons of water per inch of rain, effectively restoring the desert ecosystem that has been neglected for years. By relying on rainwater and the construction of a 6,500-gallon earthbag cistern, we aim to ensure substantial water security.
This year, we added over 1,200 gallons of water tanks to our collection system, bringing our total storage capacity to over 13,000 gallons. This is a game changer for our household—despite having five to six people, we currently consume only about 1,000 gallons per month. Now, we’ll be able to eliminate the expense and hassle of hauling water thanks to our enhanced storage solutions.
Energy security was another critical area of development this year. Initially relying on 2,800 watts of solar power, we upgraded our inverter and battery storage capacity to about 9,600 watts, allowing for more reliable energy production. We recently invested in a generator, which brings backup power capabilities, greatly easing our reliance on solar energy. This addition is particularly useful during the few days when our desert home is deprived of sunlight.
Additionally, with power security secured, we unveiled air conditioning in our homestead. After enduring relentlessly hot summers without it, this has been a welcomed luxury that enhances productivity and comfort.
Our fourth year has also seen significant advancements in construction projects. We completed the roof of our hyper adobe earthbag home, marking a major milestone in our journey. Simultaneously, we refurbished a 54-square-foot tiny home into a cozy living space, which will soon be offered to individuals needing a supportive environment while they pursue their own goals.
One of the highlights of this year was the development of an outdoor kitchen crafted from recycled materials, enhancing our community space. As we move forward, these home projects will enable us to generate income while serving our community and inviting travelers to experience sustainable living first-hand.
A vital aspect of this journey has been prioritizing creative pursuits beyond the day-to-day homesteading tasks. This year, I delved into new artistic outlets, including ceramics, metalworking, and blacksmithing. Engaging in these hobbies not only helps me relax but has also transformed our homestead into a space for exploration and artistic expression.
Furthermore, we have collaborated with local educational institutions to host workshops and events, providing hands-on training in earthbag building and sustainable practices. Our goal for the coming year is to expand our outreach, inviting more individuals into our community through work-trade programs, enriching both their lives and ours.
As we prepare for 2024, I reflect on the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Our plans have shifted dramatically over the years, illustrating the need to prioritize what truly matters, be it personal space or critical infrastructure like water security. This year, I learned the value of dedicating time to hobbies and interests outside of homesteading, which ultimately enhances my overall well-being and productivity.
Looking ahead, we aim to fully realize our vision of self-sufficiency by completing ongoing projects, such as the earthbag cistern and the creation of an earthbag hot tub—a unique experimental setup that combines artistic building with practical water storage. We are eager to offer more insights and practical lessons to the broader community through our content and workshops.
As we embark on another year, we remain committed to sharing our journey through transparency and engagement. We hope to inspire and encourage others towards self-sufficient living, reminding them that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also immensely rewarding.
Our community thrives because of the support we've received, and we look forward to contributing further to the off-grid movement. Here’s to another year of creativity, resilience, and sustainable living in our beloved desert oasis.
Part 1/10:
Living Off-Grid: Reflections on Four Years of Self-Sufficiency
As we celebrate our four-year anniversary of living off-grid in the harsh yet stunning Sorin Desert, it's a time for reflection—looking back on lessons learned, challenges faced, and the gratifying life we've built. We are the Terraform Homestead, a diverse off-grid community dedicated to sustainable living. This article encapsulates our journey, focusing on the most significant strides we’ve made, particularly in water security, energy solutions, and community engagement.
From Survival Mode to Stability
Part 2/10:
When we purchased our land in January 2020, it was entirely abandoned—without basic necessities like water, electricity, roads, and shelter. Little did we know that the world would soon be engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, complicating our initial efforts to develop this desert oasis. The first two years were consumed with survival, as we battled both the challenges of the land and the effects of the pandemic. Now, after four years of resilience, we find ourselves emerging from survival mode, finally able to appreciate our lifestyle and foster deeper connections within our community.
The Quest for Water Security
Part 3/10:
A significant focus of our fourth year was to enhance our water capture and storage capabilities. We undertook the ambitious task of building over 600 feet of berm and swale which will reliably capture approximately 20,000 gallons of water per inch of rain, effectively restoring the desert ecosystem that has been neglected for years. By relying on rainwater and the construction of a 6,500-gallon earthbag cistern, we aim to ensure substantial water security.
Part 4/10:
This year, we added over 1,200 gallons of water tanks to our collection system, bringing our total storage capacity to over 13,000 gallons. This is a game changer for our household—despite having five to six people, we currently consume only about 1,000 gallons per month. Now, we’ll be able to eliminate the expense and hassle of hauling water thanks to our enhanced storage solutions.
Powering Our Off-Grid Home
Part 5/10:
Energy security was another critical area of development this year. Initially relying on 2,800 watts of solar power, we upgraded our inverter and battery storage capacity to about 9,600 watts, allowing for more reliable energy production. We recently invested in a generator, which brings backup power capabilities, greatly easing our reliance on solar energy. This addition is particularly useful during the few days when our desert home is deprived of sunlight.
Additionally, with power security secured, we unveiled air conditioning in our homestead. After enduring relentlessly hot summers without it, this has been a welcomed luxury that enhances productivity and comfort.
Building and Crafting Our Future
Part 6/10:
Our fourth year has also seen significant advancements in construction projects. We completed the roof of our hyper adobe earthbag home, marking a major milestone in our journey. Simultaneously, we refurbished a 54-square-foot tiny home into a cozy living space, which will soon be offered to individuals needing a supportive environment while they pursue their own goals.
One of the highlights of this year was the development of an outdoor kitchen crafted from recycled materials, enhancing our community space. As we move forward, these home projects will enable us to generate income while serving our community and inviting travelers to experience sustainable living first-hand.
Cultivating Creativity and Community Engagement
Part 7/10:
A vital aspect of this journey has been prioritizing creative pursuits beyond the day-to-day homesteading tasks. This year, I delved into new artistic outlets, including ceramics, metalworking, and blacksmithing. Engaging in these hobbies not only helps me relax but has also transformed our homestead into a space for exploration and artistic expression.
Furthermore, we have collaborated with local educational institutions to host workshops and events, providing hands-on training in earthbag building and sustainable practices. Our goal for the coming year is to expand our outreach, inviting more individuals into our community through work-trade programs, enriching both their lives and ours.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Part 8/10:
As we prepare for 2024, I reflect on the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Our plans have shifted dramatically over the years, illustrating the need to prioritize what truly matters, be it personal space or critical infrastructure like water security. This year, I learned the value of dedicating time to hobbies and interests outside of homesteading, which ultimately enhances my overall well-being and productivity.
Part 9/10:
Looking ahead, we aim to fully realize our vision of self-sufficiency by completing ongoing projects, such as the earthbag cistern and the creation of an earthbag hot tub—a unique experimental setup that combines artistic building with practical water storage. We are eager to offer more insights and practical lessons to the broader community through our content and workshops.
As we embark on another year, we remain committed to sharing our journey through transparency and engagement. We hope to inspire and encourage others towards self-sufficient living, reminding them that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also immensely rewarding.
Part 10/10:
Our community thrives because of the support we've received, and we look forward to contributing further to the off-grid movement. Here’s to another year of creativity, resilience, and sustainable living in our beloved desert oasis.