The off-grid movement has been growing rapidly, and with it, a vast array of voices claiming to have the answers to all things related to self-sufficiency, homesteading, and sustainable living. While there’s a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm around the idea of living independently, there’s also an overwhelming number of overconfident, opinionated voices in the off-grid community. What’s more troubling is that many of these voices present themselves as “experts,” offering unsolicited advice and often disregarding the importance of facts, humility, and the encouragement needed in this space. As someone who has recently entered the off-grid lifestyle, I can’t help but wish for more of the latter—encouragement, humility, and factual learning.
Off-grid living is about more than just getting away from the grid—it’s about community, learning, and supporting one another in a shared journey. However, too often, individuals in the community seem to be more concerned with asserting their personal preferences as the “correct” way to live off-grid, leaving little room for constructive dialogue and growth. The “experts” in these circles seem to believe that their way is the only way, without acknowledging the realities that different people face in different situations. This can create a culture of judgment and frustration rather than one of support and encouragement.
I often see posts from individuals who are passionate about their specific off-grid solutions, whether it’s the best way to generate electricity, purify water, or heat a home. While their enthusiasm is commendable, too often their advice is presented without any concrete evidence or facts to back it up. Instead of sharing real-world experiences and thoughtful analysis, many of these so-called “experts” present their personal anecdotes as universal truths, leaving others confused and discouraged. This creates a toxic atmosphere in the community where people feel pressured to adopt solutions that may not be practical or effective for their own unique circumstances.
Off-grid living, especially for those who are just starting out, should be a space of learning and growth. It should be a place where people can feel comfortable asking questions, trying new things, and making mistakes. Unfortunately, the prevalence of self-proclaimed “experts” who dismiss others’ experiences and ideas stifles this process. There is a lack of true collaboration, where diverse perspectives and solutions are considered, and instead, a narrow definition of what “works” is imposed. This creates unnecessary barriers for those who want to learn and progress in their own off-grid journey.
What we need more of in the off-grid community is encouragement. People who are new to this lifestyle or looking to make a transition to a more sustainable way of living need to hear positive reinforcement. They need to be uplifted, not belittled for their questions or the choices they make. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and each off-grid situation is unique. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The key is to experiment, learn from experiences, and continue to adapt. By fostering a culture of encouragement, we can help each other along the way instead of tearing one another down.
Alongside encouragement, humility is essential. No one knows everything, and the more we can approach off-grid living with an open mind, the more we will learn and grow. Just because someone has been living off-grid for years doesn’t mean their way is the best way for everyone. Humility involves recognizing that there is always something new to learn, and sometimes the most valuable insights come from people who are at different stages in their off-grid journey. By embracing humility, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of how much experience they have.
Factual knowledge and practical advice are crucial in any off-grid community. It’s easy to be swept up in anecdotal experiences or to share what “worked for me,” but if we want to truly help one another, it’s important to support our advice with facts and evidence. If someone claims that a certain solar panel system works best in all conditions, they should be able to back up their claim with data or real-world examples. Off-grid living is not one-size-fits-all, and the more we focus on facts, the better equipped we’ll be to make informed decisions. Sharing successes and failures in a way that is both honest and informative will help everyone in the community move forward in a more educated and sustainable manner.
As for my personal off-grid journey, my cabin in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas is not a perfect example of off-grid living per the “purest” definition, but it’s a start. This is the first home I’ve ever built, and while we are still working on our setup, we’ve made significant strides toward creating a self-sufficient and sustainable living space. My goal is to keep learning and improving, and I hope that others in the off-grid community will join me in embracing this journey with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate.
Our cabin is powered by solar panels, and we use a composting toilet and a woodstove for heat. We’re still refining our systems, and the second bedroom is currently being used for storage, so it’s not yet ready to be photographed. However, I am excited about the progress we’ve made and look forward to sharing more photos as we continue to expand and refine our off-grid lifestyle.
Living off-grid is not easy, and it’s not always as glamorous as some might make it out to be. It requires a lot of hard work, trial, and error, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The most important thing I’ve learned throughout this process is that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. What matters is the willingness to keep learning, keep trying, and keep improving.
I hope that as more people join the off-grid movement, we can create a community based on encouragement, humility, and the sharing of knowledge. Instead of pushing personal opinions as facts, let’s come together to learn from one another, share our real-world experiences, and celebrate the journey toward sustainable living. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more supportive off-grid community that uplifts and empowers everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey.
