Living Off the Grid

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Created on Wednesday, 28 October 2015 20:09

Written by Tyler Cadorette

BARNET – If you're looking to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the age of modern technology, look no further than Evan Perkins' house.

That's because Perkins lives entirely off the grid.

"We don't really require power and our homestead is set up so that we don't depend on it," the co-owner of Small Ax Farm explained.

Perkins' house is able to withstand frigid winter temperatures because of its unique design, which features all local materials. The walls consist of straw bales and a coating of sand, clay, and horse manure. A layer of plaster covers the outside of the structure.

His secluded property doesn't have the luxuries and amenities of most American houses. He and his family go without a hot water heater, television, Internet, and even a freezer system.

While Perkins says his house uses minimal energy, he does have solar panels to run some equipment.

"We run our well pump to irrigate our fields," he noted.

Those fields, which cover just over an acre of Perkins' property, grow an estimated 50 to 60 different kinds of vegetables.

"We support our family off of a vegetable garden with no tractor and no power, so that's a big accomplishment," Perkins said. "That's something we've been working toward and something we're pretty proud of."

The Perkins' are able to extend their growing season through mid-December with the help of greenhouses.

In total, the family cans 700 jars of vegetables every year.

"People are always [saying], 'Why don't you make this? Why don't you make that?' But we make a lot of things and there isn't time to make absolutely everything."

For Perkins, it's a very rewarding lifestyle, albeit not the most convenient.

"There are days where living in a beautiful place gets you through working a really long day."

According to the National Grid, the average U.S. household uses 500 kilowatt hours every month. That adds up to nearly $100.

The long days off the grid are worth it so that Perkins can avoid that hassle – and the bill that comes with it.