Off-grid News
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NZ Infrastructure on the brink
NZ Infrastructure on the brink: Off-grid innovations could make NZ a global green leader In the lush landscapes of Aotearoa, a land celebrated for its stunning natural vistas, a pressing... -
What to do with your composting toilet waste? Humanure!
Humanure, also known as human manure, is composted human poop for use as a fertiliser. Now hear us out! While the concept of using human waste for fertilisation may seem unappealing at first glance, it has been practiced for thousands of years in many parts of the world, and is gaining renewed interest as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilisers and a closed loop solution to human waste management. -
What's the deal with Califonts? - Battery ignition vs 240V ignition
There are two main styles of Califonts available with the difference between the two styles being the ignition source. Your first option is battery ignition, this is achieved by 2 x D size batteries. The second option has 240V ignition, this style of Califont is the most commonly found on homes in urban areas and not as common in an off-grid situation. -
A toilet fit for the ball?! Meet the Cinderella Freedom Toilet
The Cinderella Freedom Incinerating Toilet is an increasingly popular off-grid toilet that provides a modern and hygienic alternative to traditional toilets. It is widely used in various locations where access to sewage systems and water is limited or unavailable, such as cabins, boats, motorhomes, tiny homes, and off-grid homes. The Cinderella Freedom incinerating toilet offers several benefits over traditional toilets, including improved hygiene, water conservation, and ease of maintenance. -
The Importance of Preparedness and Emergency Planning in Off-Grid Living
Off-grid living is a lifestyle choice that is becoming more popular in Aotearoa as kiwis seek greater independence, environmental sustainability, and financial freedom. While there are many benefits to this lifestyle, it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks, especially in a country with varied weather patterns. One of the most important considerations for off-grid living is being prepared for an emergency event. In this article, we will explore why preparedness is crucial in off-grid living, and what steps you can take to ensure your safety and well-being in the event of an emergency. -
Solar Power Battery Storage - why it's important!
The unusual weather experienced by much of the North Island over the 2022/23 holidays highlights why adequate battery storage is important for solar power systems as a way to store excess energy generated on sunny days for use on days when the weather is not sunny enough to generate power. We recommend that your battery storage should be designed with winter in mind, where the rain and cloudy days are "usually" more common. If you plan towards having three days worth of battery storage, then the reliance on a generator or other power sources greatly reduces. -
Summer who? Let's chat Rainwater Harvesting while summer has brought us an onslaught of rain!
We hope you all have had a relaxing “break”, however that might look. We’re certainly a little more wind swept than sun kissed but the tanks are full and the... -
What's new at Off-grid Collective
We have been busy working hard behind the scenes to bring you new information to assist you in your Off-Grid Journey, we are now pleased to release our HOW TO... -
What would you add to this list?
Most of us choose the off-grid lifestyle for one, or both, of these two reasons:
One: the price of real estate has, literally, gone through the roof. To buy a house you need two people on big salaries. Or the bank of Mum and Dad. Or an inheritance. Or a lotto win.
Two: we want to live more sustainably and put less strain on the planet’s resources.
But whatever your reason for getting into it, the off-grid lifestyle can bring many benefits.
And here are six of the biggest ones we can think of:
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Your water re-cycling questions answered here
Sustainability.
It’s something the off-grid community is big on.
Especially when it comes to water conservation.
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How an afterthought saved Wally from (almost) certain death
As he drained the water from the tank a chill ran down Wally’s spine.
Because, on another day, this water could have meant certain death.
But not today.
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Winter warmers to keep the cold at bay
Winter will officially be here soon.
And at this time of year, off grid living can become slightly more challenging. (Oh, for sunshine, BBQ’s and 25 degrees all year round!)
So, to make things more bearable we’ve put together a list of overlooked and sometimes surprising ways of keeping warm, including: