Your renewable energy path

June 13, 2011

In this Radio Ecoshock on living with renewable energy, you learn how to slash your carbon emissions, while gaining energy independence – hearing from people who do it now.

As climate, peak oil, and economy crash into a perfect storm, get ready to keep going, get off fossil fuels, and get off the grid.

Cam Mather is the publisher of “The Renewable Energy Handbook” He also sells organic produce from his rural home, living with his family – off the electricity grid for 14 years. Mather describes the tech leading to a comfortable home off-grid, with ultra-low fossil fuel use.

Most of us won’t be leaving the city any time soon. Let’s see what energy solutions we can use right now. We go to the UK, for our second interview with Nick Rosen, the author of “How To Live Off Grid” now updated with a new American version.

More people are going off-grid because:

  • they want energy independence
  • fear of higher energy bills future
  • desire to reduce their carbon footprint to help save the climate
  • distrust of the system
  • weariness of consumerism
  • don’t want the guilt of coal or the fear of nuclear power
  • it suits a religious belief or ethic
  • they see Peak Oil coming
  • a Libertarian frame of mind
  • Full of resources and tools anyone can apply. If the government can’t/won’t act on climate change or peak oil, we can.

    Ends with two short new clips from Noam Chomsky and Bill McKibben about the climate crisis.

    Download the audio for this episode here.

Alex Smith

Host of syndicated weekly Radio Ecoshock Show - the cutting edge with top scientists, authors and activists. Eighth year on the air as of 2014. Previously a researcher for global environment group, print journalist, homesteader, world-traveler, and private investigator.

Tags: Building Community, Culture & Behavior, Electricity, Renewable Energy