Environmentalism Works

Conservation is very important for many of us who plan to move to a home in the forest. Part of the joy in living in thick woodlands is experiencing the joys of nature right outside the house.  While not as rich in foliage as jungles, the piney woods in East Texas provide ample biodiversity for those lucky enough to live there.

My ideal rural retreat would be small cottage nestled amongst 5 or 10 acres of rolling woodlands.  I would set it up for off-grid living to save the expense and destruction of running power-lines and water hookups through the trees.  I’d like my land to have the minimal disturbance possible.

Refrigerator reviews suggests a good 12V fridge from Engel – or maybe a propane refrigerator – would be good appliances for preserving food for me and my family.  I think I’d actually go with a 12V setup, that way I could power the fridge, a computer, and lighting all using a solar setup.

Of course, solar power does require sunlight. So I would need to do some minimal clearance of trees around my home. However, since this would also be required as a firebreak of sorts in case of wildfires, it would serve two purchases.

If I did choose a propane refrigerator and propane oven, then I would have to get an LPG tank installed.  Of course, this would also require that I maintain my access road in good enough condition that the propane truck can access my property.  So much for my dream of complete isolation!

Still, I think it is a worthwhile compromise.  I would still retain the idyllic nature of my rural retreat, and the minimal development needed to support a modern lifestyle would not have an overly negative effect. There is no need to live without heat, lighting and refrigeration just because I enjoy living away from the rat race.