Wiktor Wise
In the book, 'How to Live Without Electricity and Like It', author Anita Evangelista shares her experience of living without electricity for several years. The book covers a range of topics, from calculating power usage and choosing alternative light sources to water pumping, food refrigeration, and generating power. It also provides insights into living off the grid, being self-sufficient, and preparing for power outages. With a practical approach, the book offers valuable information for those seeking to reduce their dependence on commercial electrical utilities and utility companies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Anita Evangelista |
| Co-author | Shary Flenniken |
| No. of pages | 158 |
| Publisher | Lehmans |
| Year | 1997 |
| Soft Cover | 5.5"x8.5" |
| Target Audience | People who want to be self-reliant and free from utility companies |
| Topics Covered | Calculating power usage, alternate light sources, water management, cooking without electricity, maintaining radio communications, generating power, recharging batteries, etc. |
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Cooking and storing food
Cooking without electricity may seem challenging, but with some preparation, it is entirely possible. Here are some methods for cooking and storing food without relying on electricity:
Cooking methods:
- Rocket stoves: These are small, portable stoves that use small sticks and twigs as fuel.
- Gas stoves or grills: If you have access to a gas stove or grill, this can be a reliable way to cook without electricity. Ensure you have full gas canisters and a spare, as well as a lighter or matches.
- Building a fire: This is a valuable survival skill. You can cook directly over the flames or use a grate to cook over hot coals.
- Charcoal grill: Charcoal is a great fuel source for cooking and starting fires. It has a long shelf life but can be bulky to store.
- Butane stove burner: This is a safe option for indoor cooking, as it does not produce dangerous fumes or risk starting a fire.
- Solar cookers: In sunny climates, solar cookers can be an effective way to cook without fuel.
Storing food:
- Stock up on non-perishable foods: Canned goods, rice, pasta, and other dry goods can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration.
- Preserve fresh foods: Canning, pickling, dehydrating, or smoking meats and produce can extend their shelf life.
- Use coolers: If you have access to ice or snow, you can use coolers to keep perishable foods cold for several days.
- Root cellars: In colder climates, root cellars can be used to store perishable foods.
- Salting and brining: Salting is an ancient method of curing perishable foods rich in protein. Brining involves soaking meat in a salt and water solution, adding flavour and extending shelf life.
- Waxing: Homemade or store-bought cheese can be waxed and then stored at room temperature.
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Lighting
Living without electricity can be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, it is possible to create a well-lit and comfortable space. Here are some instructive tips for lighting your home or living area when living without electricity:
Solar Power
Solar energy is a popular option for those seeking to live off the grid. Solar panels can be expensive, but they are a reliable way to generate electricity to power lights and other electrical items. If you're seeking a more affordable option, deep-cycle batteries can be charged using solar energy and used to power simple lights.
Candles and Oil Lamps
Candles are a classic and inexpensive way to light your space. They have been used for centuries and create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. However, they can be a fire hazard and may not provide enough light for larger spaces. Oil lamps, fuelled by kerosene, olive oil, or animal fat, are another traditional option that provides a steady light for hours.
Fireplaces and Ventilation
Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves are excellent for heating your home and providing ambient lighting. To maximise the benefit, consider building vents that lead to other rooms, providing warmth and light throughout your space. Additionally, bigger windows can provide better cross-ventilation and allow more natural light into your home during the day.
Alternative Light Sources
Flashlights, camping lanterns, and solar lamps are all useful tools for lighting your space when living without electricity. Solar lamps, in particular, provide bright light and can be charged for free, although they are less effective in regions with fewer sunny days.
Planning and Mindset
Living without electricity requires planning and a positive mindset. It is important to be diligent about conserving energy, such as turning off lights when not in use. Additionally, embracing the peace and quiet of a home without artificial light and sound can make the experience more enjoyable.
By combining these lighting options and adopting a resourceful attitude, it is possible to create a well-lit and comfortable living environment, even when living without electricity.
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Entertainment
To prepare for a life without electricity, it is important to have some entertainment options on hand. You could invest in board games, cards, or puzzles, which can provide hours of fun and are a great way to bring people together. Books are another excellent source of entertainment that does not require electricity. However, it is advised not to waste flashlight batteries by shining them on books at night. Instead, lanterns or candles can be used to provide light for reading.
If you are looking for entertainment outside of your home, consider exploring nature and going on hikes or walks. You could also try stargazing, as the night sky can be much more visible when not obscured by light pollution from electricity.
For those who are living without electricity but still have access to alternative energy sources, such as solar power, there may be options for entertainment that utilize this power. For example, you could charge a device with a solar generator or bike generator and use it to listen to music or watch movies.
Living without electricity can be challenging, but with a bit of ingenuity, it is possible to find entertainment and fun, even when the power is out.
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Water supply
If you live in a house and get your water from the city, your water supply will likely not be interrupted by a power outage. City water is usually pumped into water towers and then flows into houses by gravity. However, you will not be able to use any plumbing appliances that run on electricity. For example, sump pumps cease to function when the power is out, and toilets that rely on a pump to operate won't work either. If you have a traditional tank-style water heater, you may be able to take hot showers provided that there is still some hot water left in the tank.
If you have a well, it likely runs on electricity, so no power means no water coming up from the well. If you experience a power outage, you can use a manual hand pump to draw water from the well. Manual hand pumps are sturdy and durable and require minimal maintenance compared to electric pumps. They can also be installed alongside an existing electric pump to provide a backup in case of a power outage. However, pumping water manually requires physical effort and can be tiring and time-consuming. Another option is to install a windmill pump, which uses wind as a source of power. Windmill pumps require suitable wind conditions for optimal operation and are generally more suitable for larger-scale water needs or agricultural applications. Solar-powered pumps are another option, offering long-term cost savings and a reliable source of power in sunny regions. However, they may be less effective on cloudy or rainy days with limited sunlight. Diesel or gasoline pumps can also be used to pump water from a well during a power outage, but they require regular maintenance and fuel, and they generate noise and exhaust emissions.
If you know that a power outage is coming, it is a good idea to store water in containers, including your bathtub, so that you have water to flush toilets, wash dishes, and perform other necessary tasks. You should also have drinking water stored, with a recommended amount of 1 to 1 ½ gallons per person per day.
In addition to accessing water, knowing how to heat or boil water without electricity is an important survival skill. Boiling water is often necessary for cooking, purifying drinking water, and maintaining hygiene. If you have a gas or wood fire pit in your backyard, you can use it to boil water by hanging a pot above the fire, putting a grill grate over it, or placing the pot directly on hot coals. You can also build a fire on your property by digging a small pit to contain the fire. Alternatively, you can use a camp stove, which uses portable fuel sources to produce a controlled flame for heating water.
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Communication
Firstly, it is important to recognise that communication will be slower and more deliberate without electricity. Face-to-face conversations will become more common, and you may find yourself spending more quality time with people, which can be beneficial for fostering deeper connections.
Living without electricity may mean you are less connected to the wider world, but there are still ways to stay informed and communicate with those further afield. One way is to utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to charge devices that facilitate communication, such as mobile phones or two-way radios. You can also use renewable energy sources to power a computer, which can be useful for staying connected via email or social media.
Another way to communicate and stay informed is to engage with your local community. Local communities often have their own communication networks, which can include town hall meetings, noticeboards, or community newsletters. By engaging with these networks, you can stay informed about local news, events, and issues, and contribute your own messages or notices.
Finally, living without electricity may mean adapting to older forms of communication, such as writing letters or using landline telephones. These methods may take longer, but they can still be effective for staying in touch with loved ones or conducting necessary business.
While living without electricity can present challenges to communication, it also presents opportunities for deeper connections, greater self-sufficiency, and a slower, more deliberate approach to staying connected.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use candles, kerosene lamps, or battery-powered string lights. If you have access to sunlight during the day, you can place mirrors in front of candles to maximize the light.
If you have access to a gas cooktop, you can use that. Alternatively, you can cook on a wood stove, a propane stove, or a butane camping stove.
You can preserve food by canning or drying fruits, vegetables, and meat. If you have access to ice, you can use a cooler to keep food cold for a short period of time.
If you have access to cellular service, you can use your cell phone to stay connected. Alternatively, you can use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive information and news.
You can read books, play games, or spend time outdoors. You can also learn new skills, such as sewing, cooking, carving, or building.
