Some weaning themselves ‘off-the-grid'

More going green and ‘off-the-grid'

It seems as though more and more folks are trying to lead a simpler life – one involving less electricity. In fact, some people are weaning themselves "off the grid."

Architect Jay DeChesere lives in a very 'green' house.

"CFPUA called me and asked me what was going on, because I was using the least amount of water in like many neighborhoods around here, and I was happy about that," he said.

The reason: DeChesere collects rainwater - he has a tank underground. The rainwater is recycled to water the lawn and to flush toilets in the house. It was installed by Cape Fear Rain Water Harvesting, Inc.

DeChesere is actually selling the energy he's making with his solar panels back to Progress Energy.

Still, he ends up owing them, but not that much money.

"It keeps our power bill to about $25 a month, said DeChesere. "With a few more panels, it would probably be zero, but you have to spend money to save money. "

Both the solar panels and rainwater recycling system can cost thousands, but there are incentives out there.

"What makes it affordable are the tax credits," said Gary Leber from Solarstar Energy.

The state of North Carolina is offering a 35-percent tax credit, and the Federal government is offering a 30-percent tax credit. So you can make it affordable in that it will pay for itself in five to eight years.

On top of the solar panels and rainwater recycling, DeChesere's house has a living roof, with plants that reduce storm water runoff by 20 percent.

Plants surrounding his house are landscaped lower, so that they can catch more rainfall.

Inside of his home, he's using LED lights and low flow toilets; plus, most of the doors, countertops and surfaces are made from recycled materials.

DeChesere says it feels better being green, even though gutting his home was costly.

If you're not ready to invest thousands, there are simple free things you can do now to get 'off the grid', so to say.

Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room
Hang your clothes to dry
Air dry dishes
Open your blinds in the winter months to allow the sun to heat up your home

DeChesere is a member of the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance, a group that promotes building approaches that are environmentally responsible. His home won an LEED platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its green technology.

Most Popular StoriesMost Popular StoriesMore>>
Six deadly foods for dogs
Six deadly foods for dogs
Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. One woman found that out the hard way when her dog ate a bunch of grapes! Turns out, that's one of the most dangerous foods
Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. But these common snacks could be fatal for Fido.
Invasive species threatening U.S.
Microscopic species becoming a growing threat in the U.S.
Hollywood science fiction has long warned about alien invasions, but the real science may be more frightening.
Hollywood science fiction has long warned about alien invasions, but the real science may be more frightening. We take a tour of the Center for Invasive Species to find out what microscopic organisms could be taking over the country if they aren't stopped.
Where does your donation really go?
How much of your donations really go to charity?
A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities.
A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities. The non-profit organizations end up with just pennies on the dollar raised through solicitation campaigns, and it's all legal.
The best air filter for your home
Getting the best air filter for your home
Air filters are crucial to keeping your home free of dirt and allergens, but their price range is huge. Does the performance justify the price tag?
Air filters are crucial to keeping your home free of dirt and allergens, but their price range is huge. Does the performance justify the price tag?
Does lip balm dry out your lips?
Do lip balm products dry out your lips?
If you hear the words "heavy user" or "addict," one of the last things you think about is lip balm. Some people say they just can't stop applying lip balm products, and others claim they can't find a
If you hear the words "heavy user" or "addict," one of the last things you think about is lip balm. Some people say they just can't stop applying lip balm products, and others claim they can't find a brand that works.
The deadliest snake in North America
The deadliest snake in North America
SOURCE: Thinkstock
About 12 Americans die every year from venomous snake bites. But hundreds more are bitten and survive only because they receive life-saving antivenin in the nick of time.
Flooding can bring snakes to the surface of your yard, but this one is especially dangerous! America Now Expert Jules Sylvester shows how you can spot it, and what to do if you get bitten.
Buried bus rides out storms
School bus converted into underground storm shelter
You can call it 'riding out the storm', literally. "It's the whole bus underground," James Hunter explained. He and his wife buried an old school bus to make a creative storm shelter. "I'm ready for the
When it comes to staying safe during a tornado or severe thunderstorm, experts often recommend an underground shelter. But building one can cost a pretty penny. Find out how one couple found a way to save money on their shelter.
The dirty secrets of nail salons
Improperly sanitized nail salon equipment can cause infections, disease
In recent years, there have been at least three cases reported in the media involving people in the U.S. who died from health problems that the victims' families claim stemmed from unsanitary nail salon practices.
In recent years, there have been at least three cases reported in the media involving people in the United States who died from health problems that the victims' families claim stemmed from unsanitary nail salon practices.
Mouse droppings cause disease
Mouse droppings cause respiratory disease
Mice are one of the most resilient mammals living on the planet. Some people have them as pets, and they're also used in laboratory experiments. If wild mice get inside your house, they can potentially
If wild mice find a way inside your home, they can potentially cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your drywall and insulation. They can also transmit a harmful disease which can cause death in humans.
Teen suicide: Hidden pain leads to tragic action
Teen suicide: Hidden pain leads to tragic action
Imagine coming home from work, greeting the dog, and walking upstairs to find your son or daughter dead by their own hands. The suicide of a child is a very sensitive and sometimes divisive subject for
One 14-year old girl's family shares the story of her suicide, the pain it has caused and the efforts they hope will raise awareness about teen suicide in light of their personal tragedy.

Some weaning themselves ‘off-the-grid' - AmericaNowNews.com

More going green and ‘off-the-grid'

Most Popular StoriesMost Popular StoriesMore>>