Pick New Mexico; land is cheap, sun is plenty and sustainable living is an existing way of life.
Convert an existing home to off the grid power in stages. Consider solar or wind power generation, depending on the home’s location and zoning regulations. New Mexico building officials are receptive to off the grid conversions, which are not new in this state.
Begin by installing or converting larger appliances like a refrigerator, freezer, or washing machine to propane or solar electricity. Learn about battery installation and maintenance, power inverting, and propane use on a single appliance before building up to an operational power center that runs a complete home.
Set up rain and snow collection systems from the home’s gutters and roof for use in washing, watering gardens and other secondary water activities.
Buy an existing green home for sale in New Mexico. Northern New Mexico hosts numerous intentionally green communities with existing off the grid housing options.
Choose a style of home designed for off-the-grid living such as a straw bale home, an adobe, an underground home or one built from recycled materials like tires or glass.
Check out an Earthship, like those found in the intentional community on Highway 64 northwest of Taos. These stylish homes are completely off the grid, built from recycled and natural materials and available for about $300,000 each.
Install a gray water handling system to recycle dish, shower and laundry water.
Establish an on-site sewage containment system approved by the local building and code inspectors. Composting toilets are a common option with no smell and high degradation efficiencies.
Use green landscaping practices when designing or converting a home. Little to no water usage is a goal and use multi-purpose options like fruit trees that provide shade and food or mulched gardens with edible plants and flowers. Use organic and natural growing methods like companion planting.
Heat and cool a home using passive solar or thermally controlled systems. Green homes maintain constant indoor temperatures through house structure, location and design.