Best Friends Build Off-Grid Paradise in Video Tour: 'You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do'

A Sustainable Lifestyle: Learning from Two Best Friends

Two best friends have created an off-grid paradise that serves as a blueprint for sustainable living. Their journey has inspired many, showing how anyone can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their homes. In a TikTok video, one of the friends shared their experience, posting under the handle @heywanderer.

The tour begins with a view of native plants, flowers, and fruit-bearing species that provide food for both humans and pollinators. This concept is not limited to remote areas; it can be applied in suburban settings too. Rewilding with a natural lawn requires fewer resources to maintain and eliminates the need for costly treatments. Supporting pollinators is essential for our food supply, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which states that 35% of crops rely on bees and other pollinators.

The innovative friends set up gutters to collect precipitation, which is used for various purposes, including watering plants in a greenhouse. In urban areas, rain barrels can provide water for gardens and lawns while helping prevent local flooding. This simple practice can significantly reduce water bills and contribute to environmental conservation.

Composting is another key element of their sustainable lifestyle. By using food scraps and other organic materials, they create nutrient-rich soil for their abundant gardens. This process not only reduces waste but also prevents methane emissions, which are harmful to the environment. According to the International Energy Agency, methane from landfills contributes to global warming. The friends' approach helps mitigate this issue.

Sustainability is also evident in their use of renewable energy sources. Many tiny homes are capable of operating solely on solar power, which can reduce or eliminate utility bills. EnergySage is a free tool that helps individuals unlock incentives and find the right installer to save $10,000 on setup. A government study found that most homeowners who install solar systems save an average of around $700 annually after expenses.

The friends’ off-grid paradise includes a pool, a chicken coop, and even an outdoor bathroom and shower. While the pool is refreshing in the summer, the outdoor bathroom might not be ideal in the winter. However, the friends emphasize that "you gotta do what you gotta do."

Their main residence is a tiny house, which they have showcased in greater detail on YouTube. The small, sustainable living trend is popular among those interested in downsizing. Some people live comfortably in 240 square feet, maximizing space with innovative features. For example, rental cabins in Quebec have human-sized hamster wheels that provide exercise and generate electricity.

On TikTok, users were excited about what the friends have accomplished. One person commented, "May this life find me." Another viewer had some reservations but was generally impressed: "I don't like dirt, bugs, or gardening, or really just being outside. But you make this look like paradise."

For those interested in learning more about sustainable living, there are numerous resources available. Joining a free newsletter can provide easy tips to save more and waste less. Additionally, exploring lists of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet can inspire meaningful changes.

The friends’ journey highlights the possibilities of sustainable living and encourages others to consider eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. Whether through rewilding, composting, or using renewable energy, there are many ways to contribute to a healthier planet.