LiveSmart BC Community Hero
LiveSmart BC Community Hero: Anastasia Ledwon
On her way north, Anastasia Ledwon discovered an abandoned house and bought it.
“The previous owners used a diesel generator,” she said. “We heard stories about how they would be out there in the cold with a lighter, trying to get it going to have showers and such.”
Six years later, the house is still off the grid, supporting Ledwon, Richard Beck and their eight month old son.
Using a wind tower and solar panels, their house is fully functional.
“We live normally,” she said. “We have a microwave, just nothing with a heating element in it.”
The biggest change of lifestyle, she said, has been becoming more aware of general energy consumption.
“It prompts you to live energy conscious,” Ledwon said.
It is the little things that are surprising, like the amount of power turned off electronics drain, or unnecessary lights, or even the amount of energy a freezer/fridge unit uses compared to a chest freezer.
“Everything is on power bars,” she said. “When we don’t have it on, the bar is turned off . When we leave the room, we shut off the lights.”
With the developments in technology, living off the grid is easier than ever.
“It’s doable. It doesn’t cramp our lifestyle,” Ledwon said. “There have been periods when we were both working from home, working off computers. It hasn’t been an issue.”
With an eight month old baby, they have had baby monitors going and night lights, requiring a constant draw of energy. Even that has not been too much for their alternative power sources.
It is not only the small footprint that is a draw for Beck and Ledwon, but living off the grid has afforded a tranquil spot, with beautiful views, wildlife and great neighbours.
“It has been a good learning experience,” Ledwon said. “It is nice to show people what they can do, it is not like the old days.”
