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Synthesis Essay
Synthesis Essay
AP Language
10 December 2019
Synthesis Essay
animals, and even humans themselves. Hundreds of animals have gone extinct due to human
activities through pollution, urban sprawl, and energy usage in just a few hundred years. Some
scientists argue that there is not enough time for the earth to recover from the damage humans
have created. However, the movement of "off the grid" habitats can provide a solution for the
long-term health of our world. The term "off the grid" refers to those who have chosen to live
away from society and reduce their impact on the environment. People who live "off the grid"
will save our nonrenewable energy sources such as coal or oil, reduce their carbon footprint,
improve their health, and promote an individualistic lifestyle that is beneficial for the individual
Living "off the grid" includes anyone from any background, proven by the example of
"The New American Life" by Tracie McMillan. The author includes the unique example of
Joseph and Shelly Trumpey, a retired professor and school teacher, who made the life-changing
decision to live "off the grid". The article stated, "[This] couple [is] passionate about
self-reliance, high-quality food, [and ] solar-powered home" (Source A). This couple is a prime
example that anyone can live "off the grid" despite their background. Typically an audience
would assume a more nature loving nomatic type to be the norm for this style of living, however
couples like the Trumpey’s prove that anyone can live “off the grid”. The couple built a house
that was completely self sustaining which proved they have the capability to function
independently. Their house is also environmentally friendly, producing its energy by solar panels
which have no effect on the environment because sunlight is a renewable resource. This results
in lower carbon outputs, decreasing their carbon footprint. The Trumpey family shows an
example of how a modern couple can live "off the grid" and have little effect on the
environment. This movement can have insurmountable effects because the more population that
lives "off the grid" the lower the carbon dioxide release and the more renewable energy
available. Tracie McMillan shows a modern example of how one family can have an impact on
the environment and communicates that anyone can live “off the grid”.
If families are unable to live completely "off the grid", there are other options available,
such as families who do not necessarily want to be completely disconnected. In the article,
“Living off the grid is no longer just for back-to-the-landers”, Turkel Tux illustrates the
affordability of renewable resource energy systems such as solar panels. Tux includes that solar
panels have "fallen drastically over the past few years, so homeowners can generate more power
for less money" (Source B). Many "off the grid" prospects are turned away because the great cost
of preparing to live "off the grid", especially the cost of solar panels. However because this
movement has increased dramatically in recent years, more people are buying solar panels,
meaning their overall cost has decreased. Using renewable energy means the energy will never
run out, so people using this system are independent from the costs and fees of electrical
companies. Living "off the grid" has its perks because people can save money and be
independent of any major electricity company. People who use renewable energy such as solar
panels will never suffer from a power outage. This article exemplifies that solar panels are
becoming more affordable and create an independent environment for solar panel owners.
Not many people realize the amount of energy they consume every day in an American
modern day home. In a chart from Cam Mather's “Lessons from Off-Grid Living”, one can see
the amount of energy it takes for just one day. The chart shows that a simple refrigerator takes
1,000 watt-hours of energy in one hour; however, many Americans keep their refrigerators
running 24 hours a day. Not to mention, this chart is based on a living "off the grid" home which
produces 5 kilo-watt hours vs the American home with an average of 30 kilo-watt hours per day
(Source C). This chart indicates that for an average American home it takes about 30,000
kilo-watts for one day to run a refrigerator. The numbers speak for themselves. It is important for
people to realize how much energy we consume in just one day. This chart provides incentive for
a living style that uses drastically less energy. Just think of the countless amounts of energy and
Some people oppose the "off the grid" lifestyle because of the rise in electrical prices of
those who are not living "off the grid". Rajab Khalilpour and Anthony Vassallo of “Leaving the
grid: An ambition or a real choice?” argue the values for the good of all, in which people living
“off the grid” save money all the while other homeowners using electrical companies are forced
to pay higher electricity bills. The authors state, "Consumers - leave the grid, the network cost
will be distributed over fewer customers and thus the network charge will increase" (Source D).
The authors value those who are left behind paying high electric bills, however the writers fail to
acknowledge simple economics. If more people are buying renewable energy systems such as
solar panels, they are reducing the cost. If the cost of solar panels is going down, then these
electrical consumers could switch to this system and save money while also saving the
environment. The option of living “off the grid” does work for the good of all: saving people
The main appeal of living “off the grid” is the escape from the turmoils of everyday life:
pollution, traffic, and constant traffic are a few examples which provides a healthier
environment. In the article, “The Temptation to Hide Away in a Tiny Home” by Eve Andrews
highlights the attractiveness of this lifestyle. The article states that people living off the grid
escape from “telecommuting and car commuting” while also avoiding “any pollution or
crowding or any racial inequality” (Source E). People living “off the grid” will receive less
quantities of the problems we face by creating a peaceful utopia free from stresses these
problems create. Living “off the grid” can create a distance between the problems our world
The numerous benefits of living "off the grid" are endless: becoming an independent
consumer, helping the environment, contributing to better health, and saving money. People
living "off the grid" are free from the contracts or expensive prices of electrical companies, and
can also save the earth by reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, solar panels and other
renewable energy sources save consumers money because the number of solar panel owners are
increasing. Living “off the grid” also contributes to an individual's health because it creates a
distance between the turmoils of modern life. The benefits are evident. By living “off the grid"
people can still stay connected but stray away from environmental degrading activities such as
electricity. There is an opportunity to improve our earth and prevent further destruction of its
habitats, water sources, and animals. Living "off the grid" is a valuable solution that would