Off-The-Grid (OTG)
Tomichi Lodge prides itself in being 'Off-The-Grid'
WHAT DOES 'OFF-THE-GRID' TRULY MEAN?
The term 'Off-The-Grid', or OTG, frequently gets used and abused and the translation now has a wider spectrum than ever before. The original (and most valid) meaning refers to living without the assistance of a public utilities' power grid, or in layman's terms, without the use of your local electric company; hence 'off-the-grid'.
The term later evolved to describe living without most available public utilities: power, water, sewer, etc. The modern day technology and social media addiction has further evolved the term to mean "living, traveling or camping without use of cell phone, social media apps, Skype, etc"...referring to living off the instant communication grid.
HOW IS TOMICHI LODGE OTG?
Electricity
The Tomichi Lodge has an on-property, hydro-electric system which harnesses gravity-powered mountain creek water flow and transforms the force into usable amperage that can be used at the lodge and/or stored for later use. The system is backed up by a single solar panel to ensure the storage batteries always receive a trickle charge in the event the hydro-system were unavailable.
Water
The on-property well provides water for drinking, cooking, indoor toilets, showers and a washing machine. A whole-house inline sediment filter captures and cleans the well water prior to its accessibility.
Sewer
The lodge installed a septic system allowing for natural management of human waste products.
Propane
There is a 1,000-gallon propane tank which allows for cooking and a much appreciated hot water heater. This one reliance on public assistance (refilling annually) can eventually be phased out with a slightly larger and more efficient hydroelectric system and additional solar panels. Both water heater and range can be converted to electric versus propane, giving us a 100% OTG rating.
Cell Phones/ Internet
Cell phone service is not available at the property. We do have limited satellite internet but is not readily available to guests. The lodge also has a landline
(ph# 970-641-0241) in case of emergency.
WHAT'S THE IMPORTANCE/VALUE OF AN OTG LIFESTYLE?
An OTG lifestyle is rooted in each and every human's history. Our ancestors lived on the land - before the grid was created - without the reliance on electricity, sewer systems and fossil fuels. They were hunters, farmers, gatherers, foragers, builders, nomads and lived an efficient, respectful and non-wasteful life. Today we over-produce everything from food to clothes to cars and the list goes on. Our world has finite resources and we will eventually run out of resources if we continue to live in this manner.
However, with the growing awareness around these issues, new communities are sprouting up with the focus on sustainability and conscious living habits. These include community gardens/farms as part of the neighborhood, solar, wind and water power becoming more accessible and affordable, and local farmers' markets growing in size, encouraging local production while minimzing the transportation of goods. Residential neighborhoods are re-scripting their Covenants Conditions & Restrictions (CCR's) to allow families to raise chickens, goats and other smaller, manageable livestock.
We hope the Tomichi Lodge serves as a model for others to live mindfully, promoting self reliance and sustainability. As the property evolves into more of a backcountry eco-resort we will further develop our infrastructure to allow for an even greater OTG lifestyle.