In Cape Coral, Fla., just a few months ago the court ruled that living off the grid is illegal. Sustainable living is unfailingly tested and frowned upon. Specifically for Florida resident Robin Speronis, who has been living completely independent of the water and electric systems, is now considered to be exercising an illegal lifestyle.
According to Collective-Evolution, the definition of off grid living is as defined by George Noory.
"It means living independently, mainly living independently of the utility companies. Providing your own power. It does not mean living in the Stone Age, it's not about bush craft. It's about generating your own power, your own water, dealing with your own waste. Probably as part of a community, not living on your own like a hermit. It's also about being more self-reliant and being less dependent on the system. Perhaps realizing that the system isn't really protecting us anymore and we have to look after ourselves."
A code officer tried to evict Speronis from her home for violated the International Property Maintenance Code for her property relies on rain water and solar panels in replace of her city water system and electric grid. The code, "mandates that homes be connected to an electricity grid and a running water source."
The issue lies in individuals not having a choice on whether to depend on corporate America for their energy or water sources simply allowing for organizations to have control over individuals' ways of living. Like in the beginning of the year when a SWAT team disrupted the Garden of Eden Community in Texas, threatening its continuation as a sustainable group.
Individuals of the community were handcuffed and held at gunpoint while spoiling many of the garden's crops, resulting in citations for "violating" city code. Shellie Smith, land owner of the Garden of Eden stated, "The City codes are in violation of our natural and Constitutional rights to live freely while causing damage to no one, and since there is no damaged party, there has been no crime committed on our part."
According to Inquistir.com, "though not illegal yet, even in Northern California, citizens can be evicted if they do not consume electricity, citing fears about candle-fires."
Who really is in violation here? The argument is an unresolved issue, and as of now, sustainable living practices cannot exist in the states of Florida and Texas.
