US retail sales fell 1.1% in May and 0.5% in June. Manufacturing output fell 0.4% in June. The Philly Index for new manufacturing orders fell to -4.3 in July.

Other confidence indicators are also falling, and as we wonder what might be ahead of us, some Americans are taking out an insurance policy — by going off the grid. They figure that if the worst happens, they and their families living in communities powered by wind and solar will still be able to function as normal.

The Fed is talking about QE2 — another wall of money thrown at the long term problem. Even if it happens, there will still be many more forecloures and layoffs, and the price of oil will continue to rise.

But for the thousands of families who are making the move off grid each month, the economy is only one consideration. Many have had it with the dysfunctional state, or the threat from global climate change.

They want to be free of the need to pay a mortgage — a small, three bed off-grid home with electricity and water can run as little as $75,000 including land. That is a compelling agrument at a time when new homes sales have dried up.

As the technology continues to improve, living off-grid has become more comfortable. Of course there will always be millions of Americans for whom the lifestyle is out of the question — a return to the stone age. But millions more value the simplicity of off the grid living, and the freedom it confers because it is a low-cost existence.

In future postings I will outline what you need to live off the grid, and why its a good thing to consider.

Other Stats:

New homes sales collapsed in May 2010 to a record low of 300,000 with the expiry of tax credits for first-time buyers.

The American Trucking Association said tonnage fell 0.6% in May (the most recent available).

The American Association of Railroads said car loadings fell 1.1% in May, and a further 1.3% in June (month-on-month, seasonally adjusted)

Outbound traffic from the Port of Long Beach fell from 139,000 containers in May to 116,000 in June. Shipments from the Port of Los Angeles fell from 161,000 to 155,000.

Nick Rosen Huffington Post

Water Rhapsody can install your water tank as well as advise and supply you with the various filters (Rainrunners). The full rainwater harvesting system (Grand Opus) is a system that pumps rainwater collected in the water tank, back into your home. For more information contact a water rhapsody dealer to get a free quote.

In North America, these tanks are also called rain barrels, in the UK they are known as rain butts, in Australia they are called Plastic Water Tanks and in South Africa, water tanks or rainwater tanks. No matter what you call them, their purpose is to collect water from rainstorms that can be stored and used later. Usually the tanks are above ground receptacles but sometimes they are built in the ground. This is particularly the case in extremely arid climates where residents fully expect long periods of drought.

Types of tanks may be concrete, plastic or galvanized steel as well as stainless steel and fiberglass which are chemical resistant and rust proof. They are found often on the tops of roofs as well as patios, driveways and other areas with waterproof surfaces.

Water collected in these receptacles may be used for a number of things. Common uses include watering lawns and gardens, household plumbing like toilets and washing machines, and topping up swimming pools. If it is to be used for drinking, special care must be taken to ensure that the water does not get contaminated.

First of all, steps can be taken before the water is collected to help keep it safe. Water Rhapsody use a filter called a rainrunner to include things like screen coverings to prevent dirt, debris, bird droppings and insects from getting inside. Selecting an opaque tank is wise to keep sunlight out and thus reducing the risk of algae growth and an overrun of bacteria. A plastic lining is good to prevent leaks and help maintain high water quality.

It is also imperative that, even if these steps are taken, any water that is drunk is properly filtered. Even thought rain water is pure, it may become contaminated after collection. And while rain does not contain chlorine, air pollutants can affect the water after it is gathered. It is advised not to drink water from rainwater tanks unless there are no other sources of drinkable water.

The video shows giant magnetic coronal loops, which are responsible for huge atmospheric explosions that occur in the atmosphere, known as solar flares. The loops undergo periodic (oscillatory) motion, creating the “music”, which can be thought of as someone plucking a guitar string.