Living Off the Grid
The USF Director of Climate Change and Sustainability truly practices what he teaches. Dr. T.H. Culhane has lived off the grid for 20 years.
Dr. Culhane teaches people to use fuel resources powered by garbage. He collects food waste at USF from the seemingly endless source coming from on-campus restaurants.
“Food waste, globally, is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases that are exacerbating global warming and causing climate change to be as bad as it is,” said Culhane.
The scraps from yesterday’s meals are ground up in his homemade biogas digester. This converts to electricity that powers his RV and heats his water.
His goal is to show people how effective and easy it is to live off-grid.
“A lot of us are studying sustainability and learning about sustainability, but are assuming that somebody else is going to do it,” said Culhane
Eco-Friendly Housing
While Dr. Culhane enjoys the simple lifestyle, sustainable living doesn’t necessarily mean losing luxury.
According to the National Association of Realtors, consumer interest in sustainability is growing.
Millennials are more likely to buy eco-friendly goods, and they make up 65% of first-time homebuyers.
Buyers are seeking a higher energy rating for their entire home. “Green” homes cost more to build, but far less to operate.
Homeowners recoup the highest purchase price in four to eight years. They are not only reducing their carbon footprint, they are lowering total expenses for mortgage and operating the home.
Anchor: Rachel Boyd
Reporter: Garnet Somers, Maribeth Nguyen
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Advisor: Catherine Gugerty, Jeanette Abrahamsen
