Larry Plesent: The Challenges Of Living Off The Grid And Operating An Organic Business in America

Owning and operatng a successful business in this economy is a tough call. Small businesses have had to slash profits drastically in order to keep up with big companies that are flooding the American market with cheaply made and potentially environmentally hazardous products manufactured in China. Unfortunately, Mr. Mom and Pop Shop will not be afforded a government bail-out to save them from declaring bankruptcy when they are deep in the red. Such is the fate of most small business today, regardless of the empty campaign promises that have been made. Thanks to the amount of corruption, expenses are going up, our utilities rates are soaring and along with our taxes. People are losing their homes left and right. What options do we really have? Is it possible to move out of the big cities, the suburbs and head to the country? When you mention the term “living off the grid” most people think you live in a cave and are foraging nuts and berries as you drink water from a stream in your cup carved out of a tree limb. That is clearly not the case with our favorite organic “Soapman”, Mr. Larry Plesent, CEO of Vermont Soapworks (www.VermontSoap.com) Larry, who is actually a pioneer in the organic industry, developed the world's first certified organic pet shampoo, shower gel, and nontoxic cleaner, continues to impact the organic industry with his knowledge and skills. Larry also owns and operates a restaurant in Middlebury, Vermont. In a very depressed economy, Larry has managed to keep his businesses thriving while still maintaining his ethics as he lives off the grid. So, what exactly is it like to move up from the city to the charmed life of the country? How does one go about building a home that is self-sufficient? What kind of maintenance is involved? Do you use candle light if the sky is cloudy or are there any reserves available? Just how expensive is it? If you are wondering if perhaps “living off the grid” is for you, tune in!