Instead
of an electric meter running up your electric bill, you switch to
solar PV panels installed on your roof with energy storage batteries
or hook up to a local commune with access to a wind energy device
like one area of Ilocos Norte.
Septic tanks have always been used in the
Philippines for most residential communities and few actually depend
on a city system sewage disposal. For tap water you might need to
dig a well near your home or have a catch basin / cistern system for
collecting rain water since we have rain almost year round.
This might not be your choice for keeping a water source so you can get a ration from the local supplier, every month or so to replenish your drinking water stock just so you won't end up recycling sewage. A water storage tank ( a cistern ) in your abode will provide a steady source of potable water without need for connecting to the grid.
Living
off-grid means a lot of discipline in using scarce resources—you
can't let the shower run while you are bathing. And you will actually
schedule appliance use and conserve electricity, but doing so only
requires getting used to a way of life that is greener.
When water is scarce, dishes might pile up and your toilet might have to be rigged like pre-American era latrines. Rain barrels for collecting rain water will be a necessary survival method for keeping water available. If you do have modern conveniences requiring power, choose appliances with energy star ratings and efficiency.
Even shopping for your groceries or merchandise, you have to choose products that do not leave too much plastic or paper waste. True off-grid living means you will grow your own food. Have a planter box with tomatoes and herbs growing. Raising chickens and goats for milk and eggs will be very handy but make sure it is allowed in your neighborhood if you live in an urban area,
One last advisory about living off-grid is that you will choose a more manageable place, usually a smaller living space that requires less energy needs than the traditional suburban house. But like moving out of the house when you can pay for your own upkeep, living off-grid is your next goal as a smarter individual, just because you can.
