17 Years Living Off-Grid on a Self-Built Island Homestead - Built with Salvaged Materials

Shadow built this incredible floating island with salvaged and reclaimed materials. The island comprises a 2-story float home, a floating chicken coop, floating gardens, and even a floating compost shed! He's been living on the water for 17 years and working hard to protect the Widgeon Slough area in BC, Canada. He gathers wood from the river to use as firewood, he grows some of his own fresh food in barrel gardens, and he collects fresh water from a nearby spring. He filters his greywater on a floating raft with multiple plant and husk filtration layers, and he composts his food and human waste to ensure that nothing goes overboard.

You can follow Shadow on Instagram and YouTube here:

Each part of the island is floating independently with its own off-grid solar panel to provide electricity. This way, if the island breaks apart during a storm, the power system won't be damaged.

Shadow uses a skiff to collect wood from the river and to get around his island. For longer journeys into town, he uses his kayak to get to the road, and from there, he uses a bicycle to get to town for supplies. He also has friends and family who help him with obtaining supplies.

Shadow says the main threats to the area are poachers, pollution, film crews, and the local government spraying pesticides to control invasive species and opening the area to be a park. The government has been trying to evict him for years, but he feels that his presence is needed to keep people accountable for the harm they're inflicting on this delicate ecosystem.

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives

Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

[ExploringAlternatives]

Please consider supporting Shadow's GoFundMe to improve his systems!

Thank you all for the support you've shown Shadow since we shared his story! After being isolated for so long, it's been really heartwarming for him to hear kind words from like-minded people! Many of you suggested that he could improve his systems, so this is why he decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign. And while he prefers to live without money as much as possible, we personally think it's a good idea for him to have a little bit saved up in case of an emergency. Thank you for helping a fellow explorer with your kindness and with a donation if you're able <3

[PJSpojken]

Kinda sad to hear him say on the end "The local goverment, have try to get rid of me for years.." A citizen that are collecting trash other humans throw in the nature, recycle every part he find and consume. The local goverment should give this man funds, to continue do what he is doing, and endorse other to do the same.

[lexingtonconcord]

This dude built an island that he lives on, and he doesn't live for money. A+ bro, A+

[WiseJefe]

Nothing but respect for this man. Not only for living off the grid for 17 years but his purpose that he's given himself in life. As a guardian. Thank you good sir.

[milliea.]

this man literally left civilization because he didn't vibe w it anymore, brought a bunch of chickens with him and built an entire ISLAND out of RECYCLED WOOD, continues to clean out the river, researches his environment, does tarot, cares for bats and birds, and literally just devotes his life to the vibes. i love him.

[yak]

He literally isn’t hurting anybody.. pleas leave him be..

[kahealanik]

His whole place is cleaner than a lot of homes I been in 😳. You just gained an admirer

[natglizzyyyyyy]

I’m impressed with how organized and clean it actually is on the inside as well as the outside

[kluis]

He’s found his purpose and purpose in life, a way to live with little to no money, sustainable and responsible it’s incredible, such peace and purpose

[curliefro]

🙏🏽 I pray for no-one to disturb this gentleman''s existence. He is truly living his life without harming anyone or anything

[shansiddiqui]

This is guy is a beautiful man. He isn't bothering anyone, he is literally making the world a better place. If I knew where he was I would drop of more supplies that he can reuse

[amandastoltz]

The peace this man radiates is insane. Wow thanks for sharing, so inspiring!

[punkbastid]

I love that he's minimized his need to use money. The whole idea is awesome but the no money thing is next level!! He's the epitome of a resource-based economy. This is a disease that needs to spread.

[usmcmsgt]

That guy would be the last man standing in a zombie apocalypse

[RamadaArtist]

He needs to start an apprenticeship/fellowship program, or just literally teach classes, because people need to be able to see and learn that this kind of thing actually works.

[ussweeneyd]

This story is wonderful. You nailed it when you referred to yourself as a “Guardian” of the environment. Your lifestyle defies the greed, jealousy and hypocrisy of todays populations. If only; more governments would recognize the value of protecting what was gifted us and did more to prevent the erosion of humanity. God bless you.

[InnaVitamina]

The fact that he spends so much time researching his environmental impact and focuses on enhancing vs depleting is amazing ! More people like this would be more of a balance with so many of us living and depleting our mother earth of all she has.

[landonhagan]

This is easily one of the coolest things anyone has ever made. I love the efficiency of the layout, too. It’s so _satisfying_ how it all fits together.

[ShEpArd]

Anyone else notice his pot plants? What an interesting guy. He's just out there clean living off the land, taking care of his environment by day, getting stoned and reading tarot cards by night.

[world-wide]

He is a very well organized person .. everything looks beautiful, clean and with a purpose. Congratulations to this man 👏👏👏 . Authorities leave him alone or pay him for his services to nature