Solar power and a compostable toilet: what it takes to live off the grid in regional Australia

There are no electricity bills but also nobody picks up the rubbish. So why are off-the-grid homes growing in popularity?Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletterJoin the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the communityIt may not look like everyone's idea of a dream home but for Tim Dakin this converted shed in East Gippsland represents financial freedom and self-sufficiency.Located 7km out of the small town of Briagolong, the shed is now a comfortable home. Dakin bought the property on a whim with his ex-wife more than two decades ago, and has spent the past eight turning it into a fully off-the-grid residence.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...