"Off-grid living is a spectrum that unites greens and survivalists, " says Rosen, referring to those who choose to escape city life because they either don't trust the government or don't want it meddling in their affairs.

CNN: 5 great spots for dropping off the grid

If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for their prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandparent.

CNN: Obama: Time to reclaim America's promise