Copilot Think Deeper Is Free For All

Here is an example of how I used it.

The commoditisation of AI is truly here. Microsoft have just rolled out Think Deeper for Copilot which is effectively OpenAI’s GPT-o1 model allowing you to save $20 on your GPT subscription.

You can get access to this via the IOS or Android apps, or use the web interface.

They have also rolled out full voice support to which is pretty cool.

On the web you can access it by clicking on the Think Deeper button:

Here is what I asked it…

I live in a suburban area but I would like to make my house as off-grid as possible. I have a small garden of 12 foot by 12 foot for planting crops but I use mains electricity, gas, and water. I would like to be resiliant against failures in any one of these, and I would like to produce as much food of my own as possible.

First, this is the result without Think Deeper.

Transforming your suburban home into an off-grid oasis is a fantastic project! Let's break it down into a few key areas:

Energy

1. Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on your roof can help you generate your own electricity. Solar power systems can be connected to batteries to store energy for use during cloudy days or at night.

2. Wind Turbine: If your area has sufficient wind, a small wind turbine can be a good supplement to solar power.

3. Energy-efficient appliances: Make sure your home is equipped with energy-efficient appliances to reduce your overall energy consumption.

Water

1. Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater from your roof and store it in tanks for use in your garden, or even for household purposes if properly filtered.

2. Greywater System: Reuse water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for irrigation.

3. Water-efficient fixtures: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage.

Food Production

1. Maximize Your Garden Space: Use vertical gardening techniques, container gardening, and companion planting to make the most of your 12x12 foot garden. Growing vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens can yield a lot of produce in a small space.

2. Composting: Start a compost pile to recycle kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

3. Herbs and Small Fruits: Consider growing herbs and small fruit bushes like strawberries in pots or hanging baskets.

Heating and Cooking

1. Wood Stove: A wood-burning stove can be a good backup for heating your home. Make sure to have a supply of wood.

2. Solar Oven: Use a solar oven to cook food using the power of the sun.

3. Propane: Keep a propane stove or grill as an alternative cooking method in case of power outages.

Resilience and Redundancy

1. Backup Systems: Have backups for critical systems. For example, a generator can provide temporary power if solar and wind sources are unavailable.

2. Stockpile Essentials: Keep a stock of non-perishable food, water, and medical supplies.

3. Community: Connect with neighbors and local groups who have similar goals for mutual support and resource sharing.

It's all about taking small, incremental steps and gradually building up your self-sufficiency. Let me know if you want more detailed information on any of these topics!

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Here are the results with Think Deeper on…

Transforming your suburban home into an off-grid sanctuary is an inspiring endeavor! Let's explore how you can maximize self-sufficiency and resilience in your situation.

Harnessing Your Own Energy

Solar Power:

• Roof Panels: Installing solar panels on your rooftop can significantly reduce or eliminate your dependence on the grid. Opt for high-efficiency panels to maximize energy production in limited space.

• Battery Storage: Pair your solar system with batteries like lithium-ion units to store excess energy for use during nighttime or cloudy days.

• Inverters and Controllers: Invest in quality inverters and charge controllers to efficiently manage and convert the energy your panels produce.

Wind Energy:

• Small Wind Turbines: If local regulations permit and your area has adequate wind resources, a small-scale turbine can supplement your solar energy, especially during winter months when sunlight is scarce.

Energy Efficiency:

• LED Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs to reduce electricity consumption.

• Energy-Star Appliances: Upgrade to appliances that use less power without sacrificing performance.

• Smart Home Systems: Utilize smart thermostats and power strips to optimize energy use.

Water Independence

Rainwater Harvesting:

• Collection Systems: Install gutters and downspouts that channel rainwater into storage tanks or barrels.

• Filtration: Use filters and purifiers to make collected rainwater suitable for household use, including drinking if properly treated.

• Storage Solutions:

+--------------------+
| Rainwater Storage  |
+--------------------+
|  - Above-ground    |
|  - Underground     |
+--------------------+

Greywater Recycling:

• System Setup: Redirect water from showers, sinks, and washing machines to irrigate your garden.

• Safety Measures: Use biodegradable soaps to prevent harmful chemicals from entering your soil.

Water Conservation:

• Low-Flow Fixtures: Install aerated faucets and dual-flush toilets to reduce water usage.

• Drip Irrigation: Implement drip lines in your garden to deliver water directly to plant roots with minimal waste.

Maximizing Food Production in a Small Garden

Your 12' x 12' garden is brimming with potential!

Vertical Gardening:

• Trellises and Arbors: Grow climbing plants like peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash vertically.

• Stacked Planters: Utilize tiered planters or shelving units for herbs and leafy greens.

Intensive Planting Methods:

• Square Foot Gardening: Divide your garden into a grid to optimize plant spacing and health.

• Companion Planting: Pair plants that support each other's growth, such as tomatoes with basil.

Season Extension:

• Cold Frames and Row Covers: Protect plants from frost, allowing for earlier planting and extended harvests.

• Succession Planting: Replant quick-growing crops immediately after harvesting to maximize yield.

Alternative Growing Techniques:

• Container Gardening: Grow potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables in deep containers.

• Hydroponics: Set up a simple system indoors to grow lettuce, herbs, and microgreens year-round.

Energy for Heating and Cooking

Efficient Heating:

• Passive Solar Design: Use thermal curtains and strategically placed windows to capture and retain heat from the sun.

• Insulation: Improve insulation in walls, attics, and floors to maintain indoor temperatures with less energy.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Solar Ovens: Cook meals using reflective materials that concentrate sunlight.

• Rocket Stoves: Build a highly efficient wood-burning stove for outdoor cooking using minimal fuel.

Building Resilience Against Utility Failures

Backup Power:

• Generators: Consider a generator powered by propane or biofuels for emergencies.

• Power Banks: Keep portable power stations charged for small devices and essential equipment.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Supply Kits: Store non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and essential medications.

• Resilient Communication: Have battery-powered radios and solar chargers for staying informed during outages.

Community and Knowledge Sharing

Local Networks:

• Community Gardens: Participate in or start a neighborhood garden to share resources and tips.

• Skill Swaps: Exchange knowledge on canning, repair work, and other valuable off-grid skills with neighbors.

Educational Resources:

• Workshops and Courses: Attend local classes on sustainable living, permaculture, and renewable energy systems.

• Online Forums and Groups: Join communities focused on off-grid living to learn from others' experiences.

Exploring Further Possibilities

Micro-Livestock:

• Backyard Chickens: If allowed, hens can provide eggs and help with pest control.

• Beekeeping: Bees pollinate your plants and produce honey, benefiting your garden and providing sweet rewards.

Waste Reduction:

• Composting Toilets: Reduce water use and create compost for non-edible plants.

• Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Embrace practices that minimize trash and promote reusability.

Permaculture Principles:

• Design Integration: Plan your home's systems to work together harmoniously, mimicking natural ecosystems.

• Diversity and Resilience: Cultivate a variety of plants to improve soil health and reduce vulnerability to pests.

Charting Your Off-Grid Journey

Here's a simple flowchart to visualize your path:

[Start]
   |
   v
[Assess Resources]
   |
   v
[Plan Systems]
   |          \
   v           v
[Implement Energy Solutions]   [Develop Water Systems]
   |                             |
   v                             v
[Optimize Food Production]     [Enhance Resilience]
   |                             |
   \_____________________________/
             |
             v
      [Monitor and Adjust]
             |
             v
          [Thrive Off-Grid]

Embarking on this off-grid adventure transforms more than just your home—it enriches your connection to the environment and fosters a sense of empowerment. Each small step contributes to a more sustainable and resilient lifestyle.

Have you considered which area you'd like to tackle first? I'm excited to delve deeper into any of these topics with you!