Turn off the lights! At least for an hour tonight, at 8:30 P.M. wherever you are. Sure, it's about global warming, but let's use it for ourselves. Why not? An hour without electricity is like a dollar saved. More or less. It depends on how much electricity you use on the average and what your rates are, but turning everything off for an hour can't do anything but save you money, so why not?
As a matter of fact, this might be a good tradition to start. An hour a week without TV, radio, computer, electric lights, dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, blenders, microwaves, electric stoves... if that sounds restful to you, why not do it? Make it educational for the kids or romantic for the spouse or just a quiet time for yourself.
After awhile, you may want to increase it to an hour and a half, or do it twice a week, or only once a month. Make it work for you and your family so it's just a tiny bit challenging but not too much.
Why not?
well I am willing to do most of this BUT I cannot live without my computer UNLESS there is NO snow left outside and I can play outdoors....I would have to just go to bed ( Alone) because at this time of early spring it is too cold to be outside... and it would be too dark to read a book.. I am basically all alone.. my mom goes to bed with the chickens. LOL But I will shut off the lights once a week and I rarely watch TV anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I became so aware in the hour how many times the TV just stays on past the program I wanted. The bathroom fan, porch light, kitchen lights etc stay on past noon! The computer and printer are on all day just in case I want to use them...How often I could make 3x a recipe in oven. The hour was so peacefilled and I am going to try it 3x a week! Thanks, REH
ReplyDeleteLouise, I use candles and oil lamps when I turn off the lights. Last night I did some hand sewing by candlelight. It's not as bad as it sounds because our eyes adjust to a lower light level and we can see quite well after awhile.
ReplyDeleteREH, I'm glad you found the hour worthwhile. Three times a week is awesome. I hope it pans out for you over the long run!
Thank you, also, for the reminder to go without our electricity for an hour. I'm sure that includes clocks, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, what are you hand sewing. I'm usually handsewing when I'm not able to get to my sewing machine. Usually piecing quilts.
Regards, Peg
Peg, that includes everything you want it to. I don't have an electric clock except what's on the microwave kitchen range and that was too hard to pull out and unplug.
ReplyDeleteI was sewing strips together for a braided rug. I do a lot of handsewing when I have time because I find it relaxing.