Sisyphus Acres

Homestead Challenge ~ day 1

OK, I'm behind the times a little too, but lets go...

In the quest for self-sufficiency, we are researching alternative energy systems ~ and in doing so have discovered that energy conservation really needs to come first.  We're expanding this idea in that conservation and stewardship in general need to be priorities ~ and that drastic lifestyle changes often don't work ~ so little steps to the goal.

reduce ~ reuse ~ recycle ~ or do without

Steps we have made/are making toward conservation of energy/resources and stewardship:

Changed to cloth napkins instead of paper (conserving trees, and add the napkins to existing laundry loads so no increase there)

Recently bought a battery recharger (and new recharegeable batteries) for those things that still require them.

Purchasing flashlights that don't require batteries (and giving away the old ones)

We need to install outside lighting ~ going solar lights for this

Growing our own food and canning (hoping for 75% this year) ~ reducing packaging trash (canning jars can be reused, lids go to be recycled), the oil to bring goods to stores, etc.

Composting ~ need I say more?

Sewed window quilts to aid in heat/energy conservation during the cold winter months

Using canvas bags for groceries and shopping (1/2 time right now, still getting used to it)

Planting a tree "buffer" to protect the house from the cold and the wind ~ aids in energy conservation in the winter, and is a cooling influence in the summer

Hanging the clothes to dry instead of the dryer (we can do this except for in the winter ~ when we redo the front porch we are going to install an indoor clothesline

Shutting the Lights off!  This little gem has a HUGE impact on the electric bill each month

Lowering the thermostat.

Keeping the humidity level up ~ we have hot air heat, and the more the air dries out, the tougher it is to heat (or cool in the summer).

Changing to compact energy efficient lightbulbs.

We have a LONG way to go, but we've implementing these baby steps without much pain at all ~ as we proceed the tougher cuts will begin ~

Val

Window Quilts

{ 06:06, 2007-Jan-8 } { Posted by maa }

I have seen the window quilts but do not use them. How well are they working for you?
I love to see others taking part in the reduction of waste. We are trying to do our part and hope to find more ideas.
maa's mom