Energy!

I never knew how much I took advantage of things until this next assignment in my environmental science came about. Trying to live a normal, everyday life by using the minimal amount of energy was a lot harder then I thought it would be. In fact, I remember thinking to myself “what the hell am I going to do for the next 24 hours.” So I began by unplugging as many things as possible. This consisted of things like my alarm clock, cell phone charger, house phone, computer, televisions, washer, and dryer. From there I also turned off all of the lights and my cell phone. Then I made a promise not to drive anywhere, do any laundry, use my ac or heater, or use my electric hairstyling utensil that morning when I got ready. I could tell you that taking a cold shower without the lights on wasn’t much fun either. This was the moment it sank it too. If I wasn’t going to be miserable and bored all day long then I needed to find something to keep me entertained. Therefore, I spent the majority of the day playing outside with my three dogs. Then that night my husband and I had a bon fire in our backyard with some friends. Overall, my goal was to really use as little of energy and electricity as possible to see what it was like not to have these things. To be honest, I think my friends were getting a kick out of trying to cope with my project. So it wasn’t too bad. Don’t get me wrong though. I didn’t find it very easy, and I wasn’t 100% happy with how I had to change the way I did things, but I did like the fact that it forced me to spend more quality time with my family and friends. Plus, it was kind of neat hanging out in the dark with the only the light of our bon fire. Although trying to get to bed that night was somewhat of a challenge. Candles only provide so much light while you are trying to brush your teeth, wash your face, and find your pajamas.

When it came to turning off the television and computer, I wasn’t very bothered since I don’t spend much time with these things anyways. What I did have a hard time with though was not being able to drive anywhere. I took a walk with my dogs up to a nearby park and this really made me realize how far a lot of things would seem if I didn’t have the use of my car. I also didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t use my hair utensils. Being completely honest, I felt like I was a mess all day long. But this is also because I am not use to living under such conditions. This all helped remind me of how thankful I am to be living in the time era that I do.

 When it comes to using less energy each week, I think I can focus on running my washer, dryer, and dish washer a little less.  As for my home, I think my husband and I do pretty good already. We always turn the lights off when we are out of a room, and we never leave electronic devices plugged in if not necessary. The things I couldn’t see myself without would consist of my alarm clock, hot showers, hair utensils, and some sort of a phone. I didn’t like the fact that my family couldn’t quicklu get a hold of me if there was an emergency. And as far as the lights go, I could see myself using less of them until dark. The candle idea was a bit frustrating at times.

 Overall though, I really did appreciate this assignment. It was able to really shed some light on how much energy we use and waste everyday.