I also wrote my Senators and Representative telling them they should join Europe and Australia who are about to require electronics manufactures should be required to make everything use a maximum of 1 watt when off. This will still save electricity so even those who won’t use the powerstrip trick won’t waste as much energy in the future.

BTW I use regular cheap detergent (arm & hammer unscented) and wash my clothes in cold/cold water and they still get clean. I also dry everything except for bedding on drying racks indoors during the winter. If you are worried about drips set the rack up in your bath tub/shower stall so any drips go down the drain.

This is Rick, not Nancy. Tremendous post! And loved your pics - espec of your dishwasher. We had a nonfunctional dishwasher for years. Nancy kept saying “let’s replace it or turn it into cabinet space!” So we replaced it… and use it about once a month!

Here’s another idea for those reading these comments. CO2 emissions are the primary cause of global warming. Many organizations now provide opportunities for people and organizations to reduce their carbon footprint by contributing money for renewable energy production, tree planting, etc. For an example, see:

Carbonfund.org

Best,

Rick

My fave is tip no 7 – Consume less. This is good advice on so many levels, not just environmentally. It also incorporates simplicity, good stewardship of your money, etc.