[insurgent]

I (happily) gave up driving. I bike, walk, and when the weather is real bad, I take the bus. I take cold showers (also for health reasons). I do not use a dryer for my clothes; I dry my clothes hanging on ropes in my apartment (it's also cheaper and better for my clothes). I use energy-efficient light bulbs. I don't use my air conditioner (hell, sweating is good for you, as long as you stay hydrated and replenish your electrolytes sufficiently).

I am always looking for ways to use/waste less energy. What are some things that people here do? I'm interested in any suggestions you might have. I'm considering getting a more energy-efficient computer and monitor.

[Z]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('insurgent', 'I')'m interested in any suggestions you might have.

[Falconoffury]

Since learning about peak oil, this is what I've done. I decided not to start a family (I had my opportunities) or purchase a home. I take care of my aging mother these days.

I switched the house lights from incandescent to flourescent. I drive slowly (low RPM to save gas). I can't really give up my car because public transportation is terrible where I live, and everything is too spread out to walk and bike to most places. I also unplug my television and computer whenever I turn them off for more than a few hours (always unplugged overnight). These stupid devices use some electricity while off.

I'm also hoarding cash, long term food storage, and precious metals. The cash is to survive when there is a run on the banks. The metals are for bartering when everything collapses. I'm also getting a gun soon. Hopefully mostly for hunting, but self defense if necessary. I'm learning about farming without machines, and surviving in the wild. I'll start practicing starting fires with bow drills soon.

I'm getting mentally ready to accept that I may need to eat cockroaches one day in order to survive, and weeds. I'll probably eat seaweed if I must. It's good for you, and I dont live far from the ocean.

[holmes]

Excellent. The dryers destroy your cloths. if you use them use on medium or low heat. Also using cold water when you wash is much better for your cloths. warm is ok but hot ruins them. the hanging cloths is intelligent and conservative. Your cloths will last 50% or more longer. Peace.

[insurgent]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Z', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('insurgent', 'I')'m interested in any suggestions you might have.

[holmes]

Look for community gardens if you live in the city. If none try and begin to build them in your city. Then start growing your own vegtables. but insurgent you made some big changes. and you will begin to realize that you are becoming more free too. and then if you find others like you then more freedom ensues. It takes a little while before that starts to be noticed.

[insurgent]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('holmes', 'L')ook for community gardens if you live in the city. If none try and begin to build them in your city. Then start growing your own vegtables. but insurgent you made some big changes. and you will begin to realize that you are becoming more free too. and then if you find others like you then more freedom ensues. It takes a little while before that starts to be noticed.

[holmes]

u are a Jedi warrior. . we got the plots but we are losing some big yeilds by thiefs. One day it will be shoot to kill.

[eastbay]

We do a few things:

1) We live in an area that gets quite hot. 90 to 110 is the norm high for June through September. December to March the lows range from mid 20's to 40 typically. Every house in my area has AC including ours, but for the past two years we haven't used the AC and the heater only rarely, This winter we're not going to turning on the heater. We have large windows facing south, east and west and will leave the blinds open during the colder days.

2) We haven't used the clothes dryer in ages. It's true. Clothes hung to dry will last far longer and will barely fade. Dryers destroy clothes. Washing in hot water destroys clothes.

3) I commute ( yuck... but in my job I seriously have no choice ) on a 50 mpg motorcycle and if it rains too hard I use the 45 mpg Civic.

4) We planted 9 additional fruit trees in our yard and have a new and mostly successful home garden which will be expanded this fall.

5) We can if we wanted but are NOT getting a larger house. Our cute 1,700 sq ft compound is enough.

EastBay

[I_Like_Plants]

I gave up the car and bike, walk, etc everywhere. I have all fluorescent lights here. No TV, I do listen to the radio. I don't use AC in the summer, I have a little space heater I'll use in the winter.

[rogerhb]

Use a laptop computer rather than a desktop. They use less power and have the advantage of if you get a power-cut you still have a couple of hours to play with.