Living off the grid...

My sister didn't have power in her house for a couple of hours today. That got me to thinking...how long could I live off the grid? I mean, we could all last a couple of hours for sure but what things could I do without in order to save energy. I'm talking all energy here not just electric. Hmm, let me see...

Well, first of all, I could take a cue from my dear husband and walk to work! I don't live that far away from my office. It's easily within walking distance and I could probably be there in 15 minutes or so. But the truth is, I'm so not into getting up, getting dressed and then walking to work. Alex does it all the time, rain or shine, even in winter. Maybe if I was in better shape I would do it. Maybe I need to get in better shape! Aw, there's no maybe about that part..I do...but I digress. Walking would save me many dollars in gas and be better for the environment. It would actually work to get me in shape too which might lead to me walking more places!

Another thing that has bothered me for awhile is bottled water. First, I like how our tap water tastes and prefer it but, second, all those plastic bottles take an enormous amount of energy to make and they last forever in landfills. To me that's a lose/lose situation. I'm not fanatical about it but I try really hard to not drink bottled water. I have a refillable water bottle at home and at work and I use them constantly.

I would have a very hard time living without any source of electricity. I love to write using my computer, I love to watch television and I love to read and I need lights to do that! Now, having said that, I know I could use library computers and not spend a dime on my own computer usage and I could read by daylight or use lanterns or something at night. I dunno...I think I would have a really, really hard time with that! So, in that respect, I would not be able to live off the grid for very long.

I think it some respects I am an "average" consumer of energy but in others, I might tip the scale and be an energy hog. Maybe in the coming year, I'll take some steps to reduce my carbon foot print and use less energy where I can. I do think it's important to think about this. We are the care takers of this planet and we all have some responsibility for it.