Last night I watched an episode of House Hunters. The husband, a banker, lost his job as a result of the economic crisis. They live in a 7500 sq foot house that the family could no longer afford. So he and the family, wife and four kids, decided to downsize. They sold their mansion and started looking for something considerably cheaper in the same neighborhood.
What struck me - and what identified the wife as a maybe not so agreeable participant - was when they walked into one of the new master bedroom bathrooms and she commented that there was only one toilet...their old house had two in the master bathroom. TWO! Really...is that necessary? I never, ever find a time when both Derron and I are in the bathroom together when we both need to go...
The show summed up what I think is wrong with America...we live for excess. I have granite counters in my kitchen, albeit not the best grade granite, but when I redo the kitchen (to maximize space and not create something for show) I intend to use something other than granite. Granite and stainless steel appliances are what people expect now...at any price point. What's wrong with black appliances...or if you're into retro, avocado green? Nothing I say!
I think the same thing when I see a Hummer on the road. Really? You know damn well that thing is never going off road. As someone who's sensitive to the military purposed Hummers (the original purpose that is), I find civilian use of them as so very, very silly. And wasteful!
That brings me to electricity...my bill last month was $63! That's because I don't use the A/C when I can open windows, put on fans and create a more than comfortable environment. I also turn lights off and power down my computer every night. I have friends who leave their bedroom TV on all night and laptops plugged in...and the cord for their cellphones -- I unplug all appliances in the kitchen unless they're being used (countertop appliances I mean) and I only plug my cellphone cord in when I recharge my phone.
I'm not perfect but I'm striving for it...at least I haven't given up and decided I may as well use the electricity because someone else will.
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