Tired of energy

I heard an energy expert on television the other day making recommendations on how to save on your utility bills. One of his suggestions was to unplug your television and video game console when not in use. Evidently these items still draw power even when they are turned off.

I don’t know about you but I really can’t see myself reaching down and plugging the TV in each and every time

I want to watch it. I also cannot imagine the possible chaos that would ensue if I expected my kid to plug in her video game each time she wanted to build a city using

Minecraft.

Another suggestion made by the energy expert was to dress up or down based on the temperature. The electric authority said while in the comfort of your own home, don’t hesitate to bundle up a bit more in the winter or go for short sleeves and a pair of shorts in the summer and spring. His position is that as you make the adjustment to your attire, you can manage how you’re feeling without utilizing any electricity-draining appliances or devices.

Who is sitting around their house in the summer in a parka? Are there people out there who, for the sake of fashion, wear gloves and a scarf during the dog days of summer? Maybe the efficiency expert keeps different company than I do.

The utility oracle also said that we should all collect rainwater in barrels. He said rain barrels can save you significant amounts of money in a season, and not just if you’re a gardener. Rain barrels collect gallons of free water that is ideal for window and car washing.

Yeah … I don’t really think I’m going to be in the market for a rain barrel anytime soon. I mean I can see the value in the idea, it is just my execution of it that I think would be lacking. I don’t have a garden and I usually only get my car washed every three months or so when I’m getting an oil change. Maybe I can bring up the rain barrel idea to my oil change place the next time I’m in.

The craziest idea the guy suggested for saving energy was to tie a clean, heavy-duty trash bag inside the trunk of your vehicle, throw in dirty clothes, soap and water. Drive to work, drain the water on to a lawn or garden, refill, drive home after work, drain again, hang out your washing to dry. He said this will not only save on your utility bill but will also allow you to have a very nice garden at work.

To quote Lani Lynn Vale, “I don’t understand your specific brand of crazy, but I do commend your devotion to it.”

I’m all for saving energy and anybody that knows me will tell you I’m certainly in favor of saving money but I’m not going to be turning my car into a mobile laundry room anytime soon.

But I could see that being a great business for someone to get into. They come to your home get your dirty clothes and then drive them around returning them to you at the end of the day. Somebody could convert a large oil truck into ambulatory laundromat and clean up. Both literally and figuratively. And if you put a whole bunch of trucks together you could have a clean clothes convoy.

All we would need is for the Bandit to run interference for us with the Smokies.