Just enough

As you perform your daily activities, think about how much is “just enough”.  Many of our small actions are performed by habit and we are not really thinking about how many resources we are using.  For example, do you always turn the same lights on in a room even if there are other light sources that might be more appropriate for the task at that moment?  Can you adjust how you do things to use fewer resources, even if the amounts are tiny?  Remember, little things add up.  Here are some ideas to get you started. 

• Can you use “it” more times before it’s washed or discarded? 
• When you are using a teakettle or electric pot, only heat enough water for what you are going to use.  Experiment to learn how much water a particular use will need.
• Some activities need a lot of light, some very little.  If you have multiple light sources in a room, choose the one that’s right for your task.
• How much shampoo or other grooming product do you use?  Can you cut back, just a little? 
• Can you slightly reduce the temperature of the water in your shower?  No, I am not suggesting you take cold showers.
• Do you overwater your lawn?  Most people could cut back and the lawn would be fine. 
• Experiment with your clothes dryer.  Can you set it for a shorter cycle and still have dry clothes at the end?  Or better yet, can you stop it early and hang the slightly damp clothes to finish air-drying?