Hi all,

Just thought I would write about a little experiment that we having been doing for the last few months.  The basic idea is that one night a week we don’t use electricity.  We don’t actually turn it off at the meter, so things like clocks and the fridge/freezer are still ticking over. But we try not to use it - for example we don’t take drinks in and out of the fridge.  I suspect the impact on our electricity bill is pretty minor, particularly as we don’t start until after dinner, but that is not really the point.  It is a regular exercise in becoming more aware how much of our daily life is dependent on externally sourced energy. 

Some thoughts so far:

Its really nice feeling the night draw in. As the evening gets darker what you can do changes. Eventually we normally just end up talking around a candle, which is a very gentle way to end an evening.

We are also getting a feel for the year turning.  We started this experiment late/spring-early/summer. At that point I could sit by window reading for most of the evening and didn’t really notice the lack of lights.  Now that we are getting towards equinox it is too dark to read by natural light by dinner time.

I have been encouraged to explore different activities. Most of my musical toys are electric, and my others hobbies are equally electricity dependent. So I dug out and restrung my acoustic guitar and found that playing quietly in a nearly silent house a rewarding experience.

Was wondering if others fancied giving it a try and whether they would like to share experiences.

Cheers
Simple Simian

A good idea and one I have recently been thinking about. Last night we had some electricity problems in the community house where I was living and not all the lights were working. It did make me consider suggesting a periodic and purposeful “electricity fast” (although I can see that it would be easier to start when the evenings are longer).

Wulf

How is it going now the clocks have changed and the nights are darker for longer?

I must admit that I haven’t really got round to planning in any “dark nights”. However, I’m still flying on the benefits of last week’s clock change and getting up earlier. By the time I get back from work it is too dark to do most things in the garden but, at the moment, this still gives me a chunk of natural light to work on things outside (and enjoy the garden space).

Wulf

General update on powering down.

On whole going well. It is becoming a normal part of our routine. We have had to move it to Sunday nights because of a clash with another event.  But that has proven to be a good way of winding down into the working week.  We have found some better candles, that give a steadier light, so can still see enough to talk by when the fire dies down (also makes brushing teeth before bed less clumsy).  We are currently still using electric light while eating dinner/washing up/bathing little one, which means we are no longer feeling the night come in.  Its a shame but probably unavoidable for now. 

We have a very recent addition to the family to look after now, so will see how that affects things. (Makes peaceful times even more precious.)

That’s all for now,

Simple Simian