Change the World Wednesday – 7th Aug

Wheee!

Birthday month! Yes, my birthday is this month, I am a Virgo. In Portuguese it’s quite funny, be cause “Eu sou virgem” is like saying “I’m a virgin” LOL and me, a 62 year old with 12 kids…. and seven grandkids. No! Eight now, I just found out last week that my estranged second daughter has had a little girl recently.

Toward the end of the month I will be celebrating with a BBQ at the bar, as I do every year, but this year will be a little different since I have embarked on my ‘beefless weeks’ each month, which are still happening. To compensate for the excesses and sins committed during my BBQ, I am making the rest August ‘beefless’.

Still no cat. I am catless, therefore sad. But I am sure that being catless is a temporary state.

There is some good news, but I will refrain from mentioning it here, as it complies with part of this weeks CTWW, coincidentally.

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This week’s CTWW, let’s move right along.

It’s a triple banger, and I get to do a little of each.

This week, unplug household appliances on standby. Pay special attention to any appliance with a clock or lighted panel (microwaves, coffee makers, etc.) … those are the obvious signs that energy is being used even when the appliance isn’t. Also look for phantom energy use … phone chargers, TVs, recording devices, etc. They all use energy when plugged in. Turn off the computer and monitor when not in use. Worried about maintaining your internet connection? Then, leave the modem on but turn everything else off. Consider a power bar to make this task easier.

 

OR …

Buy only local foods and products this week thereby reducing the amount of fuel used to get products from their origin to your shelf.

 

OR …

Go on a “no spending” diet this week. Refuse to purchase anything but the bare necessities thereby reducing the industrial processes required to manufacture stuff.

So, in reverse order… I often do things backwards, I hate being predictable, it’s a bit like being ‘normal’.

Well, the last bit is the easiest, because most of my buying is necessities, not quite the bare, but necessities. But I promise I won’t buy any wine, beer, chocolate or fancy cheeses this week or make any big purchases.

The second bit is harder, because I don’t have the means  (no car) to get really local produce. But I will walk hobble, remember I am on a walking stick, to the supermarket for my weekly shop (today) and the sacolão (fruit and vege shop) instead of using the bus.

The first bit, I already do all that. But last week, I bought a new stove, it’s energy rated No. 1 on a scale of five.

Mine has a smoked glass door

I have used two old stoves, both recycled from the street, for 5+ years. Neither have ever functioned well, but I persevered through necessity even though it has bugged me all the while.

My new stove (gas) does have electric start, and an oven light, but I am not plugging it in. I don’t find it necessary. To light it, I will continue to use my recycled cigarette lighters; once the gas runs out, the flint has another six months use.

I splashed out and got the ‘five-burner’ model, because the larger ring will reduce cooking times for big pots which I do sometimes.

Also the stainless steel will be easier to clean. I know this from experience in commercial kitchens.

Okay, that’s it for this week. I’m off back to bed at 3am…. *yawn* I only got up for a pee.