Changing to a simple sustainable way of living can be difficult if you’re swimming against the tide of mainstream thinking. Many of your friends, and maybe your family too, will think you’re a bit strange, but don’t let that stop you. You will be leading the way, they just don’t know it yet.
If there are many aspects of your life that need changing, how do you decide which ones to concentrate on first? I’d suggest you start with the easy ones and work your way towards the more difficult tasks.
One of the easier things you can do is to learn how to read your electricity and water meters.
WATER METERS
http://www.nt.gov.au/powerwater/factsheets/read_water_meter.html
http://www.actewagl.com.au/advice/watermeter.aspx
http://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/public/content/default.asp?xcid=703
ELECTRICITY METERS
http://www.actewagl.com.au/advice/elecmeter.aspx
http://www.powercor.com.au/infocentre/electricity_meters_howto_read.htm
http://www.ergon.com.au/my_account/meter_access.asp?yf=true&platform=PC
Make a page on your computer to record your readings and plan a strategy to reduce your consumption. Do it quietly, then show it to your family when you have a couple of weeks of meter readings. Make sure you record things like washing days, visitors, as well as the use of power tools, electronic toys etc
Grow some of your own food. You will notice a difference.
Another thing you could easily do in a quiet way is to change the way you shop. Start stockpiling and shopping at Aldi. Grow some of your own food, make your own bread, cook from scratch. You’ll notice a difference. Maybe you could put money you save towards your mortgage or a family holiday. Either way, your move towards a more simple life will benefit you and your family without them even being aware of the change.
