I don’t intend to make this a daily thing, but it’s what is on my mind right now.
Yesterday I looked at a few ways I do things.
Number One: laundry. In August, SFO Mom talked about using less laundry detergent. I’ll admit that I am somewhat lazy about measuring the amount I use. I do recognize that the scoop is bigger than even the large-load amount (and recognize that this is done intentionally to get us to use that powder faster than necessary, making us buy more), and so I will, at a minimum, make sure I use no more than the recommended amount and begin experimenting with using less, since my washer is pretty new and should be able to do the job efficiently.
Also, I ran out of those dryer sheets that prevent static cling, and keep forgetting to put them on my shopping list. For a few weeks now, I’ve been doing laundry without any, and I haven’t really missed them too much. Perhaps once the colder, dryer weather kicks in, I may need to restock, but for now, I’ll live without them.
Number Two: doing dishes. Here’s another area where I’ve developed a bad habit. I am very grateful for my dish washer, which is filled to the brim at least once per day. I avoid doing small loads, and will sometimes wait for the next day’s breakfast dishes if one day produces one and a half loads. Of course, there are always one or two dishes that can’t go in the dish washer, and they get washed by hand. My habit is that I will squirt out a small amount of dish soap on a scrubby and wash the few items. That’s fine for one or two things. But if I actually have a sink-full of things I intend to wash by hand, I will waste quite a bit of soap doing it that way. So, I will work on a new habit wherein I make nice soapy water and wash the dishes the right way.
Reit This Way 
Great job!I only use 1/3 of a dryer sheet if any. Vinegar (a little bit in a good amount of water) in the fabric softener dispenser is a great substitute, but in the really cold winter months, I need a little extra help with the static.Someone told me once that a ball of crumpled aluminum foil in the dryer will take care of static. Haven’t tried that yet.
Dryer sheets…nah you don’t need em. I haven’t used them for a couple years now. Once in a while if I need to fluff my fleece diaper covers (helps keep them water resistant)…but that’s rare. My mom has this scrubby thing with a soap dispenser attached to it for washing her dishes. I don’t think she’s ever had a dishwasher…and so that seems to work for her when she only has a few dishes to clean (from single serving) anyhow. Our post as requested that we not run our washers and dishwashers between 1200 and 1700…conserving water is a major fixation here…as well as electricity and such. Do you guys have utility bills or mock billing yet? I’m curious to see how the other privitatization projects have been going at other post.
I’ll have to try the vinegar, Barb! The climate here isn’t too different than by you, and by winter I’m sure I’ll need some extra help.AK – they’ve been talking about mock billing for quite some time, but haven’t done it yet. I’m all for it. This is my first time ever living on post and I’m shocked at how much electricity is wasted when people know they don’t have to pay for it. I understand that with allergies, some people need the A/C run even on warm, not hot, days…but with my windows open, I can hear the A/C kick on for neighbors where I know the house is empty. I really can’t support that lifestyle, and I think “paying” for utilities will help a lot – and give a nice bonus to those who conserve! Are they doing that out at Fort Irwin?
Not that I’m much of a housekeeper (it’s a <>rare<> day that the sink isn’t full of dishes), but thoses scrubby sponges with the detergent in the handle are really great at conserving soap. I only fill it halfway and water down the rest and it lasts forever and works really well. Keeps your hands from pruning up too.
Yes, I’ve received two mock bills thus far, and our neighborhood is slated for official start in Jan. First month…we did good…but then went over a bit on the second month. But all the neighbors would be out at the playground each night conspiring to drive up the average usage by running everything full blast. My neighbor leaves his back door open all day long (he really just needs to get a doggie door) and his A/C goes full blast all day. They’re DINKs. It shall be interesting.
I use vinegar most of the time as well. When I really need help with static, I use a dryer sheet, but I cut mine in strips…I’ve found even if I chop them in 6 pieces (I just keep a pair of scissors by the dryer and do a stack at a time) it’s as effective on the static as a whole sheet, and less build up on the clothes.I’ve finally, also, tried homemade laundry detergent. I’ve had a recipe for ages and kept putting it off. Finally, I gave it to my mom and she made some. I have a five gallon bucket that, at this rate, will last me months and months. I have a front loader and use just a tiny amount. I’m way too excited about my new laundry detergent! 😉