This tip comes from Dani Greer, creator of The Non-Electric Life Squidoo Lens:

Americans are hooked on gadgets, and far too many of them are electric. Some of them are downright ridiculous, and don’t make life an yeasier or more pleasant. Why use a leafblower, when a broom or rake will do the job? Look in your kitchen. Is it Gadgetville in there? When was the last time you used that electric jar opener you got for Christmas? Even a regular electric can-opener is a waste of energy and resources…

And why use an electric grinder or blender when a mortar and pestle will work just fine for grinding up spices? A simple cheese grater works to grate ginger, too. A mandoline does as quick a job as a food processor. The added benefit is that non-electric gadgets aren’t nearly as noisy. Most of the time they’ll cost a lot less than that expensive Cuisinart. 

Here’s a quick list of some convenient gadgets and their old fashioned counterparts to consider:

• The handmixer (or standing mixer) = the whisk
• The electric can opener = the crank and turn can opener
• Microwave = oven and stove
• Toaster = broiler
• Hairdryer = air
• Electric razor = straight razor
• Electric grinder or food processor = mortar and pestle
• Coffee maker = french press
• Fan = open windows for cross breeze

Of course you may not be able to give up the electrical version completely, but you might be able to use it less. And simply unplug when not in use - this is a huge energy saver.

Amy says: When baking, I normally prefer to cream the butter and sugar together with my trusty wooden spoon, but when it comes to egg whites and whipped cream I let convenience trump my eco-conscience. After three years without a handmixer, I broke down and bought one over the weekend to make a lemon meringue pie. As a compromise, I resolve to only use it for special occasions.

For suggesting today’s tip Dani will receive two months of wind power from Renewable Choice energy. Have a tip you’d like to share? Send it along to us today.

When your phone is charging it's only using about 5% of the power it sucks from your outlet. That other 95% adds up to a lot of wasted energy, especially if you leave it plugged in minus the phone.

Of course you could get rid of that conventional charger all together and go wireless with Wild Charge, or opt for a solar powered charger. (Solar powered cell phones are still a little ways off.)

Soon your cell phone may even remind you to unplug. Last year, the European Commission's mobile industry task force (led by Nokia) announced that cell phones will include alerts to remind people to unplug the charger once the phone is fully charged.

Amy says: I used to be very guilty of leaving the charger plugged in. Now I've got into the habit of disconnecting the charger from the wall, then disconnecting the phone from the charger. It seems easier to remember doing it in that order rather than the other way around.

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