8 Old-Fashioned Contraptions that Save Electricity

I have a fancy electric can opener that I hardly ever use. It started when my daughter was born and I needed a quiet way to open cans. I bought a manual can opener. I didn’t even know they were being made these days. I like using it better because it’s cleaner and quieter.

If you’re looking for ways to become more “eco-thrifty,” consider using some old-fashioned contraptions that don’t use electricity. There are quite a few and you may have many of these already on hand. If not, look for them at yard sales or thrift stores when it comes time to replace your current appliances.

1. Hand beater – mix anything your electric beater can.

2. Ice Cream Maker – crank it by hand and you’ll get the better texture and flavor.

3. Clothesline – it’s the first place we think of saving electricity, and they’ve made quite a comeback.

4. Alarm clocks – you don’t have to worry about the electricity going off and not waking up on time!

5. Carpet sweeper – these have been used in commercial establishments for years. Use them for quick pickups between vacuuming.

6. Food mill – gain more control over the processing of food with grinding and pureeing action.

7. Black out curtains – these curtains keep cold air and/or the hot sun out, thereby saving on heating and air.

8. Sponge rollers – skip the curling iron or heated rollers and pin curl your hair or use sponge rollers overnight.