Penny wise

Here in 1943, we have something called a Fuel Saving Scheme – we’re encouraged to switch off our lights when they’re not in use. And the focus isn’t just on our homes; we’re encouraged to turn off lights at work as well. It makes a lot of sense – our boys on the front line need the fuel for battle more than we do for reading.

The museum in 2009 has sent me a list of things that often get left ‘on’ in your time – if you don’t know what any of these are, don’t ask me! I’m just repeating what I’m told. Heaven only knows what a “computer” is, it sounds very confusing! And as for washing machines – they sound wonderful!

• Computer – the older they are, the more power they use when in standby mode. Turn off your home and office machines when not being used.
• Printer (often left on standby)
• Television (often left on standby)
• Lights (at work and at home. If you’re in an office and don’t have control over the lights, ask management)
• Phone chargers (they still draw a charge even when the phone isn’t connected)

And here are some other helpful tips:

• Use energy saving lightbulbs
• Use a kettle to boil water that’s going to be used on the stove – it takes less time and is more efficient
• Consider whether you could wear your clothes more often between washes. If they don’t smell and don’t look dirty, think twice! And try to only do full loads.
• Electricity usually becomes cheaper after 9pm – save jobs like using the washing machine until late in the day. Some washing machines have a timer so their cycle can coincide with the start of the next day.

Hope you find those helpful!