Household appliances can use a large amount of electricity in your home. While this can be a problem for your electric bill, it also goes to show that most people are overly reliant on electricity and their home appliances.
Although it may seem impossible to get things done without some of your favorite appliances, you’d be surprised to know there are some alternatives out there. By utilizing some of these other options you can help lower your energy consumption while also learning how to be more self sufficient. Check out these three alternatives to using appliances in the home.
- Wash and Dry Clothes by Hand
A washer and dryer are definitely nice amenities to have, but coming up with a routine to clean clothes on your own can be another great alternative. You can hand wash your clothing in a bathtub or sink and use a scrub board to work on clothing with deep stains. In fact, doing laundry by hand will result in cleaner clothes.
In addition to hand washing, try air drying your clothes by hanging them on a clothesline. If you don’t have the space to hang a clothesline, you may want to consider purchasing a drying rack. According to House Method, air drying clothes can come with many benefits including less wrinkles and less wear and tear on your items.
- Store Food and Drinks in a Portable Cooler
A cooler is the perfect alternative to storing food and beverages in your refrigerator. Coolers come in a wide variety of sizes, so finding something to accomodate your needs shouldn’t be a problem.
To keep your food cool for as long as possible, you should look into using a large ice block inside the cooler. While filing the cooler with ice cubes will chill your items quicker, a block of ice will last up to a week. Racks and small bins can be used as a way to keep food organized so you can maximize your cooler space.
- Cook Over an Open Fire
If you ever find yourself unable to use your electric oven or gas stove, you’re still going to need to eat, so it’s important to learn some alternatives to preparing food. Cooking over an open fire is a great option. If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, you may be surprised to know that you can use this space to cook. Your fireplace can be used to cook almost any kind of food, but it’s recommended that you don’t cook things with large amounts of fat to avoid creating lots of smoke. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can create a firepit for cooking or use a grill to make some of your favorite dishes.
Learn How to Live without Appliances
Appliances are great, but relying on them could leave you in a serious pinch should you no longer have access to them. Learning how to do necessary tasks without the help of electricity and/or appliances means you’re in a much better place to take care of yourself if you ever need to. By following the tips above, you’ll be on your way to becoming more self-reliant.
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