Energy Conservation Measures
General Suggestions
• Don’t stand when you can sit.
• Schedule regular rest periods during each day.
• Re-evaluate daily tasks and reschedule some to 3-4 times per week.
• Delegate tasks to other family members.
• Plan all activities and eliminate extra steps, gather all necessary equipment
before starting.
• Use a telephone shoulder rest or intercom phone.
• Use a small lazy susan on the desk top for pens, paper clips, tape, stapler,
etc.
• If reading is a problem, ask the library or local bookstore for books on tape.
• Move frequently used things to low, easily accessible shelves.
• Use a cart, wagon, pail, or basket to carry things from place to place and
eliminate unnecessary trips back and forth.
• Use power tools and appliances whenever possible.
• Get and use a handicapped parking sticker.
Cleaning
• Spread tasks out over a period of time; do one main job each day rather
than an entire week’s cleaning at one time.
• Alternate heavy cleaning tasks with lighter ones. Get help with major heavy
duty tasks or break them into several steps.
• Use adaptive equipment to avoid bending, such as extended handles or
brushes or dusters.
• If your laundry area is in the basement, plan to stay there until the laundry is
done; have a place to relax while waiting.
Kitchen Tips
• Use all the energy saving appliances there are – food processor, electric
can opener, stand mixer, microwave, etc. Use light weight cordless
appliances.
• Leave heavy appliances permanently on the countertop.
• Use pegboards for hanging utensils within easy reach.
• Transfer bulky staples such as sugar or flour into smaller containers.
• Slide heavy items along the countertop rather than lifting them.
• Use a cutting board with nails to hold food being cut.
• Use a damp dish towel to keep a bowl in place while stirring.
• Prepare double recipes and freeze half for later meals.
• Use the microwave, or make one pot dishes, to cut down on cooking and
cleanup time.
• Line baking pans with foil to minimize cleanup. Soak pots and pans to
eliminate scrubbing.
• Have working surfaces of various heights in the kitchen for various tasks,
evaluating for good posture and preventing fatigue. Sit whenever possible
when preparing meals or doing dishes. Use large stools with casters that
roll to eliminate some walking. When standing for a long time, keep one
foot on a step stool or opened lower drawer.
Shopping
• Don’t shop during peak store or traffic hours.
• Shop by telephone, mail, or the Internet when possible.
• Use home delivery whenever possible.
• Let other family members do big shopping trips. Shop only for a few items
yourself. Or shop with a friend or family member.
• Plan menus before going to the store. Always use a grocery list.
• Use the same grocery store on a regular basis, and learn where things are
for easier shopping; use a photocopied master grocery list organized to
match the store layout.
• Let the grocery clerk load your groceries.
• When unloading groceries, unload only the perishables. Leave the rest in
the car for other family members.
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
• Lay out clothing items for the next day before going to bed.
• Sit while dressing whenever possible.
• Use a long handled shoe horn.
• Allow ample time to do grooming in “phases” with rest periods.
• Use electric appliances – electric toothbrush, electric shaver, etc.
• Use a stool in the bathroom to sit on while grooming.
• Take baths or short showers.
• Use a shower stool and a wall mounted hand held shower head.
• Organize shampoo, soaps, etc. and keep them together by the tub or
shower.