A kilo goes an awful long way even if you are a mudlark (show me mud and I need washing


We've also got a bac à grasse for all the grey water. But we didn't know we'd got it until the drains started blocking up on the dishwasher and kitchen sink and so forth. Then some smelly water started leaking up through the floor of the conservatory. Having smashed the tiles and found a big concrete lid I discovered that we had a two meter deep pit filled with sludge from decades of soap and detergent.Graye wrote:As most of the posters on here who live in France will confirm, France has an ongoing love affair with something called a fosse septique rather than mains drainage, especially in country areas.
Is it that folks feel they have to be able to brag/get one up on the Jones's or whatever?Milims wrote:Another thought just struck me. Do people feel they NEED things to feel better about themselves? If so, isn't it sad that things are used to validate existance.
I've cut back on all sorts of things. Washing powder is one, washing up liquid is another. Sadly, I use a tspoon full then whisk it up. Add to that the cold water for washing up it works a treat and saves electric also. Cutting back on power is a massive achievment for me. Last year pre ilatest increase our yearly power bill was £1400 gas elec split 60 /40. With the increase this price was going to go up to over £1700 so I started cutting back and now we don't know the difference...well ok my wife says it's cold all the time but that's her,lol. I've been doing my spreadsheets today and my estimated power bill for the 12 months to June 09 will be aproximatly £838.10p so we have halved our bill and then some. I still plan to get a wood stove as our gas bill this month so far [and it's only the 18th] is £65.12.LBR wrote:Nice subject for a thread, thanks!
When the laundry is only lightly soiled, I often just use baking soda and Borax. Otherwise, the Seventh Generation or Planet, and half as much. Wash in cold water, and short cycle. Hang up to dry.
I shampoo every four or five days, most of the time. Shampoo once, and use a leave-on conditioner.
Baking soda for toothpaste, just a tiny pinch. (And "nurdle" is a delightful word. Thanks for giving it to us!)
Using less tea, hmmmmm. I'm not willing to drink weaker tea, but I could reduce the number of cups I drink.
Clothing is very simple, too. I wear things a few days before washing them. I sometimes alternate, so that they can air in between wearings. Comfortable, easy-to-care-for clothing. Don't need much. Am sorting through things I've had for years, and finding new homes for them.
Have even begun to part with books! It's nice to give them to folks who will enjoy them.
Milims, thanks for starting the thread!
Well I'll ask her but I can give a rough answer to that and it would be an ENFATIC YES !!!!!!! lol.Flo wrote:Oooh I'd like to meet Mrs Big Al. Not only has she got this bloke who likes going shopping, she has this bloke who likes keeping cool![]()
I wonder if she really feels the savings of around £3k have not affected her standard of living.![]()
Could she come in here and argue the other side of the coin?![]()