Power down at sundown.
Going off the grid saves electricity, saves money, and reduces your energy consumption. Think about it… can you even quantify how much energy we would save if everyone put down the devices, turned off the lights, and shut off the TV once a week after dinner? Wow. Makes me think of our Earth Friends “We Love Our Energy” book, Earth Hour.
So, why not try it? We have. You can enjoy the dark by:
settling in for an evening with candles or a crackling fire.
getting out your favorite book or board game or take a bath.
having conversations with the people you live with or spend some QT with your pet.
going on a walk to watch the sunset—or the moonrise. If it’s in the warmer months, don’t forget your bat ears.
the magic of candlelight
Or—and this might sound crazy!—you can go to bed early. It might feel absurd to hit the hay before the stars are all out, but it will be the soundest sleep, and sound sleep does a soul good.
Artificial light, and especially blue light (from our devices) disrupts our body’s melatonin production and makes it harder to fall asleep. These electronics we are tethered to by day do not make for healthy nights, as many a study shows. Go dark once a week, and you’ll give your body and brain the chance to rejuvenate and recharge. Yes, this is easier in summer with its long days, but not much beats a cozy candlelit night in winter. Consider breaking out an analog-ish music player, like a CD player or record player and play your favorite albums. (Sydney and I don't think that’s cheating!)
Bonus: Have “Cell Phone Free Family Night”
At dinnertime, you can put an away message on your phone and turn off our computers for the night. No texting, no scrolling, no searching, no researching. If you must, watch a movie, listen to music or read (with the lights on). It’s not fully off the grid, but it’s a move in that direction for both your brains and your electricity meter.⠀
