The stress is global. All across Europe and Asia the impact of high fuel prices has made a big impact. The escalating cost continues to grow and for many items of imported food's now become prohibited. How then is it possible to continue our life style if we do not make the effort to reduce expenditure and preserve what is available? The current crisis concerning gasoline for car use and fu el for home heating is a major concern. Hopefully the drilling off the shore of Florida will bring much need relief. In the meanwhile we look for alternatives. As far as heating homes this year my friends haves gone with wood burning stoves or pellet stoves.
Electric heaters are also popular. We are all turning our thermostat down at nighttime. But for my part I continue to buy the produce in season and preserve it in the many ways available. Drying is an option. One does not need a drying device. The stove oven does a great job. I oven dry parsley and most herbs tomatoes and peaches peppers, kale (great for soup) corn taken off the cob, and more. Dry all the soup greens and store in a jar. It is easy. Take a carrot or two and shred it, do the same with celery, add the parsley, shredded parsnip, a tomato, one onion, 1 garlic clove each chopped and place on a cookie sheet do not use any oil, place in the oven on the lowest setting Keep an eye on the vegetables as some will dry faster then others. Do not let them burn. When dry store in a cool place.
Another method is freezing. Simply buy the best freezer bags on the market. Shop at farmers markets open roadside stands and be diligent to buy what is offered on sale. I prefer canning my fruit and making jams jelly and pickles. This method for me is the best because it takes no electricity as it does to run a freezer. I do freeze about a case of tomatoes simply because it is easy and available. We grow in the vicinity of 120 tomato plants each year. Freezing is fast and there is little chance of spoilage unless there is an unfortunate blackout and electricity is off. Peppers and peaches freeze well. Making savory pies and soups are a great way to give the family vegetables and it is a budget saver, as are croquettes.
Save the rubber bands that circle the vegetables when you buy the vegetables if the band is wide cut in half and have two bands. Reuse paper towels, on the second time around its good for cleaning garden tools. Uses a tea bag twice. Saves all slivers of soap in a jar when you have several, use a little water to soften the pieces. Then take the pieces and mold them into one large bar or shape as you wish. Place on a tray and let dry. A second way to use slivers of soap is to save one or two or three sew them in a face cloth and uses them when bathing. IN nice weather hang the wash out of doors. The fresh air will make them smell nice and there is no need to use the dryer.
Do not be afraid to reuse coffee grounds. Simply let dry and next day add a scoop of fresh coffee. Proceed from there. Ay fruit that is going too soft make fruit salad or bread Take the time to grind chop meat. Buy chicken cutlets on sale and make ground chicken for meatballs, shepherds pie, sausage and burgers. Buy a good cut of beef trim away of fat and nerves grind for chopped beef.
Fish is expensive so watch for a sale and freeze until you are ready to use it. If you know a good fish store, ask the staff for lose fish one can use in soup or croquettes and dumplings. Use a night light in place of a large bulb. Naturally use the saver bulbs in all lamps and on the porch Drive the car slowly and carefully to conserve on the gas keep the car in good repair. Save water by washing many items in cold water.
Take shorter showers. If one is aware of each time we take for granted our resources we might save not just for our selves but also for our children and their future. Use fewer plastic bags and containers. Glass is cleaner and will last for years Turn the t v off when not in use. Also watch it less, carefully select programs of education, news and meaning. I am sure you know of many ways to continue saving. In the long run we all benefit because of it. Good luck.
