Unplug it Mr. Independent: image courtesy or unplugart.comEvery object on this earth has an embodied energy. What is accounted for in the embodied energy is the whole energy life cycle of the object: the energy captured in the raw materials, and mostly all the energy required for the processes associated with it. Included in this calculation is the energy required to dispose of or decompose it. A tomato, for example, has a low embodied energy compared to that of a set of silverware, or a Lazy-Boy chair. Lets take an apple for example. Although they are grown in all 50 states, the average apple travels 1,555 miles to get to Chicago’s central market. Due to transportation costs, it seems this food has a higher embodied energy than necessary.

We Americans consume a lot of energy. Many of our appliances, such as our toothbrush, razor, and clocks, have become unnecessarily electrical, all consuming energy from the electric grid daily. If your energy bill has become morbidly obese, you are not alone. The average American family produces 15,000 pounds of carbon emissions each year. Imagine the damage we do just one single hot holiday! So, aside from supporting local and alternative power generation, here are a few fun things to do today to eat, drink, and celebrate your way to electrical independence today.

1. Go around your house and unplug all of the unused appliances, all those hidden clocks and battery packs on your coffee maker and chargers are constantly sucking our electricity.

2. Go to the lake and allow the kids (or yourself) to go swimming and wash up for the day rather than taking a shower.

3. Drink a local beer or wine. At least the transportation energy is lower than those coming from Australia or Sicily. If the average American mean travels 1500 miles to get from farm to plate, at least you can do your duty with recreational consumption. I mean with your liquid bread.

4. Eat raw. Keep the oven off and the house cooler. Make a batch of Gazpacho (with seaweeds for protein) and a raw chocolate mouse for dessert. Try it, its surprisingly spectacular!!

5. For you electricity independent lovers, check out the aphrodisiac qualities of raw foods and have some fun.

6. Sun brew tea. It takes a few hours but it keeps the stove off and gets you that vital caffeine. You can even try coffee in a filter sealed up on top. Or put your press pot out in the sun for a couple hours before you press it.

7. Play outdoors, where little electrical energy is required in order for you to expend your own. Stay clear of the shopping mall, the movie theatre, and, dare I say it, maybe even the bar. Instead, pack a picnic, go for a walk in the park, on the beach, or out in town, go for a swim at the lake, or play a game- you can even make one up! An added bonus: being outdoors is downright good for your health.

8. Ride a bike or walk if you need to get somewhere. If you can’t get there by foot or pedal, reconsider whether you really need to go or not! If you do, go to the park and ride and utilize as much public or unplugged transportation as possible

9. Build a bonfire instead of retreating into your lit up home tonight for cocktails and celebration. Gather around a bonfire and burn some old scrap wood.

10. Sweep up at the end of the day rather than turning on your vacuum.

Without further ado, I will let you get creative with your unplugged adventures today and I hope the residual of each engaging and enchanting option carries through to tomorrow.