Conserve! Conserve! Conserve!

That is the title of a notice that was posted on our doors shortly after power returned. The Tohoku power company was able to give the base about 25% of our normal supply, and they have chosen to funnel that into base housing. However, we are still trying very hard to conserve our resources - both to make what we've got last, and to help out the Japanese public. We've got a major shortage of fuel (including propane and kerosene) and so people are trying very hard to cut back on how much they're driving, or using grills and heaters (off base). Below are some of the things they've strongly encouraged us to do.

ENERGY CONSERvATION EFFORTS:

* Keep lights off inside during daylight hours. Only have lights on in one or two rooms at a time at night. We are not to use exterior lights at all, including street lights.

* Use only one media item at a time (one computer, one TV, etc.)

* Minimize stovetop/oven preparation when cooking, focus on using microwaves instead.

* Set thermostats to 64*F (which is COLD, especially since it's been snowing...)

* Minimize use of washers, dryers and electrical appliances

* Unplug appliances that are not being used

* Refrain from using non-essential power (dryers, toasters, hair dryers, etc. - my hair looks awesome right now... haha.)

WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

* Reduce showers to 5 minutes; wash face/brush teeth in shower

* Turn off faucet when brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands

* Wash clothes in cold water, reuse towels

* Set dish washer to fastest setting

FUEL CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

Personal owned vehicles:

* Carpool when possible

* Reduce vehicle use as necessary, walk or ride bikes when possible

* If you own two vehicles only refuel one per week

* Only eligible to refuel if you are below 1/4 tank

Some of the ways we personally have been trying to contribute to the cause is by reading aloud together instead of watching TV or constantly being on our computers. We haven't gone anywhere in the last couple of days to conserve gas. When we've been eating at home (which isn't often) we've been using paper plates and cups to limit water and energy use to wash dishes. Of course, I already mentioned our food and entertainment rotations here in the neighborhood to cut down on the use of power in multiple houses at night. And we've even been limited the number of times we flush the toilet - only doing so when absolutely necessary. (Gross, I know - but that's the reality of survival!)