How to reduce the cost of living? Five ideas from Japan

The rising cost of living has become a serious issue worldwide. It is due to the shortage of electricity supply and water supply caused by abnormal weather conditions and the shortage of gas supply due to the effects of war.

In 2011, Japan faced a similar situation when the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident forced the shutdown of thermal and nuclear power sources, mainly along the Pacific coast, and prompted the country to curb its consumption of electricity.

Electricity, gas, and water resources are essential in our lives today. However, people had lived without relying on them even before those resources became widespread. The following five tips on reducing the cost of living are based on the traditional Japanese way of life.

Store hot water in the bathtub and share it with the family

People may think it is better to take a shower instead of keeping hot water in the bathtub to save on gas bills. However, if you have a large family, it could be better to store water in the bathtub instead of each family member using a shower. Especially in winter, when showers tend to be used for longer periods, it is often cheaper to save on utility costs by accumulating hot water.

Reusing water waste

In Japan, wastewater from washing rice is often reused for watering the garden. This idea can also be applied to everyday wastewater such as boiled water from boiling vegetables, pasta, rice, etc., cold water at the beginning of a shower, or leftover bath water.

In addition, there is a Japanese custom called “Uchimizu,” sprinkling water in front of the house to stay cool during the summer. We do it to lower the temperature by utilizing the “vaporization heat” generated when water evaporates, which removes heat from the surroundings. Daily water waste could be applied to this custom as well.

Choose well-ventilated clothing

The use of air conditioners in summer has a significant impact on rising electricity bills. To beat the heat, choosing clothing with excellent water absorption and breathability is important. In Japan, linen and cotton have been valued for a long time for their ability to absorb sweat and provide a comfortable feel.

Create shade with Plant Curtains

“Green curtain,” in which vining plants crawl along the windowsill and block out the sunlight, is very cooling not only because the plants become a curtain and provide shade but also because the water vapor emitted by the plants removes heat.

For those who cannot afford to grow a green curtain, “Sudare,” which is made by lining up several thin split bamboo or reeds and weaving them together with thread, is recommended. It also makes a sunshade, make it difficult to see inside the house from the outside, and provides a high level of privacy.

Use brooms and dustpans instead of vacuum cleaners

In Japan, “Edo-houki” brooms made from a plant similar to corn called “borax,” a member of the Poaceae family, have long been used. Lightweight and easy to handle, it can be used not only for flooring but carpets and rugs, and we can clean the entire room only with it instead of using a vacuum cleaner or electricity. If you do not have this broom, you can substitute a regular broom and lint roller to reduce your electricity bill.

The world’s population is currently growing and is expected to reach approximately 10.4 billion by the 2080s. As the population increases, the number of resources needed will increase. Combined with worsening climate change, we can expect further resource shortages. We highly need to seek a way of life that does not depend on energy without taking our limited resources for granted.