The thought has been bounced around the net for some time, and I agree, if you're waste energy on an exercise machine, at least put that energy to use. The problem is, the average human can only sustain about 60 watts of output over extended periods. In this case, the better solution is to go out and get your exercise from necessary chores. Use a reel mower to cut the lawn, shovel snow, hand work a garden, chop wood. Not only do you get the exercise, but you're no longer burning gas and oil in mowers, snow blowers, rototillers, chainsaws, and log splitters. Double benefit!

Hello Rod:

Thanks for your input.. I like your way of thinking! I don't actually own a treadmill.. I prefer being outside running and my remodeling projects do provide exercise! I don't have a yard now, but when I did.. I did have a push mower! As far as conservation goes.. i can give you an example too.. I'm currently switching my electric water heater on and off each day to conserve electricity! It seems that one hour on is enough to heat the water enough for what I need it! I keep the thermostat down at 62 and wear a sweater, bought all the energy efficient lights, etc. So, I'm all about conserving, not consuming...now, if I could just get my kids to turn off the lights! So, I am interested in learning how to build and install solar power (or other) for my (eventual) log home! There's a class offered from Crestone Solar School called Solar Heating and Natural Building Workshop that I'm thinking about (the website I found from someone's post on this site!). I don't want to buy big expensive system, but not sure where to learn what I need to learn!
thanks!

You and I think the same way, Rod. It is similar to people that have these high stress jobs and complain about having to work so much. They have so much overhead in their monthly expenses, car payments, high mortgage, going out to fancy restaurants, etc., that they are forced to work a lot to pay for all these things. So when do they have time to enjoy them? Doesn't make sense to me.

I am a personal trainer (among other things) and I have seen so many of my clients stressed out over so many aspects of their lives it has changed me over the years, changed my attitude. These people have tons of money, tons of stress and little happiness. Why not strip away all the crap and live a simpler life? I ride a scooter so I have no car payment. I am about to move onto my land so my rent will be the cost of the loan (about 175/month) so right there I have eliminated a huge portion of expence and stress in my life. Now I can concentrate even more on my writing and other things I want to do like build a log home.

So using this post's example, compounding problems is a common theme in this country. People think all these 'things' will make them happy or a big bad solar array or energy system will give them all the creature comforts they want or think they need but all it does is make things more complicated and stressful. So my philosophy is less is more and simpler is better. People are different but I think most would be surprised if they tried it another way. I have had cable TV or AC for going on five years. I don't miss either. I haven't owned a car, used a microwave, a dishwasher or a bought a new TV for even longer. I just don't want that stuff any more. I like to read. And write.

I am not saying everyone needs to run out into the woods like we all want to and live a Waldon like dream but designing a complicated solar system seems contrary to the idea of this class/organization. Anyway, tangent complete. (=