We’re all trying to do our bit for the environment and one of the easiest ways is to reduce the amount of electricity and gas we use in our homes.

Over the past year, we’ve been taking meter readings and adjusting our usage, and I reckon we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by one third.

This weekend (12-13 December) you’re invited to take part in the Power Off weekend organised by Malcolm Handoll from the Orkney based Touchwood Project.

Tomorrow night, from 11pm, participating households all around the globe will be turning their electricity off for the weekend. Why not join in yourself? You can sign up on Malcolm’s Facebook page or contact him directly at malcolm AT touchwoodproject DOT com

Malcolm was interviewed on Radio Orkney last week; you can listen in to his BBC radio Orkney interview.

If you’re wondering how to survive without the convenience of electricity, then Malcolm has put together over 101 activities that can be enjoyed without electricity such as playing board games by candlelight or gazing at the stars.

If you’re feeling stressed, out of balance, like life is too fast or you need a bit of downtime, then switching off the electricity is a great way to get some peace and quiet to reflect and slow down and to spend some quality time with the people you love.  In addition, as the earth’s resources dwindle, this weekend gives us the opportunity to become more aware of electricity, our needs, of our lifestyles in the 21st century.

The Power Off weekend is an adventure which encourages you to learn more about yourself and how you handle adversity - something which may be very useful in times ahead.

For all those niggling questions such as what to do with frozen food, how to keep warm and how to prepare, read the Touchwood project FAQs.

So tell me, are you ready to go an entire weekend without eletricity, or does that feel too daunting? I don’t mind admitting, we’ve got a woodburner and LED lights which run off solar, but it still feels pretty huge to me to switch off the meter for 48 hours …

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