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Time Flies Like an Arrow - Moreno Franco art

 Energy Saving versus Time Saving. What Costs you More?

"Energy saving versus time saving" has always been a common dilemma in daily life since the start of the Industrial Revolution. 

Weighing the benefits of conserving energy against the value of saving time. This choice manifests itself in every field of human endeavour.

Here is the Trade-Off:

The purely mechanical clock was developed in medieval Europe, after the invention of the bell-striking alarm. Its primary use was to signal the correct time to ring monastic bells. Such was humanity’s religious fervour - It had to Run on Time!

The mechanical clock was a technological wonder! One clock - designed and built by Henry de Vick in about 1360, established basic clock design for the next 300 years.
The first watches appeared shortly after 1500.

In 1505, a locksmith in Nürnberg, Germany, was the first to build the portable pomander watch - the first watch of the world.
This man was Peter Henlein.

Time IS Money

It was around this time that Dutch merchants and bankers realized that “Time is Money”. And that Time could be commoditized and sold.

At around the same time, humans exchanged one type of serfdom for another.

Sorry. I will read that again. Exchanged one type of SLAVERY for another.
As labourers moved from the drudgery of working in the farm field – to the drudgery of working in a factory. 
To the drudgery of working in: ‘Insert Environment Here’.

This is when accountants realized that "A Cost" could finally be applied to Energy.

“And That is History!” As we are all wont to say. 
Except that its not! 
It is the history of the Chain-Shackle evolving into the Prison – all the while tempting us with the illusion that we would grow wealthier.

Except we didn’t. And we wont. Not Ever.
Now we are here.

Art - Yuri Suzuki Kitchen Installation
The Art of Compact Living

Bring life to Compact Living by outfitting your Compact Lifestyle space with the optimum small home appliances.
Smart choices make the seemingly utilitarian approach a happy and liveable one.


My small home appliances Guide to Compact Living saves you from the heart-ache and pain of becoming a victim of "Buying Junk You Dont Need"!  I cut through the veil of marketing BS to present you with the "short-and-sweet", no-nonsense version - of Important Things to Buy - That Work.

The promise of an endless supply of energy, promised with the discovery of Nuclear energy, blew up almost as fast as the first fission bombs tested at Los Alamos and Eniwetok and Bikini. (Yes: 'Bikini' IS A Place. The place where the vestigal "swimsuit" derives its name).

Fusion energy continues to elude us. 
Solar power only works when the sun shines. Wind power, only when the wind blows.
The production of the “amazing” lithium battery, exacts as much of a toll on the natural environment as fossil fuel does.

And Time is slipping away as the Planet approaches the tipping-point of that run-a-way Climate Change.

First predicted in the early 1960’s and fobbed off as a rant by over-reactionary lunatics -  we are now entertained every day by raging hurricanes, uncontrollable wild-fires, un-mitigable droughts and unstoppable floods.

This is not the biblical “End of Times”. This is the End of Choices.

"Energy saving versus time saving" has always been a common dilemma in daily life since the start of the Industrial Revolution. 

Weighing the benefits of conserving energy against the value of saving time. This choice manifests itself in every field of human endeavour.

Here is the Trade-Off:

Energy Saving - Illusion or Delusion

Cost Savings: Using energy-efficient appliances and practices can lead to lower utility bills, saving money in the long run. Energy-saving investments often pay off through reduced operational costs.

Long-Term Benefits: Energy-saving measures can lead to more significant and lasting benefits over time. For example, upgrading to energy-efficient insulation or appliances can provide continuous savings for years.

Reduced Environmental Anxiety: A conscious effort to reduce energy consumption can lead to a more relaxed and environmentally responsible lifestyle, which can have positive psychological and emotional effects.

Environmental Impact: Conserving energy is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. It promotes sustainability and helps preserve natural resources.

Time Saving - but at What Cost?

Convenience: Time-saving measures, such as using time-saving appliances or automation, can make daily tasks more convenient and less labor-intensive. This is especially important in today's fast-paced world.

Quality of Life: Time-saving measures can improve one's overall quality of life by reducing stress and enabling individuals to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests and hobbies.

Flexibility: Time-saving measures provide the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities, such as last-minute social events or career opportunities.

Productivity: Saving time allows individuals to be more productive in their personal and professional lives. This will lead to more free time for leisure and self-improvement – and perhaps higher earnings, or career advancement.

Balancing Energy Saving and Time Saving

Prioritization: The choice between energy and time saving will depend on individual priorities and values. Some may prioritize environmental sustainability, while others may prioritize convenience and productivity.

Context Matters: The decision may vary depending on the specific situation. For example, energy-saving practices may be more important in the home, while time-saving measures may be prioritized in a fast-paced work environment.

Hybrid Solutions: In many cases, it's possible to strike a balance between energy and time saving. For instance, using programmable thermostats or energy-efficient appliances can save both energy and time.

Long-Term Thinking: It's essential to consider the long-term implications of decisions. While time-saving measures can provide immediate benefits, energy-saving practices may offer more significant and lasting rewards.

In summary...

the choice between energy saving and time saving is not always just an' either-or' proposition.

For example; the value of the more time wasted in trying to "conserve" energy can exceed the actual value of the supposedly conserved energy.
Or - the cost of the amount of energy expended in order to save some time exceeds the actual value of the time saved.

In many cases, a balance can be achieved through thoughtful decision-making and the use of modern technologies and practices.
Ultimately, discovering the right equilibrium between these two priorities is key to a sustainable, productive, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Good Luck! You can have fun discovering what works for you.
Just do not get so trapped in it that it becomes your gospel to preach to friends and family - who quite frankly don't give a rats toss what it is that you are going on about . . .  do you want another beer?


Franco Profile BW 80

by Moreno Franco
I am a graphic designer and industrial product designer who has worked 40 years in the Advertising & Marketing Industry.