From 1960 to today,

From 1960 to today, Japan's population has increased 130%. Its energy consumption has increased 550%.

Looking around my house, I can see how that happened a little bit at a time as each new convenience and luxury was introduced. In the kitchen, I have an electric water pot that is on 24 hours a day, even though I only use hot water from it once or twice a day. Another half dozen small appliances are stored in the cupboard and wait their turn on the counter.

In the bathroom, the toilet seat is heated and it includes a motorized bidet. To flush this toilet, I must press a remote control on the wall. I'm sure that take some power. The vanity mirror is heated, too. There is a small fan heater under the sink to keep toes warm. Two exhaust fans blow air through the room.

Our living room has 22 lightbulbs installed in two chandeliers and eight downlights.

Except for computers, which we have in overabundance, I think we own a minimum of gadgets. But when I look around carefully, I realise that I'm wrong. We have a lot of things that make our life easier, warmer or happier. And many of them use power.

I think its time to switch off some things now...