Bootleg Solar Power

The price of oil is having an effect on nearly everything. From the obvious high price of gas to the more subtle spike in the cost of food, our economy and our wallets are feeling the pressure. Recently, my neighbor/landlord had asked us for a significant chunk of change to help "lock in" on pre-purchased supply of oil. Even in the summer, the cost of heating hot water alone is breaking the bank. 

Unable pitch in, we decided that the best plan of action would be to increase our rent and brainstorm ways to cut energy usage. We never use the powerful air condition that our apartment came stocked with. We always use cold water when doing laundry. We collect rain water to water the garden. We are planning on putting up a clothesline to avoid the use of the dryer in warm weather. We've begun unplugging most appliances when not in use (phone and computer chargers especially). These are all positive steps in a better, greener direction, but how much will it curb energy costs? What we really need to do is make the switch to solar energy.

So while the lord of the land is exploring his options in the cost and execution of solar panels, we worked on a quick fix. Using a thick black hose and a 2nd shower head we've easily and effectively come up with bootleg solar powered shower. Somewhat of an eyesore, we've chosen function over fashion. The water sits in the black hose that is in direct sunlight for most of the day. In 75+ degree weather, we've found that the shower not only last long enough for two people but it's also quite warm, bordering on hot. The downsides of the faint rubber essence and the warm water window between 5 and 9pm aside, this seems to be a positive way help cut cost and conserve energy.