THIRTY WAYS TO

SAVE TIME AND

MONEY

© Arindam Basu. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1

Appliances and Stationery

5

I.) Increase Use of Fans, Decrease Use of Air Conditioners.

5

II.) Replace Wooden Pencils With Mechanical Ones.

6

III.) Use Correction Tape instead of Liquid Paper.

7

IV) Use Landlines for Making Phone Calls.

8

V.) Use Cartridge Pens Instead of Disposable Pens.

9

VI.) Use Photocopiers That Can Execute Double-sided Photocopying.

10

VII.) Buy in Bulk

11

VIII.) Store Used Paper as Scrap.

12

IX.) Use Rechargeables.

12

X.) Purchase Multifunctional Items.

13

Computers

14

XI.) Automatic Duplex Printing.

14

XII.) Purchase Blank CDs in Spindles, and Buy CD Cases Separately.

16

XIII.) Use Linux instead of Windows.

18

XIV.) Use E-mail In Place of Paper to Distribute Memos and Circulars.

20

XV.) Distribute Long Documents In Digital Format.

21

XVI.) Store Documents In Digital Rather Than Paper Formats.

22

XVII.) Create and Use Templates.

23

XVIII.) Create and Use Macros

24

XIX.) Utilize, and if Necessary Install, Useful Programs on the Desktop.

25

XX.) Where Possible, Install Internal, Rather Than External, Drives.

26

XXI.) Scan Documents Instead of Photocopying Them.

27

XXII.) Retain Older Computers

28

Other

29

XXIII.) Learn to Type.

29

XXIV.) Ban Newspapers In The Workplace.

30

XXV.) Replace Lightbulbs with Tubelights.

31

XXVI.) Whenever Feasible, Travel By Train.

32

XXVII.) Consume Microwave Meals Instead of Fast Food.

33

XXVIII.) Use Thick, Dark Curtains.

34

XXIX.) Use Easy-to-Assemble Furniture to Gain Shelf Space.

34

XXX.) Wherever Possible, Buy Direct.

35

Conclusion

36

Introduction

‘All the bliss of gods and men is declared by the sages to whom

the Veda was revealed, to have austerity for its root, austerity

for its middle, and austerity for its end.’

- The Laws of Manu, Chapter 11, Verse 235.

‘If a device would save in time just 10 per cent or increase

results 10 per cent, then its absence is always a 10 percent tax.

If the time of a person is worth fifty cents an hour, a 10 per cent

saving is worth five cents an hour. If the owner of a skyscraper

could increase his income 10 per cent, he would willingly pay

half the increase just to know how....

Those are the principles on which the production of my

plant was built up.’

- Henry Ford, My Life and Work, page 80.

Stress is one of the most common ailments afflicting the general

public - and with the passage of time, it has increased in both prevalence

and intensity. Two of the main causes of stress are shortage of money

and shortage of time; concerns about the former have only grown with

the rising inflation of recent years, while the latter is increasingly a

problem as hectic urban lifestyles become more and more common.

This book is intended to provide some suggestions on how both

money and/or time may be saved. Most of these suggestions do not

require major lifestyle changes, (I will not be promoting vegetarianism,

1

exercise, or the avoidance of coffee, alcohol, tobacco, television etc...)

nor do they deal with the obvious, (ex: buying items during sales, turning

off the lights upon leaving a room, etc...) Instead, their emphasis is on

reducing waste and raising efficiency - a process which inevitably entails

reduction in financial expenses and in the expenditure of time.

If there is a general principle underlying the advice provided in

these pages, it is the concept of long-term investing. Many of the

suggestions provided here involve spending more in the short-run to

gain more in the long-run. In economic terms, it implies opting for

combinations of higher fixed costs and lower variable costs, which over

time, will ensure that average costs fall lower and lower. The graph

below indicates the principle at work:

Figure 1: Cutting Costs in the Long Run.

(A practical application of this analysis is provided on page 9 of this work.)

2

Another important principle that runs through this work is the need

to minimize transport costs. The American economic philosopher, Henry

C. Carey had noted over a century ago that the further transport costs

were reduced, the more time, energy and money that could be diverted

to the crucial task of production. Similarly, the less one has to travel, the

more time and money one saves for other, more meaningful tasks,

(especially given current fuel prices). This may seem like common

sense, but the propensity of individuals to drive to shops instead of

ordering their goods by phone, indicates that it is anything but common.

This book does not aim to be comprehensive. There are probably

many other means by which an individual can save money, time and

effort - if he uses his intellect instead of conforming to a sterile routine.

Often it takes a crisis to compel a man to stop conforming and to find

new ways of performing existing tasks. Ideally, however, the use of the

intellect as a means of cutting waste and reducing costs should become

a habit that is maintained even after the crisis has passed: the benefits of

doing so are simply too great to ignore.

3

4

Appliances and Stationery

I.) Increase Use of Fans, Decrease Use of Air Conditioners.

Air conditioners are major consumers of electric power; they also

require regular maintenance and cleaning. In contrast, fans use much

less power and are easier to maintain and clean, (as well as cheaper to

replace). It stands to reason that any reduction in the use of the former

in favour of the latter will reduce energy costs.

Air conditioners are unparalleled in their ability to cool down a

room; but they are not necessary to keep it cool, once its temperature

has been reduced: a fan can perform this task equally well. Thus,

instead of running air conditioners throughout the day, it is more efficient

to utilize ACs until the surroundings have reached an ambient

temperature, and then to switch them off and turn on fans to keep them at

the required temperature. Should the environment subsequently warm

up, the AC can be restarted and the process repeated.

Table fans are sufficiently inexpensive to justify their purchase.

When used in conjunction with ACs in the manner described above,

they can serve to reduce not just energy costs, but also the costs of

maintaining the air conditioners, (as ACs which are used less will last

longer). Thus, table fans can serve as a sensible investment for homes

and offices alike.

5

II.) Replace Wooden Pencils With Mechanical Ones.

Although a mechanical pencil generally costs more than a wooden

one, a mechanical pencil’s refills generally cost less. Thus, over time, a

mechanical pencil will prove itself to be less expensive than its wooden

equivalents, as the cost of replacing lead refills is below that of replacing

entire pencils.

Another saving that arises with the use of mechanical pencils is the

ability to do away with sharpeners. Sharpeners are not particularly

expensive in terms of money, but the amount of time employed in

sharpening pencils can be considerable. Much time, as well as money,

is thus saved when one shifts to mechanical pencils.

It is true that using mechanical pencils can be a little difficult for

those reliant on wooden ones - the graphite lead easily breaks when

too much pressure is placed on the tip. However, with practice this

problem is usually overcome and one soon finds it as easy to write with

a mechanical pencil as it is to write with a wooden one.

Needless to say, the use of mechanical pencils is also better for

the environment, as one need not fell lumber in order to produce them.

6

III.) Use Correction Tape instead of Liquid Paper.

Liquid paper, (colloquially known as Tipex) has been used for

correction in offices for decades; it is nonetheless expensive, time-

consuming and a potential health hazard

1

. A cleaner, cheaper and

safer alternative has been in existence for over a dozen years:

correction tape.

Correction tape units are comparable in price to liquid paper, but

generally last longer than the average bottle of Tipex. Due to its dry

nature, there is no delay in writing over when correction tape is used,

unlike liquid paper, for which one has to wait for the Tipex to solidify.

Thus, the replacement of liquid paper with correction tape entails savings

in terms of both time and money.

1

It also dries up in the bottle if not used for a long period of time.

7

IV) Use Landlines for Making Phone Calls.

Perhaps no electronic device has spread as rapidly as the mobile

phone. Inexpensive, portable and convenient, it can be found in the

hands of rich and poor alike; the days when cell phones were

considered an article of luxury have long ended.

However, the cost of using a mobile to make a call is still

considerably higher than that of making a call from a landline.

Furthermore, the cost of calling

to a mobile is also substantially more

expensive than calling to a landline. Thus, in terms of expense, a call

from one landline to another is cheapest, while a call from a mobile to

another mobile is most expensive, (all other factors being the same). It is

thus wise to limit the use of mobiles for calls, (as opposed to SMS

messages or e-mail) and to rely on landlines instead

2

.

2

The Internet telephony program Skype permits even cheaper calls to be made - but in some countries,

it is illegal.

8

V.) Use Cartridge Pens Instead of Disposable Pens.

Although microtip and ball-point pens are inexpensive, they are not

free. Neither are cartridge pens, but whilst ball-point and microtip pens

cost much less than these pens, the cartridges themselves cost less than

all of the pens. As with wooden pencils versus mechanical ones, the

trade-off is between a high variable cost as opposed to a higher initial

cost, and a lower variable cost. The following diagram summarizes the

difference:

Average

Cost

Time

Disposable Pens

Cartridge Pens

Initially, as cartridge pens cost more than disposable pens, the

average cost of using one is higher. Over time, as cartridges are

cheaper than pens, the average cost will be less than the cost of using

and replacing ball pens.

9

VI.) Use Photocopiers That Can Execute Double-sided

Photocopying.

Photocopiers have become commonplace in the workplace over

the last two decades; however, their capability varies considerably

depending on the manufacturer and the unit. Whilst every copier can

duplicate one side of the paper, many (perhaps most) still require

manual handling in order to photocopy the other side. This process -

lifting the cover and turning the sheet over is time consuming - especially

if one has multiple pages to copy.

There exist a number of advanced photocopiers that possess the

feature of automatic double-sided printing. With these machines, one

need not even turn the paper over, as the device automatically scans

both sides. Needless to say, the process saves time - and to the extent

that it encourages dual-sided printing - it saves money on paper as well.

10

VII.) Buy in Bulk

This one of the most obvious means of saving money, but as it is

not always followed, it is worth mentioning here. Bulk purchases save

both time and money: they save time by reducing the number of times

one has to visit a retailer and conduct a purchase (and such visits often

involve transport costs) and they save money insofar as one generally

obtains a discount upon purchasing in bulk. Of course, not everything

can be easily bought in bulk: in particular, larger items require

considerable storage space, the cost of which may exceed the savings

of bulk buying.

Nonetheless, for most small and medium-sized items, ranging from

stationery to electronics, bulk-buying is a sensible means of minimizing

expenditure.

11

VIII.) Store Used Paper as Scrap.

Despite dreams of a ‘paperless office’, the stark reality is that paper

consumption has increased massively over the last two decades, while

the world’s forests have not. It stands to reason that any measures that

save paper are both economically and environmentally beneficial.

Homes and offices do not just use a lot of paper; they throw away

a great deal as well. Much of the disposed paper has only been used

on one side: the other side is often blank. In such cases, it is more

sensible and efficient to retain such pieces of paper and utilize them for

scrap, whilst leaving fresh sheets for final or official documents

3

. By

doing this, paper consumption can be curbed considerably.

IX.) Use Rechargeables.

The logic of utilising rechargeable rather than disposable batteries

is straightforward: the cost of replacing disposable batteries exceeds the

costs of recharging batteries. Thus, over time, one saves money if one

uses rechargeables.

Furthermore, an increasing number of electric items, (shavers,

torches, toys, etc...) have rechargeable versions. From the analysis

above, it stands to reason that purchasing the rechargeable rather than

the battery-powered versions of these objects, will save money in the

medium and long-run.

3

Similarly, such paper can be used to print rough drafts, leaving fresh paper for final versions.

12

X.) Purchase Multifunctional Items.

Amidst the vast array of consumer goods in the shops, one will

occasionally find an item that can perform more than one function.

These can vary from simple objects (for example, a ruler which has a

protractor in the middle) to complex devices (such as a fax machine that

can also photocopy and print.) As a general rule, it is less expensive to

purchase these multi-functional items than to buy two or more

monofunctional objects separately.

Multifunctional items have two other significant benefits. Firstly,

they save space - a ruler with a protractor is less bulky than a a ruler

and protractor. Secondly, they save power, as only one power supply

is needed with a multifunctional device. Together, these two benefits

entail considerable cost savings.

13

Computers.

XI.) Automatic Duplex Printing.

Every printer can print on both sides of a page: but not all printers

can do so automatically. Similarly, almost every printer permits two

pages to be printed on one sheet of paper, but there are few programs

that have taken this capability to its logical conclusion and enabled

booklet printing.

Combining two-sided printing with the printing of two pages to one

side enables one to print four pages on a single sheet of paper - thus

reducing paper use by 75%. With automatic, (as opposed to manual)

duplex printing, time is also saved in the process. Last, but not least, with

booklet printing, the result enables one to produce the document in a

format that makes for convenient storage and reading.

Duplex Printers normally have a D at the end of their names, (ex:

Xerox Phaser™ 3428D), just as network printers sometimes have N

attached to the end of theirs’, (thus a printer which is both duplex and

network will have DN at the end of its name.) Some non-duplex printers

provide the option of attaching an automatic duplex unit: it is generally

wise to avail of this option.

Among the programs that provide for booklet printing are the

later versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, (version 8 for example). Other

programs like OpenOffice also permit booklet printing; even if they did

not however, so long as the output can be converted to Adobe’s pdf

format, one can take advantage of booklet printing and minimize one’s

14

consumption of paper. When one considers the reams that the average

office uses, it stands to reason that the use of duplex printing can

generate extensive savings.

15

XII.) Purchase Blank CDs in Spindles, and Buy CD Cases

Separately.

Blank Compact Discs (CDs) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) can

be purchased along with their jewel cases, as well as without these

cases, (in the form of spindles). What is less well known is that CD jewel

cases themselves can be bought for a pittance. Thus, it is far cheaper to

purchase CD cases and the blank CDs separately (without their cases of

course), than to purchase the discs with their jewel cases. The same

holds true of blank DVDs. (The author estimates that one saves at least

20% of the price of a blank CD sold with a case in this way).

It is true that when one purchases CDs with jewel cases, they have

a paper cover (normally with the manufacturer’s logo). Jewel cases that

are sold separately generally do not come with this. However, there are

three inexpensive ways of dealing with the need to provide an

alternative label:

Creating one’s own cover, by cutting out a piece of paper and

decorating it accordingly.

Using a marker pen to directly label the disc.

Purchasing lightscribe discs and burning one’s desired cover onto

them.

The third option - although rather time-consuming - is highly

recommended as a means of labelling and decorating CDs and DVDs.

Although lightscribe drives are still not common with new computers,

16

external and internal lightscribe drives are easily available and the

software required can be downloaded for free via

http://www.lightscribe.com.

17

XIII.) Use Linux instead of Windows.

There are few spectacles that better illustrate the ignorance,

irrationality and lethargy of the wealthier members of the human race

than the widespread use of a vulnerable, dysfunctional and expensive

operating system, in the wake of a free, stable and secure alternative.

Businesses are particularly to blame for failing to consider the bottom

line when purchasing computers.

One could write an entire book detailing the benefits of Linux over

the Windows Operating System. A website,

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.com,

already does this. Here, the focus will be limited to the main advantages

of making this shift.

Most distributions of Linux are free - free to download and use, as

well as free to change or modify to suit one’s requirements. Distributions

are generally provided in the form of ISO files, which can be burnt to

disc using programs such as Infrarecorder (which is free) or Nero

(which is not.) Macintosh users can use Toast, while Linux distributions

often have a default ISO burning program of their own.

Being generally free of spyware, malware, adware, trojans and

viruses, Linux machines do not require the purchase of anti-virus and

anti-spyware programs - an additional saving (of both moments and

money, as combating spyware, malware etc.. is time-consuming).

Furthermore, many Linux distributions come with the OpenOffice suite,

and the GIMP image editing program - thereby again saving the user the

expense of purchasing licences for commercial software. (In fairness, it

should be noted that OpenOffice and GIMP are both available for

Windows and Mac as well.)

18

Last, but not least, Linux generally works on machines with low

system requirements, in contrast to the latest version of Microsoft’s

Operating System, (Windows Vista) which needs powerful hardware in

order to function adequately. Thus, shifting to Linux reduces the need to

spend vast amounts of money on new computers every time a new

operating system comes out.

All in all, given the time and money saved, shifting from Windows

to Linux is one of the wisest moves an individual or a company can

make. Although there are difficulties in making the transition, (it takes

some time and effort to adjust to a new Operating System), the existence

of a strong online Linux community helps mitigate these.

19

XIV.) Use E-mail In Place of Paper to Distribute Memos and

Circulars.

Many offices now provide every employee with a computer

workstation, and these are often connected to a single Local Area

Network (LAN). Given this, it is quite possible for a skilled IT engineer to

set up an internal e-mail network for transmitting memos and circulars

across the office. With the correct settings, the sender can have the e-

mail system provide an automated response whenever the circular is

opened.

This system - and it is not very expensive to set up once the

network has been established - does away with the need to send

memos and circulars in printed form, thus saving on the costs of ink and

paper, as well as saving on time spent on their distribution.

20

XV.) Distribute Long Documents In Digital Format.

The logic behind this measure is rather self-explanatory. Given the

costs and weight of paper and ink, in contrast to that of hard disk and

flash memory storage space, it is logical to minimize the use of the

former, and to maximize the utilisation of the latter. Thus, when large

documents (such as reports, statistics, archives, etc...) need to be

distributed, it is advisable to despatch them in the form of pdf or html files,

through e-mail or on floppy disks

4

, USB devices or small CDs.

Printing hard copies of long documents should ideally be carried

out by the recipient of the documents rather than the distributor: this

saves the latter the costs of storage and transportation. (This is, of

course, more feasible with black and white documents, than with colour

documents, due to the fact that colour printers are still uncommon and

colour printing is rather expensive.)

4

Although standard floppies only hold 1.44 MB of data, many text files are less than 1MB in size.

21

XVI.) Store Documents In Digital Rather Than Paper Formats.

Storing volumes of documents in their printed form not only

involves a great deal of expenditure on paper and ink, but also requires

considerable space, and is also time-consuming. In contrast, digital

storage and replication is both cheap and swift - and is becoming

cheaper and swifter with the march of technological progress. Thus, it

stands to reason that for long-term storage, digital formats are preferable

to paper formats; this is all the more so as duplicating the stored

archives is much quicker, easier and cheaper with digital files, (which

only need to be copied from one hard disk/USB drive to another, as

opposed to photocopying each and every paper.)

The one caveat that must be made in this context, concerns the file

format in which storage is maintained, as one needs a format which will

be easily accessible and readable by the computers of the future. To this

end, the pdf format of Adobe Acrobat is recommended, given its

widespread use and the low likelihood of it being terminated by the

company that designed it. The fact that many different types of

documents - ranging from text files to spreadsheets and scanned images

can easily be converted to pdf, also makes it a desirable file format to

use for this purpose.

22

XVII.) Create and Use Templates.

‘The types of documents were limited and only a few figures

would vary with each document. All the other things were

fixed... So whenever I had any spare time, I prepared as many

documents as possible ahead of time. All the company had to do

was fill in the figures and the dates.’

- Kim Woo Choong, Every Street is Paved With Gold, pages 104-5

Many of the documents created in the workplace or at home, come

in one of a few formats: letters, reports, notes, spreadsheets, etc.. Rather

than writing each document from scratch, it makes sense to create

templates which one can fill up whenever a new version of that

document type is required.

Alternatively, one can open up older documents of the same type,

change the details and print out the new one, (as mentioned in the quote

above). This method also saves time.

23

XVIII.) Create and Use Macros

A macro is a small program that automatically performs a number

of functions inside a computer program, (such as a word processor or

spreadsheet). While these functions can be carried out without a macro,

the use of a macro often generates considerable saving in terms of time

and effort - as instead of executing each function separately, one simply

launches the macro.

For example, in a word processing program, (such as OpenOffice

Word Processor or AppleWorks), one can easily record and create a

macro that places one’s name and the date at the top of the page. With

a little more skill, one can create an icon that runs the macro. Thus, with

the click of an icon, one can save oneself the time and trouble of writing

up one’s name and date whenever one begins a new document.

(Similarly, one can easily create a macro that places one’s address

automatically at the top right corner of the page, in case one has to send

a letter.)

24

XIX.) Utilize, and if Necessary Install, Useful Programs on the

Desktop.

Some useful programs, such as clocks and calculators, are

available on every operating system. It is thus feasible to use these in

place of purchasing extra watches or calculators for the workplace.

Most offices possess computers, but most computers do not

possess all the useful programs that one might need. For example,

Microsoft Windows lacks a dictionary. Fiddling through one’s

possessions to find a dictionary simply because one does not have it

easily accessible on one’s desktop is a waste of time.

Thus, it is a sensible, time-saving measure to anticipate such needs

in advance and to download and install the corresponding freeware

programs, with icons on the desktop to facilitate easy access. Even if the

time saved is only a minute or two, a few such savings every week

amount to hours over the course of a year.

25

XX.) Where Possible, Install Internal, Rather Than External,

Drives.

Although most computers come with inbuilt CD or DVD drives, it is

sometimes convenient or necessary to purchase and attach an extra

drive (for example, in order to lightscribe discs.) Such drives can be

installed into a computer’s spare ports, (in the case of internal drives) or

attached via an USB or FireWire cable (in the case of external ones).

Their functions are generally the same; however, the costs of these two

options are not.

Internal drives are substantially cheaper than external drives, and

unlike external drives, they do not require an external power source,

(and thus, they save on electricity). Although they seem less portable

than external CD/DVD drives, internal drives are not: it is not particularly

difficult to install and remove these drives if one takes the effort to read

the instruction manual. For these reasons, it is advisable to purchase

and install internal rather than external drives wherever possible.

26

XXI.) Scan Documents Instead of Photocopying Them.

It is often customary and quite convenient in offices to photocopy

documents whenever duplicates are needed. However, in many

instances, all that is required is a copy of the document, not a hard copy.

Under such circumstances, it is equally effective to scan the document

and then to send it by e-mail or on a USB flashdrive.

Scanning is considerably cheaper than photocopying as paper

and ink are not required: scanners also tend to cost much less than

photocopiers. Although scanning is more time-consuming - this

disadvantage is overcome when a large number of copies is required: it

is probably quicker to scan a document and send it to a hundred people

than it is to make a hundred photocopies of it.

Thus, although photocopies are still indispensable for the office

whenever hard copies are required, (and it should be noted that it is

generally quicker and cheaper to photocopy a page than to print it), it is

advisable to encourage the use of scanners whenever a paperless

copy will suffice.

27

XXII.) Retain Older Computers

5

Every few years, companies tend to upgrade their IT divisions and

replace their old computers with the newest, most powerful and often,

most expensive, machines. In itself, this process is not necessarily

wasteful, as faster and mightier computers can contribute massively to

boosting productivity. What is wasteful is the disposal of old machines

which are fully functional.

Many of the older computers (in homes as well as offices) are

capable of numerous regular tasks - ranging from word processing to

data storage. They can thus be kept in reserve in case an existing

computer fails. Furthermore, they can also be used as training devices

for new staff or as an extra repository of important documents. No

doubt, intelligent minds will be able to discover other uses for older

computers. What is worth bearing in mind, is that every old machine for

which a use can be found, reduces the need for more new machines,

and thus saves both time and money.

Sometimes, old computers can provide necessary spare parts or

devices. For example, if a computer’s USB drivers fail, and thereby

render its USB mouse non-functional, one can use a PS/2 mouse from

an old machine in its place, and then set about reinstalling the drivers.

5

This advice can be applied to other electronic and electric equipment as well.

28

Other

XXIII.) Learn to Type.

There are few skills in the modern world that are more valuable

than typing. The amount of time saved by this ability is immense -

although it has rarely been measured. In addition, being able to type

one’s own documents obviates the need to hire professional typists, and

thus, saves money as well.

Typing serves to increase the ability and propensity of an individual

to utilize e-mail and computers in general. It thereby can increase his

productivity both inside and outside the workplace, and thus constitutes

one of the wisest investments an individual or a firm can make. In

particular, managers who know how to type will need to rely less on

secretaries, and can also save time by typing e-mails, memos, reports

and other documents themselves.

29

XXIV.) Ban Newspapers In The Workplace.

Alongside numerous bad habits that undermine productivity and

concentration (smoking, drinking alcohol, gambling etc..) there also exist

certain activities that, whilst apparantly innocuous, serve to steadily

undermine the dedication and performance of the worker. One of the

most common of these is the perusal of newspapers in the workplace.

While a thorough grasp of current events is laudable, the office is

not the place for obtaining it. Newspapers constitute a serious

distraction at work, because they not only divert an employee’s attention

from his work, but also from the activities of his co-workers. They thus

render him less productive and helpful than he would otherwise be.

30

XXV.) Replace Lightbulbs with Tubelights.

This change has already been implemented in numerous houses,

stores and offices, but for those that have not yet done so, it is worth

reviewing the reasons for replacing lightbulbs with tubelights. Tubelights

provide

proportionately

greater

illumination

and

generate

proportionately less heat for a given amount of electric power than

lightbulbs, and are thus, more economically efficient. As a matter of fact,

incandescent lights convert over ninety percent of their power to heat,

and only the remainder is turned to light, making them a very inefficient

lighting system.

While those living in temperate climates might benefit from the fact

that lightbulbs generate a considerable amount of heat, people in

tropical and semi-tropical regions will gain far more by removing this

unnecessary heat source - as doing so will reduce cooling costs.

31

XXVI.) Whenever Feasible, Travel By Train.

The quality and availability of public transport varies from country

to country, but with the recent rise in fuel prices, its economic viability has

increased everywhere. What is less appreciated is the benefit of train

travel as a means of saving time.

Due to growing congestion in many cities, travelling by train

(particularly through underground networks) is often faster than using

automobiles. For longer journeys, much depends on the nature of the

rail network. In those countries where high-speed trains are common,

(Japan, Germany, France, etc..) travelling by rail can be faster than going

by plane, especially when the hours spent in the airport are taken into

consideration. Elsewhere, train travel is too slow to compete with air

travel, but is considerably cheaper. Thus, for those who are not in a

hurry, it is the economic option.

One can only hope that more governments begin to recognize the

economic and environmental benefits of rail transport and develop high-

speed train networks for the general public.

32

XXVII.) Consume Microwave Meals Instead of Fast Food.

The phenomenon of fast food has swept much of the urbanized

parts of the world, partly as a result of the increasingly hectic working

lives that no longer provide individuals with the time to cook and clean.

The result is that men squander their time slaving for corporations, and

then squander their wages on food that is likely to do them more harm

than good

6

.

The saddest part of this development is that it is quite unnecessary.

Even employees who, due to lack of time, cannot afford to cook, can

nonetheless purchase and utilize microwaves. The cost of microwave

meals is often less than that of fast food, and the time taken to cook them

is not substantially longer. Moreover, microwave meals can be

purchased in advance, thus saving the time spent travelling to and from

fast-food outlets. Only the problem of cleaning remains (and even this

can be evaded by using paper plates) - but the time taken for that is

easily offset by the time wasted in dealing with illnesses generated by an

unhealthy diet . As illness is often expensive, it stands to reason that

shifting from fast food to healthier microwave meals is beneficial for

one’s wealth as well as one’s health.

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India, with its

dhabbawallas, is, thankfully, an exception to this phenomenon; so is France thanks to its

numerous bakeries.

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XXVIII.) Use Thick, Dark Curtains.

This suggestion may seem trivial, but it is of some value

nonetheless. In tropical and semi-tropical climates, considerable

electricity is used keeping rooms cool with fans and air conditioners.

Thick, dark curtains, by minimizing the penetration of the sun’s rays, help

reduce the build-up of heat in a room - in comparison to thin, lightly

coloured ones. They thereby cut the amount of time and energy needed

to cool the room, and this translates into serious monetary savings.

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XXIX.) Use Easy-to-Assemble Furniture to Gain Shelf Space.

Most rooms in houses, offices and elsewhere, make good use of

the floorspace, but neglect the third dimension. With the simple addition

of a few tiers, one can considerably increase the shelf space in such

areas. However, as wooden shelves are rather expensive and quite

heavy, this option is often forgone.

Fortunately, there is another, cheaper option. Plastic furniture

which is capable of being disassembled and reassembled without

difficulty - provides the opportunity to increase shelf space at low cost. A

further bonus is that such furniture is often lightweight, and thus easy to

carry. Greater use of such furniture to create shelf space, reduces the

need to purchase/rent additional floor space, and thus, saves money.

XXX.) Wherever Possible, Buy Direct.

The proliferation of mail-order and online retailers creates the

opportunity for considerable savings for households and firms alike.

Mail-order and online retailers often offer lower prices than the stores -

as they generally have lower overhead costs to cover. Furthermore, by

ordering online, one can save oneself the costs of travelling to and from

the store - a cost which is considerable in terms of time, (due to

congestion) and money (due to rising fuel prices). Thus, purchasing

direct - either by telephone or via the internet - is often more

economically efficient than visiting the shops.

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Conclusion.

The above suggestions are just a few ways in which one can save

time and money in everyday life. There are, no doubt, many other

methods to conserve them which inquisitive minds can discover and

promote. In an age when prices are rising rapidly as a result of

exploding fuel and raw material costs, such discoveries would be

increasingly helpful for society in general.

However, time and money are far from the most important entities

in life. It is of far greater importance to conserve one’s spirit, and it is in

this light that the suggestions above should be considered. Few

developments dampen the human spirit more than financial insecurity -

an insecurity that is often brought about by unforeseen changes in the

cost of living, or adverse changes to one’s livelihood. Yet it is at

precisely such moments that one needs the greatest spiritual strength in

order to strive forth. In order to muster such strength, it is preferable to

perceive such unforeseen developments, not as calamities to be

lamented, but as challenges to be overcome. To the extent that this text

helps some individuals overcome their challenges, it will have served its

purpose.

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