One hidden energy-waster of tremendous proportions is the fact that our society consumes so many things in such dilute form.  In other words, why package and ship extra water or inert ‘filler’ ingredients, when more concentrated forms of the same products will work equally well.

The problem is likely gounded in human psychology which naturally equates ‘bigger’ with ‘better’, or at least with ‘bigger’ with ’more.’  Alas, it makes sense that a consumer would be more likely to pay a larger price for a bigger package than for a smaller one, even if the smaller one contains more of the thing they want!

So in the face of a world of marketing programs pushing larger packages with more dilute products, you need to make your way ‘up stream’ and seek out the products which are ‘concentrates.’  Look on labels for that key word ‘concentrate.’  And check the ingredients labels in general.  Avoid products that contain ‘fillers’ which are inert, and a waste of money, resources, and the materials and energy used to package and ship the product.

This is another ‘consumer habit’ which needs to catch on, so that in their efforts to ‘green’ themselves, manufacturers will return to more concentrated forms of the products they now dilute for the masses.

For some products, like laundry detergents, there will be an issue of measuring the amount used correctly.  Make sure to keep the scoop that comes with the product handy, and perhaps even save them for future purchases, to have extra scoops around.  If multiple scoops in different sizes become a problem, keep a permanent marker handy to mark them correctly for the associated product.

For some products, there may be a ‘convenience factor’ in the potential need to dilute the product before use.  For instance, buying a concentrated dishwashing liquid might suggest diluting it into a squirt bottle for use by the household.  And why buy liquid soap at all.  Perhaps it is more ‘convenient’ or aesthically packaged.  But I’d use bar soap any day, if it would keep the oceans from rising.

Buying food products in concentrates also makes a lot of sense.  Frozen orange juice concentrate is probably about as healthful as those packaged half-gallons which, if you read the labels, are merely reconstituted from concentrates anyhow!

This is one suggestion where we can only set you in the right direction.  The manifestations of this idea will be manifold.  And this is another way you have to learn to see with ‘new eyes.’