Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Why housework is always too much

By Valerie Yule - posted Friday, 18 September 2015


Previously there was one rubbish bin. Now they have three; one nearly full of packaging and other containers for recycling, one with food waste being thrown out to landfill, and one with garden rubbish to be turned into mulch.

We are nearly like Americans comic strips where putting out the garbage is their biggest chore and occasions for fighting as to who should do it.

So much housework – as much as before.

Advertisement

What to do then?

Use our brains – keep as much of the old ways and of the new as will give us as little housework as possible and electricity bills as small as possible.

Carbon-emissions are saved by not driving. Walking to go shopping used to require a basket, soft-handled string-bag, dilly-bag or backpack for light shopping, and for heavy shopping, a shopping jeep or pram. This is exercise especially good when the back was kept straight and elegant, and pulling or pushing with your arms so that the back was not bent. Shopping should not be weighed down with wasteful packaging

A good hand-mower for level or 'drought' lawns is pushed from the waist, not hunched, for figure-improving exercise for the stomach. A hand-mower costs far less than a power mower, saves carbon emissions and does not annoy neighbours. There was at least one excellent Australian mower on the market, so light it almost flew.

Do repetitive jobs with rhythm for more speed, pleasure and exercise - e.g. dishwashing by hand, hanging up washing, making beds, and using a carpet-sweeper or broom for quick sweeping jobs rather than vacuum. Move your feet rather than stand still at kitchen jobs, or use a high stool or chair when convenient, to avoid varicose veins. Carbon-emissions are saved by not using electricity except when necessary.

Exercise while you wait. Walk and turn while waiting for a bus or train or person, turn and stretch when sitting at a phone. These are times to exercise the neck, feet, leg and arm raising, pelvic-floor contracting, posture correction, correct breathing.

Advertisement

Sing or hum around the house or in the bathroom for morale and good breathing. Children love to hear you singing, until they are old enough to discriminate. Be careful of disturbing adults though.

Dance down the passage sometimes.

Creative hobbies give healthy exercise - play music, paint, carpentry, home renovating.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Page 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

2 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Valerie Yule is a writer and researcher on imagination, literacy and social issues.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Valerie Yule

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Valerie Yule
Article Tools
Comment 2 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy