I poured this very hot water from hard-boiling eggs on the small weeds growing in the sidewalk cracks.
This is the wet sidewalk after the pan of hot water was emptied on it. I’ve done this before. This measure has helped to keep the weeds under control in an environmentally friendly way. Hot water has a very targeted herbicidal effect, instead of herbicides!
This small vacuum cleaner was useful sometimes.
We got this after Hurricane Ike, so that we could vacuum our temporary apartment, so we would get our deposit back. I used it a little after we got home. It was handy and lightweight, and picked up dirt in proportion to its ease of use. Recently, the little dirt cup snap holder broke off, so I could not use it. I identified the model online, and it seems that it is no longer available. Also, I could not replace the dirt cup, so with it being worth $39 new, we are going to take it for recycling, if they will take it.
Though it is too bad that we need to discard the complete vacuum because its vacuum cup cannot be attached, it will make less cleaning equipment to store at home. This sure is built-in-obsolescence, which is bad for our environment. And our other cleaning equipment will suffice.
Midday, it was 40 degrees on our porch, and drizzling. It feels very cold! We are staying in today to catch up with news, chores, and communications. I actually like to stay inside when it is miserable outside. And a tinge of guilt passes over me for feeling comfortable by using fossil fuel, (natural gas) to stay warm Even though we set the temperature at 71, it remained 68 degrees. This is balmy compared to what people put up with when they are out of power, cannot afford to heat very much, or live in the north. 
This is also a testament to our old house poor insulation. Transportation, heating and cooling are some of the largest energy uses, and therefore uses of fossil fuel. It is also a testament to the cold breeze. Now I vow to look into ways to mitigate our fossil fuel use!
I am searching for new and old ways to move toward a fossil fuel-free normal. In spite of our use of fossil fuel, we are choosing to get by with less of it (conservation). One way we do get by with less use of fossil fuel is by using shawls, throws, sweaters, and fleeces. We are going to be keeping technology: this is a given.