2025-08-09
simple living reference
evolution:
- keyboards: wide -> ergonomic -> slim scissor; mechanical: sculpted trapezoidal caps, long travel, loud; high potential efficiency yet unrealized (2024)
- wardrobe storage: wooden wardrobe -> clothes stand with pockets -> telescopic shelf with boxes; telescopic shelves exploit vertical space
- bicycles: mountain -> mid-end road -> single-speed
- razors: cartridge -> safety -> electric
- point heating: fan heater -> infrared heater -> invisible infrared bulbs on photo holders
- printers: inkjet -> monochrome laser
- dac: lavry da11 -> rme adi dac 2; adi higher resolution; lavry pleasant tone
- microphone amps: røde -> steinberg; steinberg adds power switch, simpler software
- webcams: logitech c920 -> dell pro wb5023
- cameras: nikon d300 -> panasonic g7 -> panasonic s4r; chosen by what looked closest to perceived reality
- tea sieves: wire mesh -> paper filters -> flat steel sheet -> titanium sheet; bent sheet cleans easier; paper restricts oils/circulation
- tea vessels: steel cup -> porcelain pot, glass cup -> titanium pot and cup; titanium neutral, robust; ceramics fragile; steel alters flavor
- monitors: small single -> dual horizontal -> single -> dual vertical high-resolution; dual vertical yields four square windows
objects & tools:
- white cardboard boxes: cheap, non-toxic, foldable, easy access, movable; plain look, degrades in humidity; rarely used bottom, frequent top; roll clothes
- lightweight telescopic shelves
- silent ammonia absorption fridge (hotel minibar class)
- mini oven: analog controls, sufficient wattage, foil-lined base
- mobile induction hotplate: rapid heating, flat cleanable surface; coarse temp steps, pulsed output, loud fans, beep interfaces
- glass/opal glass dishware
- distilled water for screens
- reusable glass water bottle
- powdered food (plenny, soylent, queal): complete nutrition, space efficient, long shelf life, minimal appliances
- battery vacuum; inspect floor with strong light
- air purifier; fine dust carcinogenic
- wide flat mop; spray bottle for solution
- hemp and linen: strong, low toxins
- synthetics: durable, quick drying, low dust; petroleum origin
- neoprene: thin insulation; low breathability
- repurposed photo led panels; adjustable color temperature
- tiles with minimal grout
- matte privacy window film
- single-speed bicycle with standard parts
- electric cars: fewer parts, rapid acceleration, quiet
- velcro tape bundles
- black tape over leds
- monitor desk mount: vesa arm, 6 cm² footprint
- silent mouse
- tower computers: serviceable, passive cooling, ssd
- external backup drives: ≥2, varied media
- slim scissor keyboard: compact, central alignment
- neutral headphones (etymotic, sennheiser, akg)
- noise isolating in-ear plugs
- external dac + headphone amp; invest $500–2000 as needed
- ergonomic office chair (≥$300, ≥10 y life)
- earplugs
- zip-lock rain protection for electronics
- pop-up tent
principles:
- dispose items via household trash
- repurpose supermarket packaging
- avoid plastics; see "plastic & health" 2019 report
- household chemicals: vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, non-animal soap
- air-dry laundry
- regular exercise; see epictetus quote
- speak english for simplicity
- prefer commercial-grade durability
- refuse recurring costs and debt; consolidate payments
- non-qwerty layouts (colemak)
- minimal languages: c, scheme
- keep shipping cartons and tape dispenser
- floor-sleeping options
evaluated alternatives:
- air mattress: puncture risk, monthly refill; light, cleanable
- sleeping bags: inconvenient entry, cleaning
- peltier/resistive fridges: triple energy, noisy fan
- clothes stand: dusty, cumbersome
- microwave-oven combo: expensive, heavy, mediocre
- wallpaper: fragile, mold-prone, laborious
- large tile gaps: hard to clean, absorb liquids
- loudspeakers: room dependence, neighbor disturbance