I remember a lunch a few years back where the conversation turned to the best machine to squeeze oranges. After considering all types of wiz bang machines, I was surprised to hear the answer was your simple manual type where you cut the orange in half and then using a bit of elbow grease, twisted the orange and out comes the juice. To ensure you get all of the juice out you can even put the orange in the microwave first to soften it.

The advantages of using this simple gadget over a big electric machine are many: 

·       Cheaper to buy 

·       Cheaper to operate 

·       Our energy is used in squeezing the orange 

·       Easier to store thereby saving time as compared to that big machine that is kept in the back of the cupboard 

·       The alternate machine uses valuable energy in its manufacture, delivery and use 

Makes you wander what other machines that people have that have an alternative that is simpler, provides some health benefit and use less power. Here are some that come to mind with the simpler option. 

Milkshake machine                                 Plastic Container and shake 

Garden Blower                                        Broom 

Food Blender                                          Knife 

Powered Lawn Mower                              Reel (Manual) Lawn Mower 

Electric Can Opener                                Manual Can Opener   

Treadmill                                                 Legs 

Electric Knife                                          Knife 

Ride on Mower                                        Powered Lawn Mower

Computer                                               Pen & Paper 

Mobile Phone                                         Face to Face meeting