Looking back to move forward?

Does it seem to anyone else like we are consistently shoving our way forward towards the latest, greatest thing that is supposed to save the world? What would happen, if while continuing that quest for new technology, we used some very low-tech, historically inspired things to give us more time for that quest? Things like hanging up some of your laundry instead of using the dryer. ( You do have hangers and door frames right?) Cook at home. Make double what you need. Bag up the rest, throw it in the freezer to help you out when you are short for time or the fridge is empty. Take up a hobby that doesn't require an outlet or batteries. (Underwater basket weaving anyone?) Plant some herbs or lettuce where ever you have room. Packets of seed are cheap, and if you are lucky, you have free dirt. If you are like me and have sand, clay and/or concrete, big bags of organic soil run about $6 each (at least out here).

These are in no way original ideas. Research household management from WW1 and WW2. You come up with Victory Gardens and phrases like "Make Do and Mend". It wasn't about just conserving energy, it was about conserving everything. Why shouldn't we be using these techniques? Yes, they take more time and effort. Aren't the rewards worth it? I detest making up a price book, but have found it very much worth the work. Shouldn't we be learning from our history? Especially as they were so kind as to leave us very detailed notes and instructions on what they did.