The simple machines make it possible to answer some needs while reducing the efforts to provide and the energy consumptions. Widely used before the arrival of domestic energies (steam, but mainly electricity), basic knowledge in mechanics is less and less taught and studied, although it is taught in primary school in Canada.
Mechanics, as often in the technology field, is an approach that enables the saving of extremely huge amounts of the energy required for production. With this approach, the technology is more resilient and easier to fix. 
If it is necessary to use a technology, it is possible to rank them according to their impact on the ecological footprint.
Thus, some technologies have a smaller impact, or they could even be restoring (biological treatment, passive processing…) but some are more impactful (electrical, electronical…). The first ones often being the easiest to fix and to understand through observation.
There are other approaches as well that use fluid mechanics for example.
Every field has also ”good practices for resource, use, implementation and treatment” as well as relevant context of use.
A healthy way of thinking is built on the regular challenge of the usefulness of the technology, its impact and the alternatives that exist.
To reduce the useful consumptions, it should be one of the first approaches with other bio-geo-physic principles (fluid mechanics: venturi effect, in-drafts, conservation law, heat transfers, Material properties: refractory materials, conductivity, permeability… Bioremediation with bacteria, fungus, plants or algae…)