Something I noticed in Family Island that is similar to one of my other games - when you need basic items to craft something (red rocks, tacos, paint, spice, etc.) and you have the energy, try and get the large-cost item.

So if there’s a 36 spice item and a 68 spice item, and you need at least 2 of them, go for the 68. It will get you 2 spices, and you’ll save 4 energy compared to clearing two 36 items (because 36x2=72 vs 68). It’s only saving 4 energy, but that can add up over the long haul. Good luck!