1. Saving energy helps save you money
   • Set that thermostat back a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees higher in the summertime to help save on heating and cooling costs. Some folks even turn theirs off during the day. This only works if your house is insulated enough to keep pipes from freezing in the winter or insulated enough to keep the heat from getting so hot inside that you’d never get it cooled down in the summer.
   • Try those new compact florescent light bulbs (CFL’s) when your regular old light bulbs burn out. You’ll be amazed at what using these will shave off of your electric bill.
   • Unplug appliances when you aren’t using them. Many of today’s electronics suck power even when turned off. Consider a power strip for an easy “unplug.”
   • Do your wash in cold water whenever possible. MOST of the energy used in doing a load of laundry is consumed by heating the water.
   • Line dry or use a drying rack whenever possible. This saves money obviously by not using the dryer, but saves wear and tear on your clothing as well.
2. Save water to help save money
   • You know the drill. Spend less time in the shower! This lowers your water AND heating bills at the same time!
   • Consider a low-flow showerhead. They are relatively inexpensive and they work. You’ll likely not notice the difference, at least in the shower. You’ll notice a difference in your water and energy bill though!
   • Check those sink faucets. Do they have an aerator on them? Clean and or replace them. (It’s easy, the end piece of the faucet – where the water comes out – typically unscrews. Remove and clean or replace the screen.)
   • Save more water by using native drought tolerant plants outside. Find those that need minimal water naturally.
3. Less gas use equals more money in your pocket
   • How can you use less gasoline? Walk more. Bike more. Ride the bus. Carpool when available. Combine errands.
   • Is telecommuting available? Have you considered moving closer to work?
4. Eat smarter
   • Try some lower cost options for meals. Try going meatless one night a week. Beans aren’t your only option here (although they are really yummy on a cold winter’s night).
   • Have breakfast for dinner sometimes. Pancakes, flapjacks, and waffles make a great evening meal.
   • Have a crock-pot hiding in the back of your cabinet? Dig it out and put it to use. Nothing is better than a roast that cooked all day! You’ll get a home cooked meal without heating up the kitchen.
   • Buy local when you can. Try your local farmers market for really fresh produce. You might even try your hand at growing some of your own. Start with something easy, say a potted tomato. You’ll love the fresh picked taste!
5. Skip that bottled water
   • Yes, it’s easy to use, easy to carry, it’s just easy. The problem is it isn’t green.
   • Buy a high quality water filter and purify your own tap water instead of buying bottled water. Bottled water is pricey and creates way too much waste.
   • Consider buying a reusable water bottle and carry your own purified water.
6. Buy smarter
   • Buy things you use in bulk. Know what your family uses. For instance if your family is really particular about shampoo, and you know exactly how much you use in your home, and what the average price is, so that when you find it on sale at a bargain basement price, you can then do a little math in your head and buy enough for a year.
   • Look for clothing that can be washed at home. Forgo dry-cleaning forever!
   • Buy quality. That dollar packet of steak knives looks like a bargain (yes, I bought a set of steak knives for a dollar), BUT, how long before the handles start coming off? Or they bend and break or rust? Buy quality – invest a few extra dollars into products that are meant to last.
7. Recycle
   • Recycle, not just plastic, glass and aluminum cans. Recycle cell phones, computers and other electronics. There are companies that take these items and reuse or refurbish them. Just Google it for a local resource. Some even pay postage to get it to them!
8. Make your own non-toxic cleaning supplies
   • You can clean a lot with just vinegar. I once had a part time job at Long John Silvers, and that is what they used to clean the tables. I thought it strange at the time, now I know better. Vinegar cuts grease, and cleans beautifully.
   • Baking soda makes a great scrubbing powder.

Let’s add to this list. What’s your suggestion to help save energy and money?