energy

Save Some Energy: Celebrate Earth Hour

by Christina Brown March 24, 2009

Could you go without electricity for an hour?   World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions. Join millions of people around [...]

Everything You Need to Know About CFLS

by Christina Brown October 22, 2008

In an effort to lower my utility bill, I’ve been switching my incandescent light bulbs for compact-fluorescent ones. The CFLS cost a bit more, require special disposal methods (since they contain mercury), but they last years longer than standard light bulbs and can help you save on your electric bill. When I was purchasing these [...]

Saving on Energy Costs

by Christina Brown October 2, 2008

The chill is in the air, and soon it will be heating season in Northern Minnesota. I always have a bit of anxiety this time of year because I’m always afraid that we’ll have a bitterly cold winter and spend a lot of money to heat our home. So I’ve been thinking of things we [...]

Heading Out of Town? Shut off the Hot Water Heater

by Guest Blogger Susan September 19, 2008

Note: The following is a guest post from my frugal friend Susan B. She’s written some other great posts for Northern Cheapskate, too, including this one on saving money on gas. Don’t you think she should start a blog? Because I am a teacher, I get the summers “off.” However, since my parents own a [...]

Saving Money & Energy: My New Clothesline

by Christina Brown September 16, 2008

Yes, I know it is September. In northern Minnesota. But I figured it was better late than never when it came to putting up an umbrella clothesline. I’m pretty excited about my new clothesline. We’ve lived without one for three years and I’ve really missed it. This one was on sale at a hardware store [...]

Reflecting on a Year of Budget Billing

by Christina Brown September 3, 2008

I’ve just completed my first full year of being on my electric company’s budget billing plan. Here’s how it works. When you sign up, the utility takes the total amount you paid them for the year and divides it by 12. They then use this number as an estimate for your monthly bill. The perk [...]

How Gas Prices are Changing "Me-Time"

by Christina Brown May 28, 2008

As a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages three and under, it is VITAL that I get some time to myself. It helps me establish my identity outside of being a wife and mom and it makes me a better spouse and parent. In the early months of my new stay-at-home mom status, my “Me-time” [...]

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