I'm not a person who does well with temperature extremes. I get so cold in the winter and in the summer I'm prone to heat sickness. Staying cool in the summer heat is a major priority to me. Here's how to keep your cool this summer without breaking the bank: Be strategic with your landscaping. Plant deciduous trees that provide shade in the summer and when they lose their leaves in the fall, help let the sun shine in during the winter months. Use fans to circulate the air through your … [Read more...]
Let it all Hang Out… Your Laundry
Photo by mysza831 The weather is getting warmer, the sun has been shining. It's the time of year you just really want to be outside.And today is National Hanging Out Day, according to Project Laundry List, a non-profit organization that encourages people to wash their clothing in cold water and line dry their clothing. (My kind of people, I think.)Line-drying your clothing instead of throwing your laundry in the dryer not only saves energy, but can save you as much as $10 to $25 a … [Read more...]
What’s Your Thermostat At?
All of the frugal and green living types constantly tout the savings you get when you turn down the thermostat. Just turning it down a few degrees can save you a few percent on your heating bill.I've definitely noticed that keeping your thermostats at reasonable temperatures can have an effect on our energy usage. That's why I usually try to hold off until at least October 1 before I turn on the heat. But this year in northern Minnesota, it's gotten colder earlier, and so the … [Read more...]
Save Money on Energy and Other Good Reads
This week has been incredibly busy behind the scenes, for me... including my son's trip to the dentist and a flat tire. Ugh. But I still have a few links to share with you:I had a guest post at Hooray for Freebates! this week on how to save money on energy with rebates. It's worth a read, as is the entire blog! Lori has tons of good information on how to stretch your budget through the power of rebates.I was also honored to be included in the Carnival of Pecuniary Delights … [Read more...]
Utility Usage Blues
My local utility company recently sent me a letter saying that I was one of 10,000 randomly selected customers chosen to receive a "Personalized Home Electricity Report."The report contains information and analysis about our electricity consumption and includes comparisons to my neighbors' electricity usage. The report also contains tips to make my home more effecient and to help me "make smart choices to reduce [my] electricity use and bills."When I got this little note in my mailbox, I … [Read more...]
Don’t forget: Earth Hour is Tonight!
Join millions of people around the world as they turn out the lights at 8:30 p.m.local time on Saturday, March 28 for Earth Hour.Read more about Earth Hour here. … [Read more...]
Save Some Energy: Celebrate Earth Hour
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 … [Read more...]