Northern Cheapskate

Frugal. By Nature.

Celebrating More Than Just Earth Hour

Celebrating More Than Just Earth Hour

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This weekend, thousands of people all over the world will be celebrating Earth Hour in an effort to make a global statement of concern about climate change. The movement, which is led by the World Wildlife Fund, asks individuals, businesses, governments and organizations to turn off their lights for one hour - from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.   You can learn more about ways to get involved with Earth Hour and spread the message. There are folks out there who scoff at the … [Read more...]

Review: Urban Gardening for Dummies

Review: Urban Gardening for Dummies

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Those of you who know me are probably surprised that I even picked up a book called Urban Gardening For Dummies, let alone decided to review it. You see, I am as about as far away from an urban area as you can get.  My house is surrounded by a forest. Deer sleep in my backyard.  It's a 30-mile drive just to get to any place that has shopping. Not exactly urban. But I am interested in gardening, and I still feel I am relatively "green" at this hobby, I decided that it couldn't hurt to … [Read more...]

Cheap Trick: Organizing Seed Packets

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Reader Dave sent in this cheap trick after I had mentioned using trading card protector pages to organize coupons: He recommends using CD/DVD protector pages for organizing seed packets for gardening. He writes, "I categorize all seeds and use separate 3-ring binders to hold the plastic protector pages by category; salad in one binder, salsa in another, etc, and like plants or those that work together in their own 3-ring binder." This would be an excellent way for gardeners to organize … [Read more...]

Which Type of Christmas Tree is Greener?

Which Type of Christmas Tree is Greener?

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The holiday season is upon us and chances are you are considering a Christmas tree purchase. But maybe you have been contemplating,"Is it greener to buy an artificial tree to re-use year after year or to chop down a real tree?" Don't presume you know which type of Christmas tree is greener, because you may be surprised. I am going to give you some tips to ponder under each category. Artificial Tree They last for years and can be passed on for generations or donated. Where is it made? … [Read more...]

Garden Season Finale: Frost is Here

Garden Season Finale: Frost is Here

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We've started to have some frost here at night, and the days are definitely getting cooler. A good cheapskate would dutifully cover my two little garden plots each night and squeeze a little bit more growth out of them, but I'm not bothering. It was a weird summer.  First cold and really wet, then hot and dry.  Toward the end of the summer, life got in the way of my garden.  I often forgot to water it as often as I should.   We still managed to have an ample supply of fresh tomatoes, green … [Read more...]

DIY Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent

DIY Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent

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I have been thinking about what product I buy that I might be able to make up myself with supplies that I already have in my home and it occurred to me that I spend quite a bit of money on dishwasher detergent and would love to figure out a lower cost solution to a quality dishwasher detergent instead of continuing to buy boxes of Seventh Generation powder detergent. Personally, I like powder better. I think it works better in my dishwasher. I already use vinegar as a rinse aid and it works … [Read more...]

The No-Stress Guide to Starting a Compost Pile

The No-Stress Guide to Starting a Compost Pile

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Compost is an organic material that is made up of many kitchen scraps, lawn & garden refuse, paper products, and/or manure. Composting is a great way to cut down on the amount of trash you pay to get rid of & you may even be able to get a smaller trash bin and save money, as well as cut down on paying for the removal of bagged leaves & grass clippings and is a source of free organic fertilizer for your garden or lawn (so, no need to purchase as much, if any of other compost or … [Read more...]