Posts Tagged RecycleBank

Consumer Reports recently listed 4 strategies to lower your energy bill by $1,500.  You can read the original article by following this link: Cut Your Energy Bills.

Heating & Cooling - $550 savings

• Eliminate leaks
• Check insulation levels
• Correct ductwork
• Lock double-hung windows to prevent air from escaping
• Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day
• Install a programmable thermostat

We’ve followed the above suggestions.  We also close the blinds during the summer to cut down on air conditioner use.  One of my friends installed a whole-house fan to eliminate his AC use.

Water Consumption - $400 savings

• Stop drips
• Lower the water heater temperature to 120°
• Insulate hot water pipes
• Insulate your water heater
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes
• Install aerators to faucets

You can add “take shorter showers” to save water.  Also, when you run the tub faucet to warm the water, save the cold water for flushing or watering plants instead of letting it run down the drain.

Recycling - $250 savings

• Use RecycleBank on a pay-as-you-go basis
• Return your deposit bottles
• Donate unwanted items for a tax break
• Start a compost bin
• Buy reusable grocery bags

You can usually get credit for your recycled printer ink cartridges.  Staples was offering $3 back per ink cartridge when you buy a new cartridge.

Electricity Use - $300 savings

• Use power strips to shut off “vampire” appliances
• Set your computer to hibernate
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Change to CFL bulbs
• Replace old appliances with more energy-efficient models

You could also dine by candlelight if you’re the romantic type.  We have our lights set on timers to reduce energy consumption.  You could use this to see how much juice your appliances are using:

Kill-A-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

What steps have you taken to cut your energy bill?

• Barbaric Book Review: Die Broke by Stephen M. Pollan, Part 4 This is Part 4 of my review of Die Broke.  You can read the first three parts of this series by clicking on the following links: Die Broke, Part 1 - Quit Today Die Broke, Part 2 - Pay Cash Die Broke, Part 3 - Don't Retire Step 4: Die......
• 5 Things to Know About Social Security Photo by alan(ator) Yahoo! Finance recently published a guide to the five most common questions about Social Security benefits.  You can read the original article by clicking on the following link: What You Need to Know About Social Security Given all of the doubt that the entitlement program will......
• Americans Who Permanently Cut Their Spending SqueakyMarmot Many people have adopted a cash-only lifestyle in response to one financial catastrophe or another.  It could be tied to a job loss that shuts off the cash flow, forcing people to take a hard look at their outstanding debts.  But even though they may have put their......

• How to Fix Your Weak Windows - Installing Storm Windows [/caption]When it comes to windows, people generally have one of three things in mind. Decor, energy savings, and protection from the elements. What if you could install windows that served up a dose of all three, saving you money on energy, protecting you from storms, and adding to the design......
• Simple Low-Cost Green Improvements For Your Home. Dear EarthTalk: What are some simple low cost improvements I can do to my home to make it greener? According to consumer advocate Remar Sutton, there are many ways to save energy and other resources around the home without spending a lot of money. And taking action sooner rather than......
• 10 Tips to Save Money Around the Home Today's guest post if from is from Thrifty Homeowner. The blog documents the journey of a novice do-it-yourselfer who is always on the lookout for ways to save and to increase his home's efficiency. As the self-proclaimed Thrifty Homeowner, I'm always on the lookout for ways to save money when......