Posts Tagged recycling

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?

• Self-Reliance Series #1: A Personal Survival Kit (PSK) Tied in with my interest in frugality is my interest in protecting my loved ones and myself.  I became interested in emergency preparedness about seven years ago when I stumbled upon the Equipped to Survive forum.  I learned many valuable tips about survival and preparedness, stuff that I had never......
• 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......
• Barbaric Links: Sweet Sixteen Edition No, not the birthday - the NCAA Tournament!  I'm still in good shape, with 13 of the 16 teams, and all of my Final Four picks advancing to the next round.  I'm picking Louisville to win the whole thing.  Here are some worthwhile links from around the web: Steve at......

• 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......
• How Do I Install Under Cabinet Lighting I love my kitchen, I really do - it's just so dark over the countertops, which makes food preparation a bit dangerous. I've been looking into DIY under cabinet lighting options over the past couple of months and I think I've found a suitable option for our kitchen. Since we......
• Finding The Right Refrigerator Freezer For A Green Home New home owners often have many things they need to worry about after purchasing their home. Not always when you purchase a home, do the appliances stay behind.  Sometimes you will have to buy these items as soon as you move in. Finding the right refrigerator freezer for your home......