1. We're switching out our traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescents. They cost more, but last much longer. We're probably behind the curve on this one. Seems most people I talk with have already made the switch.
2. Dust off the bike. If we can get to our desitnation by walking or riding a bicycle...we're gonna try to do it. It takes more time and a bit of planning, but it is definitely more relaxing and we enjoy the scenery. Not only does it save money, but it's a healthy alternative as well.
3. I love a weekly visit to the farmers market nearby. Buying local produce can cost a bit more, but it usually provides you with the freshest produce, picked at just the right time. Did you know that the average distance that produce travels to get to your grocery shelves is 1500 miles? Yikes!
4. Buy a reusable water bottle and refill it. We prefer bottled water over the taste of our tap water; so we refill gallon jugs at our local grocery store with filtered water, then pour from the gallon jug into our smaller reusable water bottles to carry with us.
5. BYO (bring your own) shopping bags to the store. I keep mine in the car; and sometimes that's just where they end up staying while I happily shop away (So try to remember to bring yours into the store with you…I’m still working on that!)
6. Recycle. Know what items your recycling company will accept. This is an area that always confuses me, but most plastic items have a number stamped on them that will help you determine if they can be recycled. Where we live, I need to go to a special recycling drop off facility for cardboard and glass. Took me a few phone calls to find out where it was located.
7. Load up the washing machine and dishwasher before using them. I’m pretty good at this one since laundry and dish washing are not my favorite chores. Use cold water where appropriate. Saves water. Saves money.
8. Make your own disinfecting household cleaner. Here’s how: To a one gallon bottle or jug add: 1 cup of ammonia, one 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dish soap (Dawn works good), and fill the jug with water.
9. Read the newspaper online, then treat yourself to the Sunday paper. Saves paper. Saves money. I have to say that we miss the crossword puzzles from the daily paper and haven't yet found a good online alternative. So, only time will tell if our online news will last. I think this is a generation thing. Folks our age are hanging on to their newspapers; while younger generations are content to read their news online when they have a moment.
10. Combine errands into one trip. Okay, it takes a bit more planning. But who doesn’t want to save money on gas and save time to boot.
Well, that’s what we’re doing for a start. Once these tips become habit for us, we’ll add to the list.
