Every journey starts with a single step in the right direction!
Do any of you keep all your appliances on power strip plug ins? Did you know that appliances like TVs, VCRs, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, computers, etc. all draw phantom loads of energy even when they are off? Keeping them plugged into power bars that you can turn off can prevent this quiet power sucking from making your electric bill higher.
Electric alarm clocks draw an amazing amount of energy. I've found that using all battery clocks really saves me money...and has the added benefit of not making one late to school or work if the electric goes off in the night for any reason.
Water saver shower heads that you can turn off between soaping and rinsing sessions can really save water if you are on a public water system. So can adjusting your toilets so that the back doesn't fill completely after each flush.
Reusing clothing instead of washing it after the first wear can cut way down on energy used doing laundry, as well as cut down on the wear and tear on clothing. Having "school clothes" and "home clothes" for the children can help in this way also. Teach them to change out of their school clothing as soon as they come home.
Prepare your own "fast food" at home and freeze in single serving sizes so you can just pack it for lunches. Much cheaper and healthier than the alternative.
Make a game of buying foods that can last all month when you go shopping....then refuse to go back to the store until the following month. If you have teens, it helps to hide food in the form of "ingredients" instead of buying ready-made snacks. They won't eat as much or as often every evening if they have to cook it themselves.
