Tip #16 Cut down on your driving time

The best way to cut down on your driving time is to try and combine trips to the grocery store, or anywhere you tend to go often. This may involve making a list and planning ahead a little, but it will be well worth the savings in gas and time!

Tip #15 Here's one for EVERYONE!

This one is simple, and easy! We are all seeing those re-useable grocery bags around, but do you actually have them? They come in all colors and designs (I even added a bar to the top of the page where you can create your own CUSTOM bags! Add photos or pick from the many on the page already!)
Anyways, what most people don't know is some local grocery stores are actually offering an incentive to use these bags! It may not be much, but if you do a lot of shopping, those bags will pay for themselves!!
The store owner wins because it does not have to buy soo many plastic bags (you still need to use them for things like meat so as not to contaminate your other foods.) and the landfill does not fill up as quickly!
You can go all out and get different kinds of bags for different kinds of shopping! Have seperate Cleaning products, clothes and food bags!

Tip # 13: Recycle your aluminum cans

This one will actually give you a little money for your pocket. (Depending on how many cans your house goes through.)

It is simple and GREAT for the planet for you to start recycling your aluminum cans.

Most areas have a Recycling Center near your area (you might want to call around for the highest paying place.)

It is easy to put an extra can or bag near your garbage can and simply throw the cans in there instead of the garbage. It's a great way to start recycling and you'll love the reward!

Tip # 10 From my Electric Company

Insulation

If you have R-19 or less insulation in your attic, consider bringing it up to R-38 in moderate climates, R-49 in cold climates.

In cold climates, if you have R-11 or less floor insulation, consider bringing it up to R-25.

Tip #9 Often Overlooked!!

Another easy one for you. It takes only seconds!! (But don't worry if you forget...I STILL can't get my boyfriend to do this simple one.)


When putting your clothes in the dryer...Make sure you clean out the lint trap EVERYTIME.


This helps save on the energy your dryer puts out!!

Tip #8 An Easy One!

This one is EASY...A programable thermostat! It helps you save a lot on energy as well as money!!

Feel Free to CONTRIBUTE!!!

I'm always looking for new, great ideas to save money, while saving the planet. So if you have a great idea and haven't read it here (or have a different twist on an exisiting post)...

Comment, Email, Post...

Remember, you may not think about it too much, but someone else might REALLY appreciate your ideas!

Tip #5 Fairly Simple...Yet well missed Tip

I'm sure everyone knows to turn lights off when leaving the room, turn the tv off when not watching it and other such simple energy-saving tips...but did you know that there is one more step most of America misses??

Un-plugging un-used items!!

That's right, by not only turning the electronic device off but also un-plugging it, you will Save even more $$!

The way this works is that even though the electronic device is off, there is still electricity flowing through and being used while it is plugged in!!
SIMPLE!

*~*~*Seed Exchange!!!*~*~*

*~*~* Seed Exchange *~*~*

Do you have flowers, bushes or shrubs which come back every year? For the most part, these plants usually have seeds (hence they are perennials...) anyways...If you have an overabundce of such a plant and would like to share...or perhaps exchange for other seeds...Make a post here and feel free to respond to others!!!


This is great for anyone just starting out and wanting to start their first garden...or anyone who is just kind-hearted enough to share!!!
Check back often or post if there is a certain seed you are looking for!

Tip #4 Another Great one for the Gardeners out there...

This one involves bringing your community in...so you might have to utilize craigslist, your local newspapers website or anywhere else you can think of...
Instead of running out and buying all new plants...post somewhere that you would like to share plants...
(This usually works best if you have something to give as well, or if you are just going to cut your own flowers or bushes back!)
I had GREAT response when I started this on a local site...if nothing else...put the idea out there for others struggling to make ends meet but still want a beautiful yard!

With the cost of food now days, this is a GREAT way to save $$$ on Plants and landscaping!!!

Tip #3 Take your foot off the Gas pedal!!

This might require a whole LIFESTYLE change because you might have to start leaving your home earlier in order to make your appoitments on time! But driving slower and at a more moderate speed saves Gas which we all know can save big $$$!!
This is not only GREAT for the environment but also GREAT on your wallet!!