I continue to look for and find new ways that I can do my part for the environment. We call it our “1 Thing”. I’ve been converting all of my household bills to “paperless”. I receive an email or an email statement with a PDF file of the bill attached that I don’t print if I don’t have to. It’s less mail for me to open and a lot less paper for us to waste. I also have moved all of my personal bill paying to Online Banking and I use Quicken software to manage my finances and in a sense send out checks. Most bills are paid electronically and I don’t have to sit down and balance my checkbook. I don’t have to buy as many stamps either and it’s faster. Many Americans are using some sort of online bill paying through their bank’s website or through software programs like Quicken or Microsoft Money.

I’m always looking for new ways to save money.  These days, every penny counts and small savings from several places really adds up.  I’m also interested in doing what I can for the environment.  We should all be thinking of things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet.  One area where I can save money comes through my electric bill.  By shutting down the computers in my home, I’ll save money and use less electricity.  Here’s an interesting article that I was reading online that discusses this matter.

Say HELLO to Summer! Whew! It came QUICKLY! The weather is gorgeous- so it is a perfect time to leave those windows open and to hang the laundry outside! Joe and I were actually doing laundry yesterday and set up out drying rack outside on our back patio. Why use the dryer when you can just put them outside!? It's an easy way to go green. I don't particularly enjoy doing laundry (I mean who DOES) but it's good to try and do your part to help out the earth! We've also been heading to the beach a lot lately. We do drink a lot of water while we are there...and instead of throwing out the empty plastic bottles we take them home and fill them up with filtered water! It's a good way to reuse them over and over! Anyway, it's so important now more than ever to do our part to keep our earth clean! More summer green tips to come soon!

The saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers". I know that it's that time of year again...time for gardening! When planting this Spring think of going green in the garden:

http://greenlivingideas.com/gardening/going-green-with-gardening

I found this article to be really helpful and insightful! Hopefully you too, can go green in YOUR garden this Spring!

Spring is right around the corner! It's time for SPRING CLEANING. I looove Spring Cleaning. It's a pain at first but totally worth it at the end. Here are some tips for Spring Cleaning but in a GREEN WAY! Check it out: (Hope this helps!)


It’s that time of year again — time to get down and dirty with a thorough spring cleaning. Our homes have been shut up all winter and most are in need of some freshening.

This year, give your house a green spring cleaning by avoiding dangerous chemicals and harsh cleaners. There are healthier ways to do it — for you and the environment.

Why is there such a movement on “going Green?” To save our environment , of course. But during these hard economic times, wouldn’t it be nice if we could save money too. Yeah, well, way ahead of you folks. Here are a few ways we can “go green” and “save green.”
 

Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

Install a low flow showerhead. The water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

Install a faucet aerator. They’re inexpensive and conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.