Quick Tip: Water less.
For those of you with a cushy comfy summer lawn try to water it as little as possible. The best time to water a lawn is sunrise or sunset. It is better for the grass because the water isn’t too hot and it is a better use of water because it evaporates slower when the sun is less intense. The means less watering all around!
Quick Tip: Summertime dishware.
I know that many of us are spending as much time as we can outside at the moment. That means BBQs, swimming parties, you name it! One quick tip to save yourself some trips to the store, piling up the trash and help the environment out a little bit is to buy Reusable Outdoor Dishware.
Acrylic dishes are really great for outdoor use. No worries about glass by the pool and they last for many many pool parties. No need to have tons of trash bags full of stuff at the end of a party. Just compost the food, wash off your dishes and you’re good to go!
If the plans call for disposable, then choose plates from recycled materials.
Have a fun summer!
Quick Tip: Wrap a Gift in Another Gift!
Two is most always better than one in my book, especially when you give someone you love a gift. The next time you are wrapping present think of something you might wrap it in that can also be a gift. Some ideas include dish towels, cloth napkins, beach towel, tshirt, and much more.
What other types of “gifts” can be used as wrapping paper?
Quick Tip: Popsicles in the Garden.
Popsicles in the garden sound like a fantastic afternoon snack. And, when you are finished, keep the popsicle stick!
Popsicle sticks make great labels for plants, flowers herbs, veggies and trees in your garden.
Just use a permanent marker to write the plant, etc. name and stick it in the ground close by.
Quick Tip: Go Paperless!
A really easy way to save a bunch of trees and energy is to make all of your bills paperless. Most companies will give you the option of having an online account where you pay your bills. I like to set up automatic payments so that I know my bills will be paid on time.
Going paperless isn’t just about the individual, many companies are beginning to understand the benefits both environmentally and monetarily with going paperless. Several of my father’s employees thought he was nuts when he decided to go paperless about 5 years ago. He is in the insurance business and the old school method is to have a paper file you can flip through when someone calls you on the phone to discuss their coverage and options. Dad said, “Can’t we do the same thing on the computer?” And what you know, you can. Saving about $10,000 a year to boot.
So, practice random acts of paperlessness at home and at work!
Quick Tip: Don’t Waste Energy and Money on a Parking Space.
Here is an easy way to get some quick exercise, save money and gas. The next time you are out running errands, don’t drive around the parking lot searching for a close parking spot, park at the first spot you see.
Quick Tip: Make Leftovers on Purpose.
My husband tells me that he could eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday for lunch. As much as I admire his dedication to being easy and frugal, I just can’t do that. So, I started making two extra servings at dinner time so that both he and I would have lunch for the next day. It saves time in the morning and gives you a variety for lunch so you are less likely to buy out!
So, always make leftovers so you have an automatic lunch for the next day!
Quick Tip: Use Tupperware instead of plastic bags.
I am a wannabe neat freak and love containers and labeling. I was getting tired of using a plastic sandwich bag each time to hold something I would use up in two days (like an onion). So, I went and bought myself a box full of Tupperware of various sizes and designated-with a sharpie-certain containers with the names of food that I use a great deal of like cheese, onions, and lemons. That way you can use one Tupperware container over and over again instead of hundreds of plastic bags!
Yay for reusing!
Quick Tip: Wear clothes more than once!
A really easy way to save money on your laundry bill is to wear clothes more than once.
I wear my Pajamas, exercise clothes, jeans, and sweaters at least three times before I throw them into the hamper.
I may be more motivated than others because I hate doing laundry, but let’s just focus on the environmental friendliness part.
So, get yourself a nice spot in the closet or next to your bed to store your sort of worn clothes (: My husband and I each keep a basket next to our sides of the bed to fold and keep our pants and pajamas. I hang my exercise clothes up in the open air of my bathroom (because I’m a sweaty girl).
Have fun doing less laundry, using less water and helpin’ out old mother earth.
Quick Tip: Use Rechargable Batteries
There are these awesome contraptions that you can plug into your wall and they will recharge batteries (the rechargeable ones) of just about any size.
Using rechargeable batteries is so great for your wallet and the environment. Many batteries hold toxic metals that are bad for the environment. To read more visit: www.Earth911.com
They also provide information on how to recycle single use batteries.
Environment, Health and Safety Online is also a great resource for information on the toxins found in batteries. They also provide recycling information.
www.BatteryRecycling.com will recycle all types of batteries via the mail.
Here’s a link to the battery charger I own and believe works really well.
If you have any creative reuses for old single use batteries, send them my way!
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