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4 Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home

September 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With the turn of the weather our thoughts also turn to getting your home prepared for winter and the cold-wet weather that comes with it.  No one likes the higher electricity bills that seemed to be married to the cooler weather, so it is important to take small steps to winterize your home efficiently.

Here are 4 quick and easy steps you can do over the weekend to help winterize your home:

1) Tighten your ducts – If you have a forced-air furnace or heat pump, a duct system circulates warm air throughout your home.  If those ducts get leaky, you can lose up to 20% of your system’s efficiency.
2) Keep your air filter clean – You should check your heating and air filter at least once a month, changing and cleaning as needed.  Also, have your system checked at the start of each winter to make sure everything is operating as it should.
3)  Buy energy-efficient – Energy-efficient equipment that is sized properly for your house and installed correctly, when combined with the ducts you’ve already sealed, can save you up to 20% on your annual energy costs.
4)  Seal your home- Bundling up isn’t just for you and the kids, you should seal the gaps and cracks in your home, most often found along the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors.  Don’t forget the switch plates and socket covers located on your outer walls, you’ll want to make sure they’re sealed as well.  Attics and basements are also where some of your biggest gaps and cracks can be found, so make sure you check and seal them as well.

In just four easy steps you can ensure your home stays warm and cozy and your energy bills stay manageable.

Tell us what you’re doing to keep your energy bills to a minimum as winter approaches in the comments!

Image courtesy of Flickr – Creative Commons License – Photobobil

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New 2011 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Guides Released

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Do you eat organically? Are you thinking about eating more organically in the future, but aren’t sure you can afford it?  Yeah, we’re the same way.  While I can’t afford to buy all organic all the time, I do make it a priority to purchase the items listed on the EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Dirty Dozen shopper’s guide in organic form.  Each year the folks at EWG have updated the guide for 2011 and this year apples are topping the dirty dozen list!

I’m sure you can guess what that means for my family; since apples are a family favorite, I’ll be adjusting the budget as needed to allow for all organic apples.

Here’s a quick look at the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 for 2011:

You can download a handy printable .pdf version of the guide straight from the EWG website and carry it with your coupons so you’ll always have the list handy.

Were you surprised by any of the Dirty Dozen?  How about the Clean 15?

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Eco-Friendly Frugal Lunch Containers – Is this even possible?

August 25, 2010 By 2 Comments

That is the question I pose to you, dear reader. As the mother of a 2nd grader, wife to a consistent “brown bagger” (though he doesn’t

Image Credit: DiscoveryEducation.com

use brown paper bags), and Mommy to a sometimes daycare-goer (but who must always have her lunch packed) I have run into a familiar problem. While we use plastic reusable sandwich containers and plastic reusable containers for our fruits and other goodies, I still can’t help but feel we’re just not helping the environment all that much.

True, we no longer use the 15 plastic sandwich baggies/snack baggies a day that we used to, we are still using plastic containers.  Bear with me while I work this out on here…my blog {The blog I’m fairly certain few people actually read anymore…sure it might come to your inbox/google reader, but do you actually read this stuff?}.

I’m ready to forgo using plastic, of any kind, in favor of products that are sturdy, easily washable, ec0-friendly, and frugal.

Do these products even exist?

Am I doing more harm than good by getting rid of the plastic containers I already have to trade up/out for cloth or wooden containers?

What do you use in your child’s lunch? Are you a baggie person or do you have a clever, eco-friendly, and frugal way to send your kids their lunch in style?

I’m all ears! Share!

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Energy Saving Refrigerator Tips

June 29, 2010 By 7 Comments

Now that school is out and the kids are relegated to your home for hours on end during the day you may find that your refrigerator does more cooling your house than cooling food. I can remember as a child/teenager getting the old “know what you want before you open the refrigerator door” speech more times than I care to count and not I’m giving to my kids. I mean it’s not like they don’t know what’s in there already. The selection probably hasn’t changed much since yesterday…or 5 years ago. :) So, if you’re like me..or my kids…you may be trying to think of other ways you can save energy on your refrigerator.

Here are a few tips to help you save energy on your refrigerator:

  • *Keep your refrigerator & freezer full.  I know this isn’t always possible, at least not for me. By the time Friday rolls around my fridge and freezer are getting pretty bare. But the idea is the more full they are the less hard your unit’s motor will have to work to keep everything cool.
  • *Check your refrigerator’s settings and, if needed, adjust them to between 37 and 40 degrees.
  • *Inspect your refrigerator’s doors and seals to be sure you are cooling as efficiently as possible, replace them if necessary.
  • *Clean your condenser coils at least once a year {unless you’re like me and they’re contained.}
  • *Try condensing your trips to the fridge into as few as possible. You can make up for some of that energy lost when the kids leave the door open just by not opening it often yourself.
  • *If your current refrigerator has seen better days and is sucking more energy than the Energy Monster, consider upgrading to a newer Energy Star labeled version and be sure to consider cost of operation before purchase!

And while you’re at it, try putting out a sign on the fridge reminding your hungry little helpers to know what they want before opening the door. OR you could always put a lock on it :)

Please share your tips for energy savings this summer!

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5 Tips to Using Less Energy with Your Air Conditioner

June 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When the temperature starts rising and you find yourself turning to the air conditioner more and more to find relief, it is especially important be sure you air condition is running in top shape and that you are taking steps to minimize the time you have to use it.

  • *Clean grill, filters, and drains once a month.
  • *Keep heat emitting appliances and lamps away from the thermostat.
  • *Keep windows, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest times of the day and when cooling.
  • *Use ceiling fans and open windows on cooler days.
  • *Caulk & weather strip doors and windows to prevent air leaks.

For more information on energy savings check out EnergyStar.gov.

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Green Tips for Green Lives: The Pool

June 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Happy Tuesday! It’s going to be another hot one and with the heat inevitably comes a refreshing dip in the pool.

Pool filters can eat up a lot of energy keeping your water clean and clear, but you can help it run as efficiently as possible by keeping your pool filters and strainers clean.

Here are a few more quick tips you can try to keep your energy usage to a minimum:

  • *Cover your pool to reduce evaporation and debris accumulation.
  • *Reduce filtration time by maintaining  proper chemical balance and maintenance.
  • *If your pool is heated, try using a solar cover in place of heating equipment.
  • *Reduce filtering time to 4-6 hours per day in the summer.

Now you’re ready to enjoy the summer in your pool while remaining energy conscious!  Have a wonderful day and enjoy the summer!

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Top 10 Ways to Green Your Halloween

September 21, 2009 By 5 Comments

We decorated our house this weekend in the spirit of Halloween/Fall.  After adding about a bagillion pumpkins, planted some gorgeous mums, and added some hay bales (which will cover our garden after fall) I thought it might be nice to share with you my top ten ways to green your Halloween.  I asked some of my friends to share what they do to make their Halloween more green too!

Top 10 Ways to Green Your Halloween

*Claire from The Mom Claire suggests “Hay stacks are cute for decoration and can be used as a beautiful addition to your garden after Halloween is over!”

*Mom Most Traveled says to “Green Your Halloween by using a costume that can go in the kid’s dress-up box.  Or that came from there.”

*Wendy Hagen also suggests you “borrow a Halloween costume or buy 1 at thrift store. or pray that your kid wants to be something you already have.”

*Kim from CraftyMamaof4 says of costumes:” my daughter uses one of her dance costumes as her Halloween costume that year. Sometimes we take them apart and we put them back together as something different.”

* Ilina Das Ewen also suggests: “We’re having a costume swap with a bunch of kids so we can reuse old costumes…saves money and reduces the waste of tossing out stuff that doesn’t fit anymore.”

*Create your own costumes. KG is going to be Strawberry Shortcake this year and we are making her outfit from clothes we already have in her wardrobe.  All we added was a little paint to an already stained white tee.

*Use a Cloth or canvas shopping bags, or pillow case, to collect candy in.  Saves on plastic bags.

*Give treats the little treaters can use again, mini-decks of cards, erasers, small boxes of crayons (on sale right now @ Walmart).

*If attending or throwing a Halloween bash, try to use locally grown/produced foods and products made locally.  Try the local farmers market for great decorations and tasty treats!

*Hosting a party? Send evites rather than paper cards/flyers, also try using recyclable paper products or even better use reusable products (plates, napkins, silverware).

Ok, I’ve two more tips for greening your Hallowing..because I couldn’t leave these out:

*Use all the pumpkin parts.  Roast pumpkin seeds, use the pulp in pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, or yummy pumpkin rolls.

*At the end of the holiday, store your Halloween decorations in a tub in your attic or garage so you can reuse them each year.  (Great money saver too!)

Now, go drink some apple cider and take time to enjoy nature this Halloween.

I’d love to know what you do to make your Halloween more green, so please share with me!
Check out more things that work from We are THAT family’s Work’s for Me Wednesday.

Final Clue: You’ll find the prize info where you can learn more about me.

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Green & Frugal Tips for Back to School

August 10, 2009 By 2 Comments

With back to school right around the corner for many of you and actually here for my family, I though this would a convenient time to share with you a couple of green and frugal tips for your children’s lunches.  If your child takes her lunch every day like mine, chances are you are spending a lot of time and resources preparing it.  You probably use plastic bags, paper towels, individually packaged foods and drinks, all of which put a strain on your budget and the environment.

With just a few minor adjustments to your daily routine and buying habits you can save a bundle over time and do your part for the environment.

*Instead of using plastic bags to put your kiddlet’s lunch goodies consider purchasing reusable plastic containers.  These can be used for everything from sandwiches to dried fruit and other goodies.

*Purchase an easy to open small sports bottle and fill each day with your child’s favorite drink.  Just make sure it has a good seal, we don’t want it to spill out and soak kiddlet’s food.

*Stop buying individually packaged foods. I know this is one you’ve heard before, but I can’t stress enough how easy and how big of a money saver this is.  Individually packaged foods not only cost more, but require more natural resources to package.

*Let your child pick out their favorite cloth napkin design and I suggest purchasing 5 or so.  It may seem like up front, but you’ll be glad you don’t have to wash the same napkin every night.  Plus you’re more likely to continue using them if it isn’t a hassle.

*Invest in a sturdy, insulated lunchbox sans characters.  Yes, they’re cute and yes, your child is going to whine for one..but putting the money down on a good one now that will last them many school years with save you money in the long run.

*Rather than sending plasticware each day, spend a little money and pick up a couple packages of cheap toddler reusable forks and spoons.  Toddlerware is great because if your child accidentally throws it away it’s no big deal and they can be washed and reused.

We’ve been doing these few small things since KG started school last year and it has saved a ton of money along the way.  I’m also impressed by how much KG has gleaned from these small practices; she asks for snacks in bowls/containers rather than in a snack bag and loves to drink out of her very own water bottle.

I would love to hear your frugal or green back to school tips!

Please share them with me here!!

Filed Under: Green Living, Impact Finances, Mama Says Tagged With: , ,

Build a Compost Bin and Your Garden Will Thank You

July 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Photo Courtesy of Nature Moms

Photo Courtesy of Nature Moms

One of our big projects for this summer is to build a compost bin behind the building.  So in the spirit of getting motivated to take on such a task, I have been doing research and you know what that means….YOU get to learn all about it too!

You can go about this several ways; you could simple start a compost heap sans the bin, buy a compost bin from one the various storefronts/online stores out there, or you can build your own compost bin. We have chose to build our own in an effort not to create more waste than is necessary.

Reasons for Building a Compost Bin

We have chosen to build for many of the same reasons everyone else does: it’s cheaper than buying fertilizer and it’s better for your garden than store-bought fertilizer.  Store bought fertilizer can contain chemicals  and other man made materials where as in a compost heap it is strictly organic material.

I’m not the only one who thinks composting is great, here is what a you had to say on the subject from Twitter:

@LMAshton says, “I’m a firm believer in composting – environmentally responsible, less waste to landfill, nutrients back to soil, good for plants”

@Ms_Austen says, “compost bins are SO worth it & easy! Kids(&adults) amazed by rich, soft dirt (compost) that comes out. And SO many uses for it.”

* Something to keep in mind, do not throw meat or dairy into your compost heap. They do not break down correctly in the heap.

Placement of Compost Bin

The location of your compost bin is extremely important to the success of the composting.  Choose a shady, mostly level spot with good drainage to begin building your compost bin.  You should also try to position your bin close to a water source so that when the compost heap becomes too dry, you are able to water it down easily.

Here are the directions we are using, they come straight from the TrueValue website (which I love) and right now you can print a $5 off $25 purchase just for entering your zipcode and email address.

Building Your Compost Bin

Tools and Materials
  • Wood for the bin’s frame
  • Wire mesh or wood for the bin’s walls
  • Drill, screwdriver and screws to build frame
  • Metal clippers for the mesh (if used)
  • Metals hinges or latches for the removable wall
  • Manure
  • Fertilizer
  • Pitchfork or shovel

Compost Bin Construction
Step 1.
Compost bins have three permanent walls and one that’s removable, allowing you to “turn,” or mix, the materials within the bin. Whether you use wire mesh or wooden slats for the walls, you must have aeration to speed the decomposition process, so don’t build anything airtight. And wherever in the bin you use wood, buy cedar or cypress, which will better resist the decaying effect from the bin’s contents.
Step 2.
Commonly, gardeners will build two bins with a shared middle wall: one bin to store already composted materials; the other for material that’s still composting. Bins tend to be three feet wide by three feet long, and three- to four-feet high. There’s no need for a top; moisture’s a good thing because it speeds decomposition.
Step 3.
Once you’ve built the bin, start by laying in a foot or so of material. You want a mix of fresh green stuff (lawn clippings, weeds, sod) and inert stuff (bone meal, sawdust, shredded paper). Next, put in a layer of manure or fertilizer, followed by an inch of topsoil. Repeat these layers until the bin is filled.
Step 4.
After about three weeks have passed, take that removable wall down and use a shovel or pitchfork to mix the material. Throw on some fertilizer. About two weeks later repeat the process. Forget to turn it? No problem, it will just take longer to decompose. If it seems too dry, just hose it down. Once it’s turned a uniform brown, crumbles to the touch and is nearly odorless, it’s all set for spreading.

Photo Credit: Nature Moms, who coincidentally have a great article about what goes in a compost heap.

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Knowing Your Carbon Footprint can Encourage Green Living

June 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

global-warming In a time when most of us are making a conscious effort to change the way we live, it’s important to know where you’re starting from.  When you  “go green”, you are making a commitment to changing the way you and your family do many things including reducing your “carbon footprint”.

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