Savers Unite!

It seems like the 'green' trend is in full force these days, causing celebrations for some, and eye-rolling for others.  While 'eco' and 'anti-eco' citizens tend to but heads when it comes to lifestyle - they really don't have to be that different.  So whether you are looking to save some serious cash, or save the planet - I have some something excellent for you!

Today I present:

3 Awesome Tips for super-savers!

Written for cash-$avers and eco-savers - simply read which ever description best fits you and your lifestyle.

$AVERS:

Whole 'green' movement not to your taste?  No problem - save you own hard-earned 'green' (cash) with these easy and fun tips!

ECO-SAVERS:

Is 'going green' your thing?  Try these tips to further reduce your impact in a fun and easy way!

#1: Unplug Baby!

$AVERS:

Did you know when you leave your laptop plugged into the charger all day and night it is costing you $77.76 dollars of wasted energy per year?  Not to mention it's bad for the battery, and can even shorten your laptop's life.  The Quick fix?  Only plug in when you run below 20% and unplug the entire charger from the wall when finished.  Chargers suck up your money and raise your electricity bill even with out a computer plugged in on the other end.  Apply this to cellphone chargers too, and just think of all the money you could save annually!

ECO-SAVERS:

Leaving your laptop, cellphone and other electronics plugged into their chargers is causing you to admit an additional 650 lbs. of CO2 emissions per year?  No sweat, by simply unplugging the charger from the wall, you cut off the power completely!  Better yet - try an alternative, non-electric way to relax or veg after work or school.

#2: Hang it all out!

$AVERS:

Using your electric clothes dryer cost you about $193 dollars annually.  Want to spend that money on an unbeatable night out instead?  Get some rope, or folding drying racks and try letting your clothes air dry.  All you have to do is hand them up and walk away.  The next day your clothes will be 100% dry - no effort required!

ECO-SAVERS:

You all know about just one spin the the dryer using 1.8kg of CO2 right?  If not, now you do!  Not to mention releasing toxic exhaust.  Instead, slash your output, and get outside for some good old fashioned laundry hanging!  Can't do it outside?  Invest in some quality folding drying racks that can be tucked away when not in use.  

#3: Bike!

$AVERS:

Have you seen gas prices recently?  Not pretty on your pocketbook, and not pretty on your health either!  With more cities putting in bike lanes, you can save yourself some serious cash by biking to work, school, or the store.  Not to mention get a little movement into your limbs, and get those feel-good endorphins kicking in!  Going to work?  Many workplaces offer benefits and free prizes to bike-commuters, so get a helmet, and get winning and saving!

ECO-SAVERS:

Chugging along in a gas dependent box doesn't sound like a very positive, forward-thinking way to get around does it?  Get the legs pedaling, along with that sense that you're doing your part for the planet and trade the seatbelt for a helmet!  After all, doesn't apple pie sound like better fuel than gasoline?

So regardless of whether you are a super cash, or super planet saver, I hope these tips can help everyone, and introduce a little more fun into your daily lives!

Got more tips?

Want more tips?

Leave a comment below:

check the facts - sources I used:
http://20somethingfinance.com/how-much-electricity-costs-appliances-and-how-to-cut-your-usage/
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/dryers.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2008/may/02/treadlightlyswitchofftumbl

Sustainable Saturday #1

With the world population at 

over 7,000,000,000 

(that's over 7 billion people!)

it only makes sense that we should be incorporating ways of living less extravagantly into our daily lives.

You might think the statement "extravagant living" doesn't apply to you, but if you take a step back to examine you life, it might surprise you.

Our lives are now filled with so many unnecessary items that use up resources and power, but we don't even realize it because they have become routine, habitual, and essential in our daily lives.

So why not clean up your act?  It's easy, fun, and a few simple acts can make a world of difference.
What if:
1.) You spent half of the free time you normally occupy on the computer doing something non-energy related?
"The internet releases around 300m tones (british measurement, it's no spelled wrong) of CO2 a year – as much as all the coal, oil and gas burned in Turkey or Poland, or more than half of the fossil fuels burned in the UK" 
- http://www.guardian.co.uk
Go outside, read a book, talk with friends, make art, practice your handstands, play a game, clean, go troll hunting, write a story, pretend the floor is lava, the options are endless!

2.) You used cloth napkins instead of paper ones
Not only are they WAY more attractive, but you can re-use them multiple times before throwing them in with a full load of laundry!

3.) You dried every other (or every single) load of laundry via the air!

It's as simple as some twine and clothes pins!  Plus you can turn your bathroom into a jungle if you feel adventurous...

use the toilet...if you don't get snared by the man-eating clothing vines!

4.) You curled your hair via le air! 
No heat curling is better for your hair, and the world - two birds with one stone!
My favorite method is using socks.  Simple section your hair into chunks, fold the sock lengthwise over the very end of your hair to keep it in place, and roll it up!
Bonus points: think socks aren't stylish...THINK AGAIN!  I wore them around for a whole day, and everyone just though I had an awesome headscarf going on.
(you can also opt to sleep in them if you feel to silly)

 The results:

So, happy Saturday!  I Hope it can be the start to many sustainable ones to come!