For the past couple of months, I’ve been writing ways you can save money on various purchases. In honor of Blog Action Day, an event focusing on environment awareness, I’ll here are a few tips on how you can save money and the environment:
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) – You’ve probably read about it 100 times already, so let’s just make it 101. CFLs use a lot less electricity which saves you money.
- Put on a extra layer of clothing or a blanket in winter – We always keep a couple of blankets on the couch. It’s great for cuddling with a loved one as well.
- Buy concentrated refills where possible – Look into products like this Just Add Water Cleaners. This reduces the amount of water that is being shipped, which means that a small truck can ship the equivalent of thousands of bottles of cleaners. In general, refills are cheaper than the original packaging.
- Skip bottled water from Fiji – Water filters such as a Brita or Pur pitcher are a lot cheaper per gallon of water.
- Use rechargeable batteries – This can save you hundreds of dollars over time. It will also save a lot of disposed batteries.
- Don’t use one-time paper products when possible – It’s better to wash a coffee mug than throw out a Styrofoam cup everyday. It’s cheaper to use plates than continuously buy paper ones.
[Each Monday for the next couple months, I’m write about how to save money. I recommend reading the whole Save Money series. Last week we looked at how to save money on clothing.]
Or save the Styrofoam one, if you have to use it. They can normally be reused for at least a week. (in the long run, the mug is better, but this is a second choice, I guess)
My husband and I do all but buy CFCs.Next time we go shopping, we should pick some up for when a bulb goes out. thanks for the reminder.
Still not sold on the CFC, see my analysis
http://cheapogroovo.vox.com/library/posts/tags/lighting/
Almost all light bulbs in my house are CFLs. I think they are great. Sure last a lot longer than regular bulbs.
The only complaint I have about CFLs is that lamps which have variable power settings (like floor lamps) don’t work so well with them. If you’re used to using a lamp with a low-light setting, it’s still (unfortunately) best to stick with a regular light bulb.
But you can make that up by biking to work!