Posted in Going Green

The electric bill can be costly, both summer and winter. In the summer, we run air conditioners. In the winter we run heaters. Then we add in all the other items in our home that require electric, and well...you have a whopping bill each month. Not only does this cost money, but it costs the earth as well. The majority of our power comes from the refinement of fossil fuels. The less energy we use, the longer the fossil fuel resource will last. So this is a VERY important issue.

Here are a few ideas for cutting costs in your home, and saving the earth at the same time!

• Of course, my very first is discontinuing the use of a clothes drier. Switching from an electric drier to a gas drier is till using resources. This appliance is one of the largest energy suckers! The elimination of its usage can save you up to half on your electric bill. Not only have we done this (reduced our bill by half), but we know others who have had success with this as well. Hang clothing indoors during inclement and cold weather. Not only are you saving money on your electric, but your clohting will last longer, saving money on your clothing budget!
• Did you know anything that uses a remote control is always on? All devices with a remote are in standby mode when not on. This means that they are always sucking energy. To eliminate this waste of electric, unplug each device or turn the power of using a power strip.
• Turn your computer off when you will not be using it for more than 2 hours. Despite many oppostie comments, it is not damaging to your computer to shut it down when not in use. As long as you shut it down properly, this is a safe and frugal way to conserve electric. Again, even in energy saver mode, your computer is constantly sucking energy, which means costing you money. Consider at least turning it off every night.
• Use smaller appliances when able. An electric skillet, toaster over, microwave, crockpot uses significantly less energy than running your oven.
• Turn lights of in a room anytime you are leaving a room for more than a minute. Yes, I said a minute! It is no more work for you to turn the light off and on when returning to the room. Get your family in the habit, and you will save a bundle on your bill!

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Want to read more? Come, partake in the Journey to Simplicity where you will find lots of information regarding frugality, simplicity, homeschooling, organization, faith, homemaking, art, and so much MORE! Leslie is a wife and homeschooling mother of four in SW Fl. With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of homemaking. Leslie is also a seamstress for Vintage Vixen, one of the oldest online vintage clothing shops. When time permits she enjoys reading, writing, scrapbooking, painting, and watching old movies. She and her family also spend much time RVing. You simply must come on over to the Journey to Simplicity and see what she is talking about today!