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Ways to reduce energy use and save money
I walk or cycle to destinations within 10km. For weekly shopping, we take a shopping cart on the train. For longer trips, we take public transport where possible, or car pool otherwise. Got rid of the car some time ago. The side benefits are I save $1300/year on registration and insurance, plus even more on fuel and maintenance. I work my transport needs with my physical exercise program, and save time at the gym.
I’m slowly embarking on a program of replacing servers (business and hobby related) and other machines which run for long hours with more efficient embedded PCs, which can reduce energy consumption by 70-90%.
Meetings for committees and Boards of interest groups I am a part of are being increasingly conducted online, which reduces the need to travel. In some cases, this is the only practical option anyway.
Dress to suit the weather. In winter, this means using less heating and putting on more clothes, and even covering up with a blanket. In summer, exactly the opposite. As we are naturists, clothing often reduces to zero in the hotter months (when at home and there’s no visitors), which in turn reduces the amount of laundry. We had no problems handling the Jan-Feb 2009 heatwave, where outside temperatures exceeded 45C (113F) and indoor temperatures approached 40C (104F), with nothing more than a fan and tap water to help the body’s natural cooling system. There are two A/Cs here (came with the house), one has never been used, and the other only once or twice, a long time ago. Other bonuses are bare feet avoids fungal infections such as tinea, and skin rashes (particularly in the groin) tend to disappear, as the whole body gets a chance to air.
Drink tap water. It’s good for you, it’s cheap and it’s the best for the planet.
This post was submitted by Tony.
Christmas presents
I had already decided not to buy any Christmas presents at all, because I felt that everybody in my family already have enough stuff. But today I got a nice idea: Calendar 2010.
The semester at my university finished two days ago so I had piles of half used sheets. I chose the ones that are blank on the other side. Then I got out my old pencil case full of coloured pencils and started drawing.
Finally I managed to make four really nice, unique 2010 Calendars for my brother, sister, parents and my boyfriend. I’m still planning to add some old photos to them, and voila! Useful, 100% recycled and recyclable Christmas presents for practically free (since I’m a student I’m a bit short of money this time of the year).
This post was submitted by Kaisa.
Car-free in the city
I am car-free (involuntarily in the beginning) since my car was stolen in September. While waiting to decide what I wanted to do in the way of a replacement, I started walking and biking and taking mass transit everywhere, which is unusual in Los Angeles because it’s such a car-oriented city.
It hasn’t been difficult, since I live a short walk from three major bus lines, and my office is within biking/walking distance should I be in the mood to do that. I have only needed a friend to drive me on errands once, to pick up a few months’ supply of cat litter at a big box store and get a few other heavy/bulky items for home and the office.
I ride my bike to the Sunday farmer’s market, walk to one of 3 groceries that are near home or work, and manage to get my shopping done without a major fuss. And the BIG up-side is, I have lost 15 lb in the process. I also sleep much better at night.
I feel completely in charge of my situation – if I absolutely had to have a car, I suppose I could rent one. But pretending like I live in Paris is working out pretty well for now.
This post was submitted by G. Robison.
I’ve become vegan
According to many experts the number one thing we can do to reduce greenhouse gases is to cut down on (or cut out) our dependence on animal products. It is extremely inefficient to put our food thru animals simply because it’s become a habit we don’t want to change. The truth is that animal products are very UNhealthy (as opposed to the general belief caused by decades of advertising by large and powerful industries), very cruel to the animals and destructive to our environment. One pound of beef, for example, requires up to 20 pounds of plant protein and thousands of gallons of water to produce.
This post was submitted by Susan Estrella.
No Dish Soap
Don’t bother using soap when doing dishes unless they’re greasy. It’s the hot water that kills the germs, all soap does is bind to the fats so they can be rinsed off. A quick dip and rub in hot water will get non-greasy dishes just as clean. Guaranteed to speed up dishwashing, and saves money on dish soap if you use a dishwasher.
This post was submitted by Rebecca.
No car, no TV
Hi, great project! I love all these one-year conciousness-raising project.
I know, however, many people who, like me, have never owned a car, a TV, been vegetarian for decades, produce pretty nearly Zero Waste, bicycle or walk, garden to grow food.
Maybe not all these things all together, although in my case, they are done together.
Comment: Facebook, Twitter, blog, aren’t these things dependent on electronics, which are hardly non-impactful (see book ‘STUFF’ by a West Coast guy, from the ’90s, chapter on manufacturing of computers) and waste-free. As I am in touch with you this very minute, I am aware of this contradiction. Computers do have an impact, and a big one, on the Earth.
Marie
This post was submitted by Marie Roulleau.
recycling kids clothing
I am the owner of a new business named GumdropSwap. It’s a unique spin on children’s consignment. It is the first online children’s clothing swap club based in Bridgeport, CT. I started this business when I was laid off earlier this year. I was appalled to discover how many people throw away clothes in great condition and pollute our landfills. Especially when so many families are struggling financially. As a new mom, I know how fast children grow and the strain to keep up with the demand. I wanted to figure out a way for parents to get rid of the things their kids had outgrown and be able to get “new” clothes with little cost. There are more details on my website http://www.gumdropswap.com. Online members can ship in items from all over the nation and place an order from our inventory of new and gently used clothing in sizes from newborn up to 14/16. We reuse boxes for shipping and recycled office supplies whenever possible. Since we only swap items in “like new” condition, items that don’t meet quality standards are either donated to charity or “repurporsed” into apparel, accessories and baby quilts.This eco-friendly business is changing the way parents buy and dispose of heir children’s things.
This post was submitted by Gabby.
Free, Barter and More
Love this site and look forward to seeing the movie. I moved to LA with no money 4 years ago and was forced to be resourceful to make ends meet. ( now thank goodness, I am doing much much better, but that is due to be resourcefulness.)
1) Craig’s list Free section- I have gotten so much free stuff from there it is unbelievable… It furnished most of my apartment when I moved here.) Much like freecycle , people are giving away , cleaning out grages and stoarge spaces to keep stuff out of landfills…Often times the stuff is in amazing condition. Also I have a guy that offers free lemons and limes off his trees every year if you come pick them>>
2) The Barter section of Craig’s List/ Barter networks… I have traded so much , my friend’s call me the barter queen, sometimes two-three tier trades, but I don’t like to waste things and can save money by trading with other people for their stuff/ services.
3) Organic Coop Farms – you can pay a low fee and get fresh local organic veggies/fruits delivered to you and u just reuse the box each week/month that they are delivered in
4)Many places will give you a discount if you bring your own cup or bag 7-11/ Starbucks will discount coffee, most stores will discount if you bring your bags
5)Much of what needs cleaned can be done with baking soda and vinegar
6) Old t-shirts, towels, sheets are reused as rags
7)Thrift shops/ Garage Sales are your friend, you save money and keep things out of landfills…
Go outside and be active. It is nature’s gym…Hike, bike,skate, join a kickball or softball league, many parks have exercise trails, LA they have free yoga at Runyan Canyon everyday….
9)Use raw coconut oil instead of lotion, it is natural , smells good and great for your skin.( Whole Foods carries this andmost natural stores)
I have many amazing resourses here in LA.. I will start blogging it on soon….Save money, be green, love life!!!! Namaste….
This post was submitted by JC.
Indoor gardening
This winter I am growing lettuce and other greens in my south facing windows and under flourescent lights. This takes less energy than the growing and transportation of the ones in the store, there is no plastic wrapping, all it cost me was $5 for the seeds, they are organically grown, I can choose new and interesting varieties to try that they wouldn’t have at the store and my kids love to check and see how “their” plants are doing (they each chose something to plant). Most of all, I love growing things to feed my family. It makes me smile to see the green sprouts pushing through the dirt, and to be able to harvest a few leaves from each plant and put a truely fresh salad on the table.
This post was submitted by Megan Moss.
down with sweatshops
For about 15 years, I’ve returned to shopping (mostly) at thrift shops. I feel that it’s a political statement – no manufacturer will gain monetarily.
AND… the clothing and other items are cheaper.
This post was submitted by leslie radwan.