Save the Planet {and $1,510 this year!}

picture & product from athena creates 

Check out these great tips from Natural Health Magazine. 

I love these and think you will too!

Fear greening your home is too expensive?  These simple changes can pay off big every year:

• Choose a laptop over a desktop model with a monitor.  Savings: $45 a year
• Ditch paper towels in favor of reusable cleaning cloths.  Savings: $150 a year
• Trade in your current showerhead for a low-flow model.  Savings: $180 a year
• Install a programmable thermostat that automatically sets the temperature based on how hot or cold it is outside.  Savings: $250 a year
• Replace the air filters in your furnace and air conditioner unit every three months (dirty filters make the units work harder).  Savings: $80 a year
• Use an electric teakettle instead of heating water on the stove.  Savings: $40 a year
• Download music (legally) instead of buying CDs.  Savings: $300 a year
• Lower the brightness on your TV.  Savings: $15 a year
• Unplug your TV, DVD player and stereo before bed.  Savings $50 a year
• Swap disposable zip-close bags for reusable thermoses and containers.  Savings: $400 a year on lunches for a two-child family

excerpt from Natural Health Magazine

dirty laundry gets clean & green!

washing laundry (especially when you have little ones) is a constant task that utilizes a lot of water and energy. you can reduce your carbon footprint (and stains!) by following these five simple steps:

(1.) use cold water! 90% of all energy used by a washing machine goes to heating the water
(2.) soap up with eco-friendly detergents... they are better for your skin and the environment
(3.) do loads of laundry when you've got enough to run a full load. if you have multiple loads to wash, do them consecutively (the washing machine does not have to work as hard to get started)
(4.) after each use of the dryer, make sure to empty out the lint filter - it improves air circulation and makes the dryer work more efficiently
(5.) when possible, hang your clothes on a drying rack or clothing line.

considering that the average household does approximately 400 loads of laundry a year* (that's 13,500 gallons of water!), it's good to wash & fold knowing that you are being energy efficient :)

* according to Energy Star energystar.gov