Thursday, April 19, 2012

THRIFTY / GREEN SAVING TIPS OFF YOUR ENERGY BILL


I am a huge fan of line drying cloth diapers and clothing. Certain items I do line dry but all my kids shirts, shorts, pants and cloth diapers I line dry.

I started doing this when my 1st child was about 1 year old. I originally didn't start it to be "green" I did it because I noticed even the really nice name brand clothing was shrinking in the dryer. I knew that we wanted more than one child and if the clothes were to be passed down I didn't want everything shrunk.

Then I started cloth diapering when our 2nd baby was born and my love for line drying changed to not only saving money but to be more green.

Alot of people say it's too much work to line dry, I say no it's not. Did you know you can save 5 to 10% off your energy bill by line drying?


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When you do to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. Save 5%

I also wash all our clothing in cold water except bed sheets and cloth diapers. Plus you can save another 4% by using cold water
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Some other ways to save while being green are:

When using your dishwasher wash in a full load and instead of pressing that dry button open the door of the dishwasher and let air dry.

Turn off all appliances when not using them, that saves you 2% off your energy bill!

And did you know that even when you are not using and appliance and it's still plugged it you are still using electricity? You can save another 10-15% off your energy bill by unplugging them!

Dirty filters can restrict airflow which can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. We replace our air filters monthly which can save you 1-2% off your energy bill!

Use Energy Star products

Tint your windows or have an awning type system, plant a tree, bushes or shrubs in areas that would increase shade covering in your home. You could save 5%!

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What are your money saving green tips off your energy bill this Earth Day?


18 comments:

  1. We try to reuse plastic containers that lunch meat comes in.

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  2. Good tips, I always try to remember to unplug the items we arent using

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  3. Ooh! Can I link this post as I'm posting tomorrow about green things and energy saving. Just finished writing about it before coming over here. It will be out tomorrow evening once I'm home from work :)

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  4. those are great. I've never line dried my clothes... I really should try. I can't think of anything we do that you didn't already mention! lol Great list!

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  5. We have been drying our clothes on clothes lines for a few years now, and it has really helped reduce our bill!

    Plus we try to always take our reusable bags to the store, to reduce taking plastic bags :)

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  6. Im so happy for warmer weather here, I love line drying. We try not to turn on lights as much as possible, until it's pretty late. And we always remember to turn off lights when we leave the room.

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  7. When I have to run the water to get it hot... I collect that water and use it to water the houseplants and the garden.

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  8. Great tips, Nicole! We also wash everything in cold water; it gets just as clean and definitely saves money!

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  9. What great tips. I try to save energy every which way possible. I disconnect appliances at night before I go to sleep-I heard that helps.

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  10. Great post! Thanks for sharing! I saved about $50 a month on my electric bill last summer by line drying!

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  11. Most everything here gets washed on cold :O) unless it smells like pee that is.lol People are always shocked that for a family of 5 we average $120 for gas and electric every month!

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  12. We also unplug our items not in use! All great tips thank you!

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  13. Thanks for the tips. I am always unplugging things we aren't using. I wash our clothes in cold water only.

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  14. we are moving and our new house does not have a clothes line. I was wondering if the ssavings were worth but 5-10% IS! Thanks!

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  15. Thanks for the tips! I need to remember to unplug appliances and electronics when they are not in use.

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  16. Thanks for the energy tips! Use WOOL DRYER Balls - they cut dryer time in half! Plus they are chemical free way to soften your clothing! Have a fun weekend!

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  17. this is just what i needed to read! thanks for sharing them!

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Nicole, the mama behind the Mama to 5 Blessings blog, is a mom to 5 children. Three boys: ages 8 years, 5 years, 2 years, a daughter 4 years and a new baby girl born April 19th 2013. She has been married to her husband Fritz for 11 years. Here at Mama to 5 Blessings you will find quite a variety of topics: recipes, crafts for moms and children, homeschooling, parenting, reviews and giveaways, thrifty tips and much more! Mama to 5 Blessings can also be found on Twitter @mamato3blessing, Facebook and Pinterest.