Waste not, want not

Given the push for green alternatives, and shrinking our carbon footprint, not wasting anything helps pinch those pennies.

Next time you want to grab a paper towel to wipe that counter, stop and think. Can I do it with a cloth towel instead? If you use paper towels, don't immediately yank 2-3 sheets and start wiping. Grab one, see if it does the job. If it's not sufficient, then grab a 2nd one to finish the job.

When you're at home, turn off lights and appliances that aren't in use, and only light up an area if you're there. If you were watching TV and want to go take a shower, turn off the TV, and all the lights in the living room before you go. Use energy efficient bulbs in areas where the lights will be on often. Switching to CFL bulbs saves 60-75% in energy, and switching to LED bulbs saves 90+%!

When the weather isn't exactly the right temperature for you outside, make clothing adjustments inside, rather than cranking up the thermostat, or the air conditioning. Use a thermostat on a timer, so the furnace doesn't need to come on while you're not at home. On average a 1 degree Celsius change in heating can save you around 2%. A 1 degree Celsius change in cooling can save you close to 10%! e.g. In the winter our thermostat is set for 15C when we're not at home and 19C when we are, and 17C when we're sleeping. If we're feeling a tad bit chilly, we just put on a hoodie or sweater, and walk around the house with socks on. In the summer we open windows, use plain old fans, or hang out in the nice cool basement. No air conditioning here! Compared to the average BC household of the same size and number of people, we're saving at least 20-25% in energy.

Remember, every little bit you don't waste (food, energy, paper, etc.), equals savings for your wallet, and a nice warm feeling that you're doing your part for the planet!