Trimming Your Electric Bill: Being a Money Savvy Mom and Helping the Environment

There was a time in our American culture that "being green" was associated with words such as "tree hugger", "hippie", "granola" or even words as drastic as "fanatic". Today, more and more of us are realizing the harmful affects our lives have on the environment. It is no longer a concern left only for those wearing bandanas and refusing to shave their legs or armpits--the way we treat our planet and resources is becoming an alarming concern for us and for future generations. Unfortunately like many Americans, however, until our pocket books are affected little seems to change. Following are some tips to put both our concern for the environment and our pocketbooks to work to to cut your electric bill and help the environment at the same time:

1. Unplug appliances that are not in use and do not need to be continually plugged in (your toaster, microwave, coffee pot, blender, etc).

2. For those electronics and appliances that are not so conveniently unplugged, consider plugging them into a power strip. In our home our computer and entertainment center are on separate power strips. In our bedroom our bedside lamps and cell phone chargers are all plugged into one power strip that we switch off in the morning and when not in use.

Did you know?? Small appliances and devices such as cell phone chargers are real energy zappers. By leaving them plugged in, it is like leaving a light bulb plugged in all day! Think about all of the "light bulbs" you have plugged in right now! Slash your energy bill and help the environment by applying the tips above to your home.

3. Find the lowest comfortable setting for your thermostat. Obviously I'm not saying to shiver though the winter and sweat through the summer (although if that's how money savvy you want to be go for it!), but by going without a small amount of comfort you can add a few bucks to your pocketbook. Also, many times when you are cooking the stove and oven will do a nice job of heating that portion of your house and you may be able to turn your thermostat down without sacrificing your family's warmth. You may also consider adding more blankets to your beds and turning the heat down at night as you prepare to turn in.

4. Turn the thermostat down while you are gone for the day. If you are willing to brave a few minutes of warmer or cooler temperatures than you are comfortable with when you first get home this will save you BIG bucks each month. If you have a programmable thermostat its even easier to do and you can set your heater or air conditioner to come on before you get home so you are comfortable the minute you walk in the door!

5. Only wash the clothes that are really dirty. I know, its just so much easier throwing clothes in the hamper instead of putting them away! Well, ditch your teenage ways--a little discipline on your part can really save you money in the long run (and not just in your energy bill, but your water bill as well)!

6. Finally, the obvious: Turn off the lights when you leave the room. The boogie man won't get you if you have to traverse a dark portion of the house...I promise!