If you're planning to take an extended vacation or you know you'll be away from your home for more than a week at a time, try to use up everything in your fridge before you leave. Consuming all of the perishable items and leaving the fridge completely bare means you can unplug it and take it off your electric bill for the duration of the time you're away. If there are just a few perishable items left -- eggs, milk and butter, for instance -- tossing them can save you more money than keeping them cold in the fridge while you're gone.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION