9/28/09

Throw all your towels and bed sheets into the washing machine first thing in the morning. Shower. Brush your teeth. Now, instead of tossing your wash into the dryer, hang 'em outside in the bright sun. All day long they'll dry naturally, and you'll save money from not having to run the energy-hogging dryer. Bonus: Your towels and pillows will smell like the Great Outdoors.

9/27/09

If you donate food to a local food drive or shelter, good for you! But take it one step further and be sure to check the expiration dates on the cans and boxes of food before donating. Also avoid the temptation to give away unusual gourmet or specialty foods like exotic mushrooms or pate and stick to foods that families really need, like canned vegetables, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese and soups. If you want to be extra generous, buy a bulk supply of baby formula, diapers and food, which seem to be in the most demand at food banks.

9/26/09

When cooking on electric stovetops, use the right size burners for the right size pans. If you're just frying an egg in a small pan, use the smaller burner; use the larger ones for stock pots or large skillets. Using a larger burner to heat up a small pan or pot can use up to 40 percent too much energy.