5/17/12

To help avoid food waste at home, think like a restaurant chef. Use overripe bananas by mashing them up and mixing them in with pancake batter to make delicious treats for breakfast. Leftover coffee can be frozen in ice cube trays to use in iced coffee drinks. And even leftover oil you've used for frying can be strained through a clean coffee filter to be reused when cooled. Your frugality will make you more creative with your cooking.

5/16/12

We all know that switching from incandescent lightbulbs to compact fluorescents can help save money and energy over time. But did you know those CFL bulbs come in a wide variety of wattages? For little-used areas, like closets and hallways, don't always opt for the bright white, high watt bulbs. Instead, choose lower wattage bulbs that create just enough light. They'll use less energy, last just as long and will save you money in the long run.

5/15/12

It's estimated that a small leak in your home -- a drip in a faucet or a constantly running toilet -- can produce up to 10,000 gallons of wasted water a year. That's enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. While it's imperative to look for and replace leaks at home, remember to report drips, leaks and running toilets you find in public spaces, too. Hotel room bathrooms, public restrooms and the facilities at your local health club are all places where leaks can be stopped. Every little bit helps to protect this valuable natural resource from running out.