Whether it is colossal chunks of cheese, behemoth bags of beans, or cavernous cartons of cream, bulk purchases often have lower per unit costs. At first glance it appears these purchases will save money, but what if bulk purchases precipitate enough waste to negate this savings? I’ve recently examined 3 types of waste that can result … [Read more...] about Does Buying in Bulk Create Waste?
green living
The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths have bourgeoned in popularity in recent years. I’ve heard them described in a number of ways: amazing, awful, soft, rough, environmentally friendly, bad for the environment, etc. With descriptors that are this conflicting, it’s hard to determine if these cloths are something you should be using. While I’ve had several … [Read more...] about The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Rampant Reusing: Books
I would not arbitrarily encourage someone to destroy books (you can read here about various ways to get rid of books you no longer want or need). However, if you’ve decided to get rid of some books and you want to create something new with them, there are some really awesome options. These would be great uses for books that are damaged, … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Books
Getting Rid of Some Books? Ways to Give Each One a New Lease on Life
After our discussion on deciding when to get rid of books, have you identified any that you are ready to remove from your collection? If you have, then you are faced with the question of what to do with them. There are a ton of options! Ways to get rid of books Give them away. Consider each book and ask yourself “Who would appreciate … [Read more...] about Getting Rid of Some Books? Ways to Give Each One a New Lease on Life
Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
I’m constantly searching for ways to save money. Given how frugally my husband and I already live, this is kind of like the proverbial trying to get blood from a turnip. Nonetheless, I’m driven to continue experimenting with new strategies because every penny counts. I think we can cut back on our paper towel use in my house. This … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
How many toilet paper and paper towel tubes do you throw away each year? Dozens? Scores? Do these tubes have to end up in the trash or is there some way to reuse them? I’ve been looking into some options. 10 Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes Add some scrapbooking paper and ribbon to make small gift boxes. Place tubes … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
Rampant Reusing: Prescription Bottles
If you or anyone in your household routinely takes prescription medications, then dozens of prescription bottles likely pass through your house each year. I’ve long wondered if there wasn’t some constructive way to reuse the bottles. I think I’ve finally identified a few ways that just might work. If you want to try any of these ideas, be … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Prescription Bottles
The Significance of Standby Power
I’ve read that minimizing the use of standby power (sometimes termed vampire or phantom power) can decrease energy bills. I’m always looking for ways to save a few dollars, so I turned to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to see what the fuss is all about. What is standby power? Many pieces of electronic equipment continue to use … [Read more...] about The Significance of Standby Power
