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Step 1
Start by paying your bills online. Besides saving money on stamps you are also saving a tree or two. Not to mention paying bills the old fashioned way is a total time waster. Another simple change you can make is washing your clothes in cold water. Cold water cleans your clothes just as well as warm or hot water and you aren't using your hot water heater which means you are saving on your utility bill.
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Step 2
Another suggestion is a total no-brainer. Next time you need to replace a light bulb, switch to a compact fluorescent bulb(cfl). They burn less energy and last almost 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. Since we are on the subject of no-brainers try shortening your shower time. If you can't trim more then a few minutes off your time try showering in slightly warmer water. Avoiding hot showers will save you money on your energy bill. Both of these hints can save you hundreds of gallons of water every month. In keeping with the water theme start getting in the habit of shutting off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. This can save you thousands of gallons of water per year.
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Step 3
Switch to a programmable thermostat and then turn it down. Throw on a sweatshirt or a blanket instead of cranking up the heat. The same applies to the AC. For every degree you raise or lower is a savings of 5% off your heating or cooling bill. Run your dishwasher when it's completely full and don't use the heat dry setting. Let them air dry. If you run your dishwasher when you go to bed your dishes have all night to air dry and they will be ready to be put away in the morning.
Switch to cloth napkins. The average person uses almost 2,500 napkins a year. By no longer having to purchase paper napkins you are saving money on your grocery bill and reducing waste. Lastly, invest in an aluminum water bottle. A good one costs about $15 but think about the fact that just drinking one plastic bottle of water a day adds up to about $500 per year you are spending just in bottled water.
