Going green has been my new mission.  As long as it doesn’t come at a cost to myself (sorry Mother Earth).  As I have been doing my research I have discovered in many many ways going green not only helps the planet, but my pocket book as well.  It may be a little extra work in some cases but it still pays off.  In other ways it’s ridiculously expensive and that’s where I have to draw the line.  If given the choice between buying already recycled toilet paper (4 rolls for $5 or 50 rolls of regular at Sams Club for $15) and putting diapers on my children’s rear ends…no contest.  Children’s rear ends: 1 – Mother Earth: 0!

I’ll start with my the short term and “easier” changes for going green.   The hugely expensive and more long term commitments is for other blogs at other times.

*Changing all my light bulbs – Although buying a package of normal bulbs had only cost me several dollars initially by changing my bulbs to Compact Florescent Lights has saved me almost $150/year on my electric bill.

*Bought a Brita UltraMax – Unfortunately I have a portable dishwasher so I cannot get an attachable water filter.  I used to spend at least $20/ week in bottled water or $1040/year.  I only spent $35 for the Brita.  Filters last 2 months each filter.  So a package of 6 filters at $35 last me all year.  New total:  $70!  Saving me $970/year!  OH YEAH!

*Running my dishwasher only when I have a full load.  Should sound logical.  But to keep up my cleanliness I was guilty as charged for running it everyday whether it was full or not.  My little contribution for helping our precious natural resource.

*Washing clothes only in a full load or even in cold water as often as possible.  Again, should sound logical but guilty as charged.  I want to wear something I’d just throw it in there. I was also guilty of making the assumption that only hot water really gets things clean.  I’ve been washing in cold water for 4 months now with clothes belonging to a toddler and infant and have noticed no difference in their cleanliness.

*Drying my things outside.  Seemed a little to0 “little house on the prairie” to me at first but I noticed they actually smelled nicer.  Keep in mind I wasn’t drying everything outdoors…just sheets, towels, and things I wouldn’t immediately be needing.

*ShamWows or Zorbeez – Are Sham  or Zorb awesome!  I saw them on an infomercial then went to Walgreens one day and there they were.  Located in the “As seen on TV aisle”.  They only cost $19.95 per package which ever kind you buy. I have completely cut out paper towels!  I’m not even going to try to calculate what that’s saving me.

Just a few of my little steps thus far.  As I move into my new home in February I will be making many more advances.  Some being much more expensive initially and some just constantly being more work on my part.  Either way, cheers to you Mother Earth may my efforts assist you in living long and prospering.