5/18/12

Take a minute to pull your refrigerator away from the kitchen wall a few inches. By allowing extra air in the back, the condenser coils will work more efficiently, thanks to the increased air circulation. When you have time, pull the fridge out completely and vacuum the back to remove dust and debris. Doing this twice a year will improve the efficiency of your fridge.

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.