8/21/13

According to the Energy Department, the average U.S. household spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. Up to 10 percent of those energy costs are wasted on plugged-in appliances and electronics that are not in use. Even when turned off, items that are plugged in still use a small amount of energy. While many of us know to unplug cellphone chargers and televisions when not in use, there are other energy hogs that should also be unplugged: lamps, toaster ovens, coffee makers, cordless phones, stereos, radios, DVD players and modems. Unplugging helps you reduce energy costs and saves you money.

8/20/13

Do you try to avoid buying products from companies that use genetically modified ingredients? Or maybe you want to buy products that are made in the United States only? Whatever you reason to use your dollars to support companies you believe in, there is an easier way to shop -- just use your smartphone. The free Buycott app looks up the product you want to buy and tells you about the parent company and if its work is aligned with your beliefs. Learn more at buycott.com.

8/19/13

At shopping malls all over the country, a new type of ATM is popping up -- ecoATM. It works just like a regular cash machine with one exception: It buys used consumer electronics like cellphones, smartphones and tablets from you for cash. It's simple to use: The machine examines your device and tells you the highest price it can pay you for it. You have the option to sell it and get cash on the spot or reject the offer and get your item back. To find an ecoATM near you, visit ecoatm.com.