Greetings!
As you gaze across the landscape snooping for some low-hanging change you can make today, answer this
question: Can you go eco and save money too?
We say yes. And no, you don't have to join a commune or become
a one-pants family. You don't even have to buy a used toothbrush on eBay. There
are however some very easy steps to keep you simple and get you rolling in the easy
money.
This week we've got a few thrifty tricks up our sleeves to ease your energy bill, pack your pantry, and to hasten your hearts desire.
It's all about living simply. Eschew excess and the savings will follow!
Did you know? SustainLane never accepts payment for business and product reviews. Our features are intended to represent the views of the SustainLane community. |
Featured Product: Smart Strip
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 How about an idea so smart, it pays for itself in under a year? The Smart Strip looks a lot like your everyday, average power strip with one big bonus feature: it lets 10 outlets work together to auto-switch your devices on and off. With serious surge protection (2225 joules) it's perfect for home entertainment systems and computing. Plus you can save oodles on electricity. Click for Smart Strip
No Brainer Energy Saver
 "The Smart Strip takes a product that we all have -- the power strip -- and makes it more energy efficient.
Computer peripherals, like printers and scanners, continue to use energy, even after you turn them off. It's called 'idle' current. . ." click to read more
- Justin L.
Using Smart Strip at home? See a difference on your energy bill? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share!
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Feature: The Frugal Gourmet
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 Ask anyone, "What's the easiest way to save money?" and they'll probably tell you to skip the $4 latte. Feel deprived? Maybe it'll help to know that most frugal food habits go hand in hand with sustainable living! So grab your tote bag and let's go grocery shopping.
At the market, the first thing you'll want to do is hit the bulk food isle. You can fill up on whole wheat pasta, grains, nuts, and other dried goods for cheap. Plus, If you brought your own bags and containers from home (you go, boy/girl!), you can get away package-free!
Make sure to include some protein in your bulk stash (go for nuts and beans) to lower your meat consumption. Meat is expensive, has a huge carbon footprint, and most Americans go way overboard with quantity. We're not saying you can't have any, but try and compliment your diet with healthier meat alternatives and fresh produce from the farmers' market or local organic delivery service. For ultimate savings, it's all about the DIY backyard or urban garden.
With your fridge and pantry stocked full of healthy goodness, you'll enjoy dining at home with friends and loved ones. Cooking together is less formal than eating at a restaurant, so you can really let the conversation (and vino) flow. A full carafe of filtered tap water is all you need to wet your whistle. Skip the bottled water and somewhere a landfill will thank you!
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Featured Business: Craigslist
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 Many of us can't sustain an eco-chic boutique lifestyle, yet we love the idea of having all the little things that make life comfortable. But before you run out and join the Freegans you may want to consider a middle-ground, free of dumpster-diving (not that there's anything wrong with that). From years of personal experience, we heartily recommend Craigslist's 'For Sale' category.
So go ahead and list what you've got, get what you want, and don't forget - barter is better!
Click for Craigslist
Freecycling And More
 "Craigslist is a great way to keep sustainable. Buying used couches/tables/chairs/tvs/electronics/cars, etc. is one of the best ways to recycle and reduce . . ." click to read more
- Vinnie L.Agree? Disagree? E-mail us at community@sustainlane.com!
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Spotlight: Transportation, Simplified
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 When wheezing your way through a smoggy day or stuck in traffic, you may wonder what the world would be like without cars. Or even half as many cars. The truth is we'd all breathe easier and save more dough with alternative transportation. Try these on for size:
Carpool - You're all going the same way, so why not go together?
Hybrid/Biofuel - Guilt-free motoring with bonus good karma points if you carpool
Bus - Sit back and watch the scene go by or just snooze and cruise
Train - The speediest mode to avoid a bumper-to-bumper road
Electric Bike - Space and fuel-efficient wheels for stylish urban commutes. Park anywhere!
Rollerblades/Bike/Skateboard - People-powered transport lets you say goodbye to traffic and hello to a better booty
Transportation Tip:
Is there a Segway tour company in your town or city? Next time you have visitors, don't drive them around: show them the sites in style!
Have any suggestions we didn't mention? Add to our list by clicking here! |
Staff Pick: Energy Star
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 Whenever you ever need a reason to feel good about the EPA, think of the Energy Star program, a national campaign started to fight global warming, Energy Star encourages consumers to use low-energy appliances from light bulbs to washers and dryers, and more. Energy Star encourages consumers to take a pledge to participate in the program and tracks our progress, state-by-state.
Click for Energy Star
Energy Saving For The People
 "I wish there were more public or government-funded programs like Energy Star, designed to make our planet healthier for everyone. It's encouraging to see that Energy Star is driving pledges through utility companies such as PG&E and SRP.
I sometimes check out our national progress right on the Energy Star home page. The website is helpful, with an awesome interactive section just for kids. I just watched..." click to read more
- Shira K.
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Green Savings In The News
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IKEA Brings Solar Home
Ikea's 50 million Euro investment in Cleantech's Solar startup market, may bring solar to the masses. Learn about it.
So Fresh And So Green
Remember Mr. Wizard? Now you can channel your inner chemist with simple recipes that get your home sparkling clean.
Charge More And Save
Rechargeable batteries cost more than disposable ones. Are they worth it? Find out.
10 Top Tips To Green Your Scene
We love top 10 lists and this one's no exception. Worldwatch breaks it down.
Chill that Energy Bill
For even more energy-saving tips, revisit last month's energy-saving newsletter, loaded with useful ideas to lower your bills.
A Green Living That Pays Off
Teaching others to be green is a growing field. Find out more.
Share the news with your favorite folks. Forward this email or have them sign up for our weekly newsletter. |
SustainLane
City Rankings - Write About Your City and Win $100!
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 We are excited to announce
that SustainLane will release its 2008 US City Rankings this fall!
As part of our rankings website update, we are inviting citizens from the 50
most populous US cities to write short pieces about how their cities are
-- or are not -- greening up. (Not sure if your city is on the list? Click here for a full list of cities and their 2006 rankings)
If you live in one of these cities and have something to say, send us a piece of your mind by September 1st. Writers of pieces chosen for inclusion on our website will receive $100 in
compensation!
To submit, just follow this link: www.sustainlane.com/us-city-ranking
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Video: Green Tips From Freshtopia
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 The clever folks at Freshtopia have bright ideas to save you money on energy costs. And you can do them right now in the comfort of your own home. Click to view
Comments on this week's video? Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know! |
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