June 12th, 2007

Springtime gives us all a fresh outlook on life. This is the time in which we are expected to take inventory of our house and clean out unwanted clutter. Likewise, this is a good time to start thinking about your spending habits. What about your life can you change in order to save money this year? The following are 25 new ways to be frugal and save $2,007 in 2007.

1. Change Your Own Oil
   You should be changing the oil on your vehicle every 5,000 miles, if not sooner. This alone saves money in repairs, as your engine will be ruined without this routine maintenance. It should also increase your gas mileage. Performing an oil change yourself costs a fraction of what a mechanic will charge you, so vow to never pay someone else to do it again. If you don’t know how to do change your oil, ask a friend to teach you or learn from a simple Google search.
2. Use Ceiling Fans
   You will lower your energy costs in the summer by putting your ceiling fans to good use. Don’t make the mistake of opening all your house’s doors, as you will be compromising the home’s natural insulation. Instead, combine your air conditioning unit (at a moderate setting) with the use of your ceiling fans. You will save money that way without suffering from a heat stroke.
3. Request Basic Phone Service
   You really don’t need luxuries like caller ID and call waiting. Although the fees for both seem nominal to you on your phone bill, multiply that amount by 12 and you will realize how much it costs per year. Using no-frills, basic phone service is one of the simplest ways to save a little money each month.
4. Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
   Energy saving light bulbs (those funny-looking ones that are shaped like a corkscrew) will save you a tremendous amount of money over time. They are as bright as the ones you are used to, yet they use a fraction of the wattage. Although more expensive than normal light bulbs, they are definitely worth the investment and, as an added bonus, will make your home more eco-friendly.
5. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
   With the advent of cold-water laundry detergent, you really have no excuse to be using warm or hot water to clean your clothes. Cold water is just as effective and it will save you money in energy costs. Also, cold water is easier on your clothes than warm water, so you won’t have to replace your garments as often.
6. Leave Your Credit Cards at Home
   If you are trying to save money, then credit cards are your enemy. Think of them thusly and leave them at home whenever you can. This will prevent you from succumbing to temptation, as that Visa or MasterCard should be reserved for emergencies only.
7. Rent DVDs at the Library
   Forget the local video store, even Netflix, as nothing can beat a rental service that is absolutely free. Can’t find the DVD you want at the library? Put in a request for anything you like, including upcoming releases. If that sounds like too much work on your part, ask if you can request movies via your library’s Web site. Most likely, you can.
8. Buy Kids’ Clothes on eBay
   Young children have a designated size and most likely don’t have to try on clothes to see if they fit. This makes online shopping for children’s apparel very easy and nothing is cheaper than an eBay lot. Since children outgrow clothing quickly, used items are often near mint. For a fraction of store-bought fashions, you can find any brand you want on eBay. Also, it will save you the hassle of dragging the kids through a department store.
9. Pack Your Lunch for Work
   This may be something you are always meaning to do, but never start. Granted, it is a bit of a task to make yourself pack a lunch every day. However, it will soon become a habit and will save you hundreds each year.
10. Join AAA
    Becoming a member of the American Automobile Association, or AAA, will save you money in more ways than one. Not only will a small yearly fee buy you emergency roadside assistance in times of need, but your membership card also can be used for many discounts. From hotels to restaurants, AAA members will save money throughout the year by presenting their card at participating establishments. 
11. Don’t Throw Away Your Valpaks
    You probably set aside those thick Valpak envelopes as junk mail when they arrive in your box. However, there are many practical coupons in there, particularly for families. If you are trying to save money, then you need to get on board with couponing, and the Valpak is a great place to start.
12. Install Solar Screens
    Solar Screens are specially designed mesh filters for your windows that reflect sunlight. They are a great way to cut energy costs and keep your house cooler in the summer. Although they will cost you at least several hundred dollars to install, it will be an investment that will pay off within the year.
13. Drink From the Tap
    With the small price of a PUR or BRITA filter on your kitchen faucet, you will save hundreds of dollars a year by forgoing bottled water. Yes, the bottled water is handy, but it isn’t cheap and, if you do your homework, it really isn’t as "pure" as some claim. So, stop fearing your tap water, and start saving money.
14. Buy Gift Wrap at the Dollar Store
    As if buying gifts isn’t expensive enough, a simple gift bag and matching bow may set you back another ten bucks or so. Make it a habit to stop at the dollar store for your gift wrap, as well as your greeting cards. It will cost a fraction of the normal retail price, and no one will be the wiser.
15. Start Flipping Switches
    An unoccupied room doesn’t need any light, so don’t leave the switch on when you leave. Also, make it a habit of using the least amount of light as possible. You may opt to use a table lamp instead of the four bulbs on the ceiling fan, for instance. All of these little adjustments make big changes on your energy bill.
16. Plant a Vegetable Garden
    Not only is gardening therapeutic, it can greatly reduce your grocery bills. Growing the vegetables that your family eats every day will save you hundreds each year. Also, you will be sure that no harmful chemicals are being used on your vegetables, and you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.
17. Accept Hand-Me-Downs
    Whether they are for you or for your children, swallow your pride and put hand-me-downs to good use. Whether they are clothing or household items, you can always pass along the ones you don’t want to someone else in need.
18. Install a Tankless Water Heater
    Ever jump in the shower after someone else, only to be screeching minutes later when the water turns ice cold? Not only will a tankless water heater rectify that problem, it will also save 10-20% on your energy bill each month. The devices are a bit costly in comparison to conventional tanks, but they are an investment that will pay for itself in no time.
19. Sell Unwanted Items on eBay
    You can supplement your income, as well as clean out your house, by selling unwanted items on eBay. The online auction house is simple to use and reaches millions of would-be buyers each month. So, you already have a built-in customer base the minute your eBay auction is listed. The old adage about "one man’s trash" is true, so don’t think your used goods aren’t marketable. You never know until you try.
20. Use Weather Stripping
    Weather stripping is cheap and easy to install along your doors and windows. It is also one of the best ways to save energy costs, particularly in the winter. On a cool day, test this theory by putting your hand along the cracks of your outside doors. Can you feel a breeze? Well, that little breeze is costing you a fortune in heating, so do what you can to stop it.
21. Save Make-Up for Special Occasions
    The cosmetics industry makes billions of dollars a year, mostly from women. If you are a lady trying to be frugal, then conserve your make-up. If you must, apply some blush and lip gloss on your way out the door, but save a full make-up job for occasions that deserve it. Grocery shopping or a trip to the gym does not warrant the use of your mascara because, as you know, mascara isn’t cheap.
22. Hit Your Local Garage Sales
    You’d be surprised what you can find for next to nothing at a garage sale. From clothes to furniture, it is out there, and the prices are all negotiable. You should get in the habit of waking early on Saturdays and hunting for some garage sales. To curb any outrageous impulse buys, set aside a small amount of cash for your day’s shopping and don’t exceed your limit. This is a cheap way to find things you need, as well as to satisfy your inner shopaholic.
23. Only Mail Flat-Rate Boxes
    If you have to mail something, try to fit in one of those nifty flat-rate boxes from the post office. It won’t matter what the object weighs, the price will always be the same. If you are someone who mails parcels frequently, this will save you a considerable amount of money and, best of all, the boxes themselves are free of charge and can be delivered to your doorstep.
24. Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk
    You don’t have to be a member of Sam’s Club or Costco to buy in bulk. From oatmeal to paper towels, you should buy non-perishables in bulk whenever they go on sale. If you do this with a coupon, it will work out even better. Buying in bulk may cost more money that particular trip, but doing it during sales will save you a lot of money in the long run.
25. Cancel Your Cable / Satellite Television
    Although this may sound like punishment to you, it isn’t. Not only will canceling your cable or satellite service save you upwards to a thousand dollars a year, your life will become a lot more productive as a result. Television is a crutch for many, a luxury that will only make you sedentary and dull with excessive use. So, cancel your paid television service and go outside for some fresh air.

Following the above advice could potentially save you $2,007 this year, if not more. As you begin to find new and unconventional ways to be frugal, you will be surprised by how easy it is to live on your limited income. Not only will paying the bills become less stressful, you will have a surplus of cash to apply to other areas of your life. Whether it’s going to a dream vacation or your savings account, the money you conserve this year is only the beginning.

Posted in Features

June 4th, 2007

Most people don’t realize how many opportunities to save money they pass up every day. From grocery store shopping to cleaning the house, you could be doing it all more sensibly. The dollars and cents conserved by practicing frugal habits really add up in the long run. Below you will find 125 ways to save money throughout the week.

Groceries

1. Buy a Sunday paper for grocery store coupons.
2. Shop during a special event, such as when coupons are doubled and/or tripled.
3. Buy generic store brands of food and medication when possible.
4. Peruse the sales page offered at front of grocery store.
5. Buy non-perishables in bulk when they are on sale.
6. Join a price club for grocery shopping.
7. Purchase day-old breads and meats that are on sale.
8. Avoid impulse buys at the checkout.
9. Make a grocery list and don’t deviate from it.
10. Use a grocery store card for further savings.
11. If you are shopping with children, don’t walk down the toy aisle.
12. Buy only the fruits and vegetables that are in season.
13. Watch your items as they are being scanned to catch any errors.
14. Go over your receipt and look for discrepancies, as they are more common than you would think.

Work-Related

15. Eat a large breakfast at home. It reduces your chances of eating out later in the day.
16. Request more perks, such as a company cell phone.
17. Make your own coffee at home and take it with you to work in an insulated cup.
18. Pack a lunch every day.
19. Don’t leave work during your lunch hour. Hang out in the break room instead.
20. Take advantage of any employee discounts you may have.
21. Carpool with coworkers.
22. Request a performance review from your boss so you can negotiate for a raise.
23. Save receipts for any work-related purchases so you can be reimbursed.
24. Have your paychecks directly deposited into your bank account.
25. Talk to HR about a less expensive insurance plan.

Utilities

26. Turn off lights as you leave the room.
27. Turn off the air conditioner/heater if you are leaving the house for longer than two hours.
28. Utilize ceiling fans during both the summer and winter.
29. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
30. Keep showers as brief as possible.
31. Bathe your children at the same time, permitting they are young enough.
32. Shower with your spouse/partner.
33. Purchase energy-saving
    fluorescent bulbs.
34. Install a tankless water heater.
35. Never run the dishwasher for just a few dishes.
36. Hand wash large pots and pans to save room in the dishwasher.
37. Apply weather stripping to the doors and windows.
38. Reuse old socks for cleaning and dusting.
39. Wash clothes in cold water.
40. Hang clothes on a line to dry.

Cooking

41. Bake your own bread.
42. Always save extra food for leftovers.
43. Pack up leftovers for lunch or work the next day.
44. Make your own pizza for family movie night.
45. Properly store vegetables in the crisper to prevent them from expiring early.
46. Use a non-stick canola spray instead of butter or oil.
47. Reuse Ziploc bags.
48. Make inexpensive foods like rice and beans a staple in the kitchen.
49. Find free recipes on the Internet.
50. Never buy ice at the store. Always make it at home.
51. If you are out of an ingredient, check your pantry for a substitute.
52. Cook up everything in your house before returning to the grocery store.

Cleaning

53. Use baking soda as a multi-purpose cleaning agent.
54. Dilute sprays from concentrate to go further.
55. Buy generic cleaning products, as the brand names are easy to replicate.
56. Change your vacuum bag frequently to avoid repairs.
57. Use an old-fashioned mop, not specialty ones that last a short time.
58. Spot clean large surfaces like rugs rather than cleaning the entire area.
59. Don’t hire outside help for housework.
60. Use a quality doormat to keep out dust, dirt and pesticides.
61. On rainy days, ask visitors to take off their shoes at the door.
62. Use lemon juice as an inexpensive stain remover.
63. Use refillable soap dispensers.

Lawn and Garden

64. Mow your own grass.
65. Only water your lawn when it needs it.
66. Water the lawn during dusk or dawn.
67. Set your lawnmower to make the shortest clip.
68. Start a compost pile and use it as fertilizer.
69. Use vinegar to kill your weeds, not harmful and expensive chemicals.
70. Grow a vegetable garden to save on food expenses.
71. Use a soaker hose.

Clothes

72. Buy clothes in the off-season.
73. Frequent second-hand clothing stores.
74. Buy clothes in lots on eBay.
75. Purchase underwear and socks in bulk.
76. Organize your closet to find clothing you forgot you had.
77. Don’t buy clothes that are too small for you in the hopes that you will lose weight. It can be the most disappointing way to waste money.
78. For name brand clothes, look to your local outlet mall.

Children

79. Breastfeed your babies for an extended period.
80. Buy disposable diapers in bulk.
81. Try store brand disposable diapers, you may be pleasantly surprised.
82. Opt for cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
83. Use a damp washcloth instead of baby wipes.
84. Outfit your children in hand-me-downs from older siblings.
85. Do not give your children a cell phone.
86. If you do give your child a cell phone, make it a prepaid phone.
87. Pack your children’s lunch for school every day.
88. Only eat at restaurants that serve children for free.
89. Work from home to avoid daycare costs.
90. Start a Upromise account to save for your child’s college education.

Transportation

91. Use an independent mechanic to fix your car, not the dealership (unless you are still under warranty).
92. Use a bicycle for short trips.
93. Consider public transportation for longer trips.
94. Fill up your gas tank in the coolest part of the day.
95. Use a gas rewards card.
96. Keep your tires balanced.
97. Change your oil regularly, as it will save you in repairs later.
98. Replace your car’s dirty air filter.
99. Never use a commercial car wash, always do it at home.
100. Join AAA, as you will enjoy many discounts and emergency road-side assistance.
101. Do not sit in the first-class section of a plane.
102. Buy airline tickets in advance.
103. Never travel by plane during holidays.
104. Never leave your car idling for longer than three minutes.

Credit Cards

105. If possible, pay off your balance in full each month.
106. If you are paying a high interest, transfer your balance to a card with an introductory rate of 0% APR.
107. Seek out a rewards card that fits your lifestyle.
108. Give your kids a secured credit card rather than trusting them with a regular one.
109. Keep your credit cards at home to avoid impulse buys.
110. Use your cards for emergencies only.

Savings and Investment

111. Use online banking.
112. Find a discount brokerage to avoid large, hidden fees.
113. Comparison shop for a bank with the best rates.
114. Learn how to properly file your taxes without using a CPA.
115. Sit down and compose a reasonable household budget.
116. Request your free yearly credit report from the government.
117. Start a loose change jar.

Electronics

118. Buy floor model electronics at a reduced rate.
119. Skip the extended warranties.
120. Buy refurbished electronics that come with a guarantee.
121. Buy models on clearance that are being discontinued.
122. Before you buy expensive software, see if there is a comparable freeware product available.
123. Thoroughly clean your computer at least twice a year with a vacuum hose/can of compressed air.
124. Look to eBay for inexpensive electronics.
125. Don’t overspend on unnecessary accessories for your computer, video game console, etc.

Although many of the above tips will only save you cents at a time, they will eventually add up to a considerable sum of money. Should you wish to splurge on something that your frugal life otherwise wouldn’t allow for, then you can certainly try these ideas as a way to set aside cash. If you are being really diligent, however, you will probably want to save or invest the extra money. Either way, it is good to know that you have everyday opportunities to conserve, even when you are already on a tight budget.

Posted in Features

May 30th, 2007

Sometimes the line between what is frugal and what is just plain cheap can be a fine one. In fact, many people use the terms interchangeably. In actuality, being frugal and being cheap are quite different. Frugal means that you’re being economical and avoiding waste. Cheap is…well, how about embarrassingly stingy? How can you know when you’ve taken your frugality into the dreaded realm of cheapness? Here are a few examples to help you know whether you’ve crossed the line.

1. Price Over Quality: The biggest cheapness mistake many make is placing the price tag over quality in priority. Often the cheapest items aren’t always the best value in the long run. Cheaply made items often wear out or break faster than those that might cost a little more initially. Frugal people realize that sometime the extra money is worth it for better quality, but cheap people can only see the initial investment they will have to make. You don’t want to buy the cheapest pair of pants only to have them to fall apart at an early and inopportune time. An investment in a quality pair of pants at a bargain price is a much better option in the long run.
2. Spending Time to Save Money: There are times when hunting down a bargain can be worth the time spent chasing it, and this activity can be fun. But cheap people will often go out of their way just to save a few pennies. Take this for example: One store has an item you want to buy which is listed at $19.99. Another store, 20 minutes out of your way has the same item at $18.99. Cheap people are often so blinded by the opportunity to save a dollar that they forget that the time they spend chasing the bargain may not add up in the end. Don’t get so caught up in saving small amounts of money that it eats up time you could be spending with family or doing something you enjoy.
3. Depriving Yourself of Experiences: So you have a once in a lifetime chance to do something you’ve always wanted to do, but it doesn’t come without a cost. Should you spend the money for the experience? Cheap people often cheat themselves out of great experiences because they are so worried about the cost. They’d rather miss out than take the risk. Frugal people realize that something that will make your life better overall may be worth the expense - especially if it’s on sale! So if your all-time favorite band is reuniting for a tour and you have a chance to go - do it! The value of the experience will outweigh the cost in the end, especially if you can get the tickets for free.
4. Paying for Savings with Other People’s Money: How you act when you’re eating out can be a big indicator of cheapness. A cheap person will order an $8 meal and when the bill comes only pay $8 leaving the cost of tax and tip for the other diners. True frugality should never come at the cost of your friends and family. Saving money isn’t worth damaging relationships. If you consistently don’t pay your share you might not be invited to eat out again!
5. Going to Bizarre Extremes to Save: If you spend your evenings unrolling and separating two ply toilet paper and re-rolling into one ply rolls you might be taking your money saving a little too far. That might seem like an extreme example, but I can guarantee that at least one person out there is guilty of this practice. Some things are worth the effort and some are not. If you’re going completely out of your way to save money and act in ways that others might consider a little unhealthy, you’re probably being more cheap than frugal.
6. Taking More Than Your Share: All those ketchup packets and napkins at restaurants are there for the taking right? Why not fill your pockets with them on your way out? Sound like something you’ve done? Unfortunately, this isn’t really frugal so much as cheap (not to mention a little tacky). Businesses put out condiments and napkins for use while in the establishment - not to take home with you. Don’t take more than your share just to save a few bucks over the course of the year.
7. Bargain or Rip off? Switching the price tags on an item at a yard sale might get you a better deal but at what cost? Cheap people are often so focused on bargain hunting that they forget the people they’re hurting in their quest for a deal. Don’t forego morals for saving money. Frugality is something that you do for yourself to save money, not something that you do to someone else to save money.
8. Offering Favors and Expecting Repayment: So you’ve offered to give your friend a ride to the airport as a favor. Once you arrive you turn to your friend and ask them for some money for gas. Now, there are situations when expecting payment for giving someone a ride would be acceptable - even between friends - but if you’ve offered yourself as a chauffeur you shouldn’t expect to be paid back for this favor. Even with high prices for gas this is a mark of someone being more cheap than frugal.
9. Cheap Food Over Healthy Food: I will be the first to admit that the prices of healthier foods are often much more than that of less healthy alternatives. One dollar can buy you two apples or 10 packs of ramen noodles. You can get more meals out of the ramen, but at what cost? Cheap people often can’t look beyond the cost of healthier foods to see the long-term benefits. Frugal people know that there are ways to eat healthy and still save money. Shopping at farmer’s markets or starting your own garden can be a way to eat fruits and vegetables, save money, and still maintain your quality of life.
10. Not Leaving a Tip: Not leaving a wonderful waiter or waitress a tip on your credit card after dining might save you money, but it isn’t something that should distinguish you as a frugal person. In fact, it’s just plain cheap. It’s understandable to leave a small tip for service that is horrible, but if a service person has done their best to make your experience enjoyable you should tip them accordingly. Service people often make a majority of their income on tips alone, and penny pinching to the degree that you’re not leaving a tip might help you, but it also hurts someone else.
11. Saving Food from Buffets: If you stuff your pockets and your face at a buffet, you’re a cheapskate. If you want something to take home with you, order a large entree and take home what you don’t eat. Buffets may operate on the principle of all you can eat but that "rule" applies while you’re actually in the establishment. If it were ok to take food home from the buffet you wouldn’t need to hide your activities. If you have to sneak around to save money, you’re probably not being frugal.
12. Being Cheap on a Date: There is a fine line to walk when dating if you don’t want to be considered cheap. If you invite someone out to a fancy dinner (who is not just a friend) and then expect him or her to pay there’s probably a pretty good chance that you’ll be considered cheap and/or rude. It may not be fair, but in all honesty it’s the way things are. And once you’re considered cheap your chances of a second date might be out the window. But frugal people know that there are many free or inexpensive date options that won’t make you look cheap. Art galleries, public parks, or even a home packed picnic can make for romantic and inexpensive dates.
13. Lying About Age: Lying about your child’s age to get a cheaper admission to a movie or to let them eat off of the kid’s menu might save you money, but it isn’t really frugal. It’s dishonest, and it also teaches your child that it’s ok to lie when it’s to your advantage. If you want to save money on movies, go to the library or a discount theater instead of taking advantage of the fact that your child can pass for a younger age.
14. Sweltering in the Summer or Freezing in the Winter: Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money and energy as you can raise or lower the temperature in your house based on your needs, but sometimes frugal energy conservation becomes a cheapness obsession. Should you wear your coat indoors just to keep yourself from shivering in winter? Saving money and energy is a noble goal, but it shouldn’t make your home life miserable.
15. Buying Junk Cause It’s Cheap: Buying cheap things simply because they are cheap isn’t frugality. Cheap people often make the mistake of buying things they don’t need because they are getting a bargain. Stores are often set up around this principle, with large bins of cheap items near checkout areas to entice you to buy impulsively. But unless you already intended to buy these things (and who doesn’t have a dozen plastic coconut shaped glasses on their list?) the long term advantage of the savings is lost.
16. Making Big Purchases Based on Price: If you were going to drop a large amount of money on something you’d want to get the most value for your dollar right? Cheap people often forget that with big purchases the price tag can be deceptive. They buy the cheapest car or refrigerator, and they don’t pay for the extended warranty. The problem with this is that repairs on large items can often be more costly than simply buying a nicer product in the first place. Frugal people know that buying expensive things should be the result of careful research and shopping around to figure out what the best product will be for them. The cheapest price initially may not always be the least expensive purchase in the long run.
17. Not Giving to Charity: Being frugal isn’t about being a miser. Cheap people often make this mistake and save their money to the point of being selfish. For however little you have, there is inevitably someone who has less. Part of being frugal is making the most of every dollar you have both for yourself and for others. And being generous doesn’t mean giving your expired food or worn out clothes to the poor - that’s steal a cheapskate move. You don’t have to give a ton but what you give should be something you’d be willing to receive yourself. Plus, you can deduct donations from your taxes - but only if they’re in good shape.
18. Extending Cheapness to Guests: Most people treat guests to their home better than they treat themselves. Yet there are cheap people out there who will spare every expensive to make guests uncomfortable. Offering someone tea made with a reused tea bag or restricting overnight guests to five-minute showers takes your saving to the extreme. Frugal people can be flexible with their habits and realize that guests may not always want to live the way they do. While there is a certain amount of adjustment required when you stay at someone else’s house, expectations that impose on the comfort and enjoyment of others isn’t what being frugal is about.
19. Not Spending Money When the Need Exists: There are times when money simply must be spent. Cheap people often put off these expenses at the risk of their personal safety or health. They would rather drive around a car with a broken part than pay to have it fixed. They ignore the risk that the broken part poses in order to save money. But frugal people know that sometimes in order to save money in the long run you have to pay for things now. Don’t be afraid to pay for repairs or maintenance on items that you use frequently.
20. Never Indulging: Being frugal isn’t about always denying yourself. The true frugalist knows that every now and again a little indulgence is worth the cost. (And if you place the charge on your cash back card, you reward yourself on your balance sheet as well.) Cheapness is often the result of refusing even the smallest treat, even when it could lift your mood or make your life easier. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break every once in awhile.
21. Denying Needs: People often make the mistake of denying themselves important needs in the name of saving money. If it’s 100 degrees outside and you start getting dehydrated with no drinking fountains in sight, it might behoove you to purchase a bottle of water before you keel over. If you’ve been coughing for the last 2 months with no end in sight, suck it up and pay for the visit to the doctor. Ignoring personal health issues isn’t frugal it’s just silly and potentially dangerous.

So what is the difference between being frugal and being cheap? Frugality is about more than just saving money. It’s about using money wisely as a means to greater happiness. When saving money starts to affect your life negatively, then you might have crossed the line into the cheapness realm. While cheapness might seem humorous at times, some cheap activities might cost you more in the long run.

Posted in Features

May 21st, 2007

Many tech geeks don’t realize that their gadgets are — for the most part — environmentally unfriendly. The reality is that high-tech devices tax the environment in numerous ways- they use lots of energy, often contain hazardous chemicals, and usually don’t have much of a long-term usage life. So if you just can’t give up your addiction to technology and if you don’t want to create your own personal hole in the ozone you’ll need to be more careful about your usage. Luckily, there are a few simple ways that you can embrace your love of all things computerized and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.

1. Turn It Off — While this is an incredibly simple thing to do, it can save a huge amount of electricity over the course of a year. A computer that’s continuously running will emit 2,161 pounds of CO2 in a year and cost on average $45 a year to power. It would take 100 to 500 trees to offset that amount of extra CO2. Many people have been reluctant to turn off their computer because they believe that it’s bad for the computer or that it will actually use more energy in the long run. Neither one of these myths are true. Computers are designed to handle more on/off cycles than you will possibly use in the life of the machine, and the energy surge required to boot up your computer is equal to about the same amount of energy used to run your computer for 3 minutes. If you simply can’t bear to turn your computer off due to long booting times, put your computer in sleep mode when you’re not using it, or at least turn off the monitor at night. If you’re forgetful, a program called Local Cooling can be set to automatically put your computer in sleep mode, turn it off, or turn off the screen.
2. Recycle Your Old Computer — Computers are a main contributor to electronic waste products and they pose a major disposal issue because they are made up of various components that are environmentally toxic. It is estimated that only tan percent of old computers are currently recycled, which is a sad statistic considering the quickness with which technology becomes obsolete. Don’t let your computer be part of the problem. If your computer is still in good working order, you can donate your old computer to an organization that can refurbish it and give it to someone who can use it. Keep a record of these donations and you could even get a bit of a tax break. If your computer has seen it’s last working days and you’re ready to kick it to the curb don’t send it off to the landfill. Programs exist nationwide for computer recycling, both for your main system and for the components that go along with it. Recyclers will take apart your old computer to remove any useful parts, break down the rest, and make sure that harmful chemicals are disposed of properly. You’ll be rid of your old electronics and you won’t pollute any groundwater supplies.
3. Don’t Use Screen Savers — There was a time when screen savers were actually a practical thing, designed to protect the phosphorescent lining of monochrome monitors. Most new monitors are LCD, and if you use a screen saver on an LCD monitor it can actually reduce the lifespan of the monitor. So that slide show of your dog in various costumes may be cute and funny, but it isn’t helping your monitor nor is it helping the environment. Keeping your screen active and moving uses more energy than setting your monitor to go blank or shut down when your computer is not in use. In some cases, screen savers can actually prevent your computer from going into the power saving mode.
4. Print Smart — Printing is inherently a bit of an ungreen piece of technology, but that doesn’t mean you have to make it any worse than it already is. For instance, don’t waste paper printing out things you could easily jot down on scrap paper. Also, carefully proofread before sending documents to the printer. While editing on paper might be easier make an attempt to edit drafts electronically, it’s just not worth the waste. If you do print something that you don’t need, make sure it gets recycled or used it as scrap paper. You can also conserve with your printer by buying ink refill kits instead of completely new cartridges. And if you’re really serious about greening up your printer, try changing over from petroleum based inks (which can pollute and cause cancer and birth defects if not disposed of properly) to a soy-based ink.
5. Make Your Next Computer a Green One — While not everyone is in the market to replace a computer right now, it’s good to remember that the average life span of most computer systems is only 3-5 years. That’s not very long, and the sad reality is that within the next few years you most likely will find yourself thinking of replacing your computer. With the current focus on the environment and environmentally friendly products, manufacturers are jumping on the green bandwagon. Companies like Dell and Apple continue to make a concentrated effort to create computer systems that are more environmentally friendly. One thing to look for is a system with an EnergyStar rating. In order to qualify for this rating, computers must meet performance standards in energy use. And while you’re saving the planet, you may as well save yourself a few bucks by making your purchase with your cash back or rewards credit card.

One other thing to note is that laptops generally use less energy than their desktop counterparts. If you simply can’t part with your desktop, Green Peace has created a list of the most environmentally friendly companies that produce electronics. Use that list and you (and the earth) will prosper.

PCs and information-technology equipment use about $8 billion in annual electricity costs each year in the United States alone. Even small changes in your computer use can make a difference, and that limited use might show up as a profit on your power bill. The disposal, while more difficult to handle depending upon your location and the number of e-recyclers in your town, can lessen your carbon footprint. While the latter effort seems less important because you don’t see immediate results, the future generation will thank you.

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