April 27th, 2007

If you have poor credit, you might feel as though you’re shut out from the “normal” world. It seems that you can’t get anywhere without a credit card, as hotels, rental cars, and other businesses demand one for identity validation, as well as for payment — even if you intend to pay cash for your purchase.

The truth is, even with poor credit, you can obtain a new credit card. However, as a bad-credit risk you will usually pay very high fees and receive a lower credit limit. What other options do you have? Plenty, but some will cost you — like that secured or unsecured credit card for bad-credit risks. Others, like the new eLayaway plan (#10), are very reasonably priced but you have limits on where you can use them. Some, like a debit card, require checking accounts. Options like prepaid or gift cards only require a purchase of that card to provide you with a cash alternative that can be used online, at a store, or on the phone.

Whatever option you decide to use to make payments without cash, make sure that you read all the fine print involved with it. You have many alternatives, with the ten best listed below.

1. Debit Cards

   A debit card is a plastic card that can provide an alternative to both credit cards and to checks. First, this card represents the balance in your checking account and functions as a replacement for writing a check. So you must maintain a checking account before you can acquire and use a debit card. In fact, some merchants offer the ability for a customer to withdraw cash along with paying for a purchase, but other merchants — specifically online merchants — may not accept a debit card for purchases, let alone for cash withdrawal unless the card displays a MasterCard or Visa logo. In that case, the cards will usually be accepted at any online or on-the-street retailer that accepts credit cards.

   Debit cards include ATM cards, check cards, or a combination of the two. When you use the debit card, the funds are automatically withdrawn from your checking account and a fee may be attached to the use of the card monthly and/or by transaction. Your debit card can be used at ATMs globally as long as the ATM displays one of the same system names or symbols that is on your debit card. When obtaining funds at an ATM in a foreign country, the funds are dispersed in that country’s currency.

   If your debit card is stolen, a thief can wipe out your checking account and you can be held responsible for the loss depending upon the issuer of that card and the protective clauses attached to it. So, be sure to read and understand the protections that your debit card provides for theft. If you overextend your debit card, you could end up with charges for bounced checks, so be sure to add any debit card charges to your balance to rest assured that you won’t exceed the balance in your checking account when you use this card. Finally, a debit card does little to restore bad credit, as it simply represents your checkbook. However, if you continue to overextend your checking account through the abuse of a debit card, this activity will affect your credit standing.

2. Prepaid Cards

   Prepaid cards function just like credit or debit cards except you can’t rack up a negative balance because your purchases are immediately deducted from the card’s balance. You don’t need a checking account to purchase one of these cards and you can usually use them to make online, phone, or in-person purchases, to pay bills, and at ATMs. Some employers now offer prepaid cards as wage payment for an alternative to checks and some government agencies provide prepaid cards for child support, unemployment and other benefits payments. You can also purchase prepaid cards directly from banks and at some stores. If you want to buy a prepaid card through an online vendor, you usually need to use a credit or debit card to complete that purchase.

   Some prepaid cards do come with associated fees and limitations, as well as with some advantages. The major drawback to this card is that some online merchants will not accept many prepaid cards for open-ended accounts, such as the one you might need for eBay’s seller verification process. Additionally, some prepaid cards also deduct a set amount ( up to $50 ) immediately for gas purchases, even if you’ve only purchased $1 worth of gas. You will be refunded in due time, but many card companies don’t warn their clients about these anomalies.

   On the other hand, parents have found that prepaid cards provide a great introduction to credit cards for teens, as teens can learn quickly how even small purchases can add up at the register. Prepaid cards also are much safer than debit cards because anyone who steals that card can spend only the amount that remains on the card. These cards can usually be “topped off” to raise the current balance on the card, but you may need a credit or debit card and/or a checking account for that process. Once again, this type of card will do little to build credit.

3. Gift or Merchant Cards

   Like prepaid cards, gift or merchant cards don’t require checking accounts or a credit check. You can purchase these cards just as you would any other merchandise. The limitation to these cards is that the gift card usually focuses on one merchant, product, or service. For instance, a phone card is good only for phone calls and a card designated for food purchases cannot be used to pay phone bills. These cards can usually be “topped off” to raise the current balance on the card but you may need a credit or debit card and/or a checkingaccount for that process.

   If you decide to give a gift card to someone, you might read what Daniel Gross and Nadyne have to say about this gift. Not everyone appreciates the perceived value contained in these cards and you might learn why these cards could hinder your buying power as well. For instance, gift cards are often handled like credit cards at the register, so if the balance on that card is less than the merchandise price the card may be denied. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers answers [PDF] to problems that you might encounter with these cards. This card will do little toward rebuilding your credit standing.

4. Secured Credit Cards

   A secured credit card represents one option to rebuilding bad credit or building new credit as a no-credit risk. A secured card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. Usually, you deposit anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars into that account and your line of credit may represent a percentage of that amount - anywhere from fifty to one hundred percent of those funds. These funds “secure” your account so that if you default on your payments, the bank can recoup the cost of your spending with your funds. You may be able to add to the deposit to add more credit and/or sometimes a bank will reward you for a good payment history and add to your credit line over time without requesting additional deposits.

   Watch out for secured credit card fees, as some companies charge so many fees that your funds may be wiped out before you even use the card. Annual fees, charges for opening the account, processing, and usage fees are rife with these cards. Some secured card issuers are sincere about helping you to build or rebuild your credit, however. These cards may represent the only option for no-credit or bad-credit risks to build credit, although some banks may refuse to cater to the latter individual.

   If you encounter problems with a secured credit card company that tries to milk you out of your funds, use the steps provided by the FTC to avoid and resolve your issues.

5. Unsecured Credit Cards

   You may not hear the term “unsecured credit card,” often because this card is, for all intents and purposes, a regular credit card. However, some credit cards are easier for no-credit (such as students) or bad-credit users to access, as they often come with higher interest rates, annual fees, and lower credit limits. But, if you can manage to snag one of these cards and treat it with respect, the bank may raise your limits over time and this will also help you to rebuild or build your credit. However, you will need to contact and work with the bank to lower your interest rates and to eliminate the annual fee once your credit score has improved.

   Beware of credit card issuers that may offer a high line of credit for use at only one store. Another scam includes a card that pretends like it’s an unsecured card but it acts like a secured card in that it wipes out your checking account with fees and charges to open and operate the account.

6. Secured Personal Loans

   Despite bad credit, you might posses a home or other merchandise and funds that can serve as collateral for a secured personal loan. In this case, you can offer this collateral as security against default on that personal loan. For instance, you can borrow money on your automobile for an emergency situation. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase a home or an automobile, you can use that unpaid-for item as collateral on a loan to purchase that item. In that instance, the bank or finance company will hold the deed or title until the loan is repaid.

   Other types of secured loans include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), or even second mortgages. Such loans are based on the amount of home equity or the value of your home minus the amount still owed. Other types of secured loans include debt consolidation loans where a home or personal property is used as collateral or where loans are consolidated without collateral (such as consolidated school loans). Instead of having many perhaps high-interest payments to make each month, money is loaned to pay the original lenders off and the borrower then repays that lender. But, you may still need a cosigner who maintains good credit to help you to obtain this loan.

7. Unsecured Personal Loans

   Like unsecured credit cards, unsecured personal loans are obtained without collateral. A person obtaining an unsecured loan agrees to pay back the loan within a set time frame and signs documents attesting to such. This type of loan can also be called a signature loan. In many cases, a person with little to no or bad credit will need to obtain the signature of a co-signer who maintains good credit to secure the loan. This cosigner may need to offer collateral to meet the terms in the loan (which will then make this loan a secured loan - see above).

   The simplest unsecured loan is a personal loan from a friend or family member, with an I.O.U. as signature of agreement to pay back the loan. Since this type of loan can create ill feelings among friends or family members if the loan remains unpaid, you can look at using a service like Circle Lending to assure friends and family that you’re on the up-and-up.

8. Bill Me Later® Option

   Bill Me Later® is an alternative to credit cards for online and phone purchases. You don’t need to complete an application or get approval prior to shopping, but you do need to use your social security number to apply. Bill Me Later® will also review your credit report when you sign up and again periodically to “provide you with the maximum buying power possible.” Your purchase may be declined if your account is past due, if you attempt to make a purchase larger than the amount of credit they extend to you at any given time, or if a technical error on the merchant site.

   A limited number of merchants accept this form of payment, which works much like a credit card in that you receive a statement that lists your activities and requests payment. But, it appears that merchants are beginning to step up to try out this service, as Bill Me Later® assumes all responsibility for payments (you do not repay the merchants, you repay Bill Me Later®). Some new offers through Bill Me Later® include a “no pay” option for 90 days from U.S. Airways, Continental Airlines, and WalMart.com (the latter for orders over $250). Most of these special offers have expiration dates.

   Current APR on this alternative equals 19.99 percent, and the minimum finance charge is $2.00. However, like a credit card, you can avoid these charges if you pay your bill in full each month. You’re limited with bill payment options, as Bill Me Later® doesn’t accept credit cards, PayPal, or cash payments. But, the bill can be paid with a money order or through your checking or savings account.

9. Web-Based Funding Accounts

   If you need or want to purchase items online without a credit card, you can use services like PayPal and FirePay to accomplish this goal. Both accounts are free to set up for personal purchases, but they require checking accounts or credit or debit cards to both fund the account and to verify your identity. FirePay will charge a fee when you fund from your bank account into your FirePay account. On the other hand, PayPal charges the merchant, or the funds receiver, for the use of the account. When you purchase merchandise online through PayPal, the merchant will feel the pinch, not you. But, when people send money to your PayPal account, you’ll begin to feel that pinch as well. You can, however, fund PayPal or withdraw monies directly into a checking or savings account without charge. If you wish to receive a check from Paypal for the funds in your account, you will be charged a fee. But, PayPal currently offers a 5.04% interes rate based upon a seven day average yield on any funds you leave in this account.

10. Layaway Online

    Some online merchants, like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, offer layaway options where you pay a small deposit and monthly installments until the item is paid for in full. Only then can you take possession of that merchandise. While this payment option provides individuals with a way to purchase merchandise without accruing credit card fees, some merchants like Wal-Mart have dropped their layaway services with claims that the added costs and administrative hassles aren’t worth the effort when a customer can just use a credit card instead. Catch-22, right?

    If you like the layaway option, you can give Florida-based eLayaway a shot. The drawback is that this service was initiated in January 2007, so access to a wide variety of merchants remains narrow and regional (Gulf Coast area), with more offers for gift cards (see #3) than any other option.

    eLayaway requires a name, home address, phone number, date of birth and email address to open an account. The merchandise, once you’ve paid for it, will be sent automatically to the address that you give to verify your account. There are no credit checks and sign up is free, but you will be charged a 1.9% flat transaction fee for every $100 you transact through eLayaway. For instance, if you layaway an item that costs $350, you will make four payments of $89.16 for a total payment of $356.65. This amount reflects the total cost of the merchandise plus $6.65 in taxes and fees. While this is not as cheap as paying cash outright, it’s a definite improvement over fees charged by credit cards, most loans, or by a revolving account with Bill Me Later®.

As with credit cards, the options listed above come with a price and some risk. All online sites and their functions run the risk of downtime where you may not be able to access your account. Additionally, if you don’t own a computer, some options are beyond your capabilities, as some public places may not allow you to access private accounts to do online banking or credit transactions on their computers.

Beyond these limitations, even the consumer who refuses to use credit cards for personal reasons will find more and more options available to purchase online merchandise. The point here, perhaps, is that these options also provide a way for consumers to become more…well, more consumeristic. Once again, be sure to read the fine print and learn about both the charges and the protection that any institution will provide to you as a consumer. Choose the best option available for your needs and then use the credit cards or their alternatives with an eye toward respect for both your credit history and for what that company can take away from you if you cannot pay your bills.

Posted in Features

April 19th, 2007

eBay is one of the most popular Web sites on the planet for a reason. The online bazaar is capable of both earning and saving you a lot of money. With millions of bargain items to browse and an easy system to sell your items through, eBay may very well signal the end of garage sales and flea markets everywhere. Whether you are using the site to buy or sell, the following tips, how-tos and tutorials will help you maximize your eBay experience.

General Use of eBay

1. How To Open an eBay Account
   Opening an account on eBay is very straightforward and completely free of charge. After pressing the "Register Now" button on the homepage, you will be asked for pertinent information like your name, desired user ID and address. After your email is verified, you are free to begin bidding and selling. If you are still unsure about registration, you can always take the site’s guided tour first.

2. Maintaining Privacy
   If you are uncomfortable with divulging your home address to eBay buyers and sellers, then you may wish to use a P.O. Box for all transactions. You may also choose to use an initial for your first name when registering.

3. How To Open a PayPal Account
   If you are going to start buying and/or selling on eBay, then the safest form of payment to send/receive will be electronically through PayPal. Starting a PayPal account is easy and free, just like your eBay account. They will ask you for your name, address, as well as a credit card or bank account number. Rest assured that PayPal is a very secure, third party site that will handle all your personal information with discretion.

4. Using "My eBay"
   When you log into eBay, you should check out the "My eBay" area. There, you will find a report on all the things you are bidding on, selling and watching. This is where you can keep an eye on auctions of interest and check your inbox for messages from other users. You may wish to bookmark "My eBay" rather than the homepage.

5. The Feedback System
   Although eBay can’t promise you 100% satisfaction with every transaction through the site, they have instilled a helpful feedback system. Every time you buy or sell an item, you will have the opportunity to rate that transaction as a positive, negative or neutral experience. You will also be allowed to leave a short message with the rating. The feedback appears on a member’s profile page and will let other users know what it may be like for them to deal with that particular person.

6. Understanding Feedback Scores
   As you peruse the site, you will notice that every eBay member has a number following their Username. This is a feedback score and it is there to let you know what their reputation is like on the site. With every positive feedback rating received, a person’s score increases by 1. Each negative rating will reduce the number by 1. Neutral ratings do not affect a person’s score at all, but will still appear on the member’s profile page.

7. Positive Feedback Percentages
   In addition to a total feedback score, a member will have a positive feedback percentage on their profile page. This may be more useful in determining whether the seller has a good reputation or not. Generally, anything over 98% is desirable and users with a very low feedback percentage are removed from eBay.

8. How to "Speak eBay"
   Listings on eBay have their own acronyms and abbreviations, much like the ones you see in classified ads. Regular use of the site will make you more familiar with eBay language. However, if you come across something that really stumps you, there is an official eBay glossary at your disposal.

9. Attending eBay University
   A recent addition to the auction site is eBay University, an online educational program designed to help you become proficient with the site. It also includes an exhaustive video tutorial on all things eBay. While some of you may find the pacing a bit tedious, it really does a good job at walking you through the site with narration.

10. eBay Discussion Boards and Blogs
    If you would like to discuss eBay with other sellers and buyers, the discussion boards are always quite busy. If you are a seller, joining a discussion will be a good way to promote a particular item to a niche crowd. Also, this is an area where you can ask for advice or warn others of a problematic member. You can also read up more eBay tips on blogs such as bidbits.

11. International eBay Sites
    There are many other versions of eBay that are for international buyers and sellers. To date, there is now an eBay for the following countries/regions: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and United Kingdom. Each of these sites operate with the area’s official language and currency, should you consider visiting them.

12. Beware of Spoof Emails
    There are many criminals on the Internet who send out spoof emails that appear to be from eBay and ask for personal information, such as your login name and password. This is known as "phishing" and is an attempt at some sort of identity theft. Beware these emails and know that eBay will never send you a message asking for personal information or providing any links for you to click on. You should forward all suspected emails to: spoof@ebay.com.

Buying on eBay

13. How To Place a Bid
    Bidding on an eBay auction is very simple, provided you are logged into your eBay account. When you find an auction you are interested in, click the blue button next to the auction’s price that reads, "Place Bid". Then, you will be directed to a page where you should enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the item. From the starting price, the auction is raised in increments as people are outbid, so you could win without having to pay your maximum amount.

14. The "Buy It Now" Option
    Many items sold on eBay are not auctioned off, but rather have a flat price. If the item you are interested in only has a "Buy It Now" option, then you can buy it immediately at that set price. Some items are listed with both an option to bid and to buy immediately. The starting price for bid will be lower, so you may want to press you luck with it. However, if the "Buy It Now" option is only moderately higher and you really want the item, it would probably be best to choose immediate purchase.

15. Read the Auction Carefully
    Don’t experience buyer’s remorse due to a misunderstanding. You should read all auctions carefully before placing a bid, as you may neglect some very important information. For instance, you may overlook shipping charges or the seller’s preferred method of payment.

16. Importance of a Buyer’s Feedback Score
    Your feedback score is important, as you want to maintain a good reputation on the site. However, your feedback score as a buyer isn’t as important it is for a seller. In rare cases, an auction may stipulate that you should have an established history in order to bid, but most sellers are flexible if you are new to the site and contact them directly.

17. Check All Power Sellers’ Profiles
    A "Power Seller" is someone on eBay who regularly sells a high volume of goods and maintains a high positive feedback percentage. This title is bestowed on people as a mark of trust, but looks can be deceiving. A Power Seller may maintain a positive rating percentage of 99% only because they are moving such high numbers of items. In reality, they may be getting dozens of negative ratings a month, which is outrageous. Always check a Power Seller’s profile and look at how many negatives they have received this year. A few may be forgivable, but not hundreds.

18. How to "Snipe" an Auction
    The term "snipe" means to outbid someone on an auction right before it ends and before they get a chance to make a counter bid. With a fast Internet connection, you might successfully outbid someone when the auction only has a minute or less left. You might also be interested in checking out Lastminute Auction.

19. Items That Never Arrive
    Although eBay has a nice feedback policy in place, the auction site is still an honor system. In the event that you pay for an item and never receive it, you should first try to contact the seller for an explanation. If there is no response or if they tell you it is on the way and you still don’t receive it, you should report it to eBay right away. This can be done by marking the auction on your "My eBay" page as "Item Not Received". A dispute will be opened and you will then deal with the seller through a third party.

20. Requesting a Refund
    If you receive your item in poor condition and you feel it is the fault of the seller and not the postal service, you may have recourse to ask for a refund. Also, if the item you receive is different than what the auction described, you should seek a refund. Always contact a seller directly if you are dissatisfied with the item. Many are more than happy to offer some sort of refund or exchange. However, no seller is required to give a refund unless they specifically state in their auction that they offer one. If you paid for the item via PayPal, a complaint filed there can easily return your money, but you should give the seller a chance to do it first.

21. Requesting Shipping Details
    If you have any doubts or questions about an auction, always send the seller a message before you bid. This is especially important if you don’t see any details about shipping charges. You will want to make sure that the seller isn’t going to try and gouge you for shipping, which is an unfortunate habit for some members.

22. Bid With the Intention to Win
    You won’t know the outcome of any auction until the very end, so you should never bid on the same item in several different auctions if you only want one. Doing so may result in you winning more than one auction.

23. "Best Offer" Bids
    The recent addition of "Best Offer" bids is a variation of the "Buy It Now" option. Some sellers will ask for a flat price, but also give you a chance to offer a lower price. It will then be up to the seller to accept or deny the offer. Never assume that your offer won’t be accepted, as some sellers may be more motivated to get rid of the item than you think.

24. Research High-End Items
    Before you bid on a high-end collectible, make sure you know what the item is worth. Some starting prices or "Buy It Now" figures are a bit steep for the item in question. Never assume that the seller is being fair with their price.

Selling on eBay

25. How to List an Item
    Listing an item on eBay is very simple, as the site will slowly take you through each step. Provided you are logged into eBay, you should first press the "Sell" button at the top of the screen. Then, decide what category best matches the item you are selling. A simple form with clearly labeled fields will be all you need to complete before your item is listed. However, reviewing your listing before you post is very important. You should be very careful with the process, as you don’t want to make a crucial mistake, such as listing the item for much lower than you intended.

26. Use Keywords in Titles
    The title of your auction will be most important for attracting buyers, as many people will be using the search feature to find goods of interest. Use related keywords in your title that you think people might type into the eBay search engine. For example, a listing for clothes should probably include the sizes and brand names in the title.

27. Write a Truthful Description of Item
    Be honest and exact with your item’s description. While it isn’t necessary to compose a novel, you should include all the important details. This will help to sell your item, as well as to ensure that the buyer will be satisfied.

28. Take Clear Auction Photos
    You are encouraged to post at least one picture of the item you are selling, so a good digital camera is paramount. Your photo(s) should serve as an accurate representation of the item, so don’t use any tricks. Good lighting and a crisp focus should be easy enough to obtain with a digital camera and a nice picture will really help to sell your product.

29. Charge a Fair Shipping Amount
    Charging outrageous shipping prices is a poor way to conduct business on eBay. While a small handling fee is understandable, you should always be fair with the amount. Not only will price gouging make people avoid the auction, it may result in negative feedback from a disgruntled winner.

30. Set a Low Starting Price
    Many people start their auctions out at $.99, even if the item is worth considerably more. A psychological effect occurs by doing this. A low starting price encourages many people to bid, which will help to drive up the price in the long run. When other users see how many people are bidding, it almost makes the item more desirable. This phenomenon is known as "bidding frenzy".

31. Importance of a Seller’s Feedback
    Your feedback score is very important to buyers, as it will tell them whether or not you are trustworthy to buy from. You should easily be able to maintain a 100% positive feedback history, provided you are honest and professional with your auctions’ winners. Most disagreements can be settled through open correspondence.

32. Understanding eBay Fees
    Listing an item on eBay costs money, although it is usually a nominal amount. This listing fee is based on how much your starting price is, which is another good reason to start the bidding low. However, another charge will be made by eBay when the auction ends. This charge will be a percentage of the final closing price. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with eBay’s fee system so you aren’t surprised when you receive your monthly statement from the site.

33. Understanding PayPal Fees
    Although buying through PayPal is always free, sellers will notice that PayPal charges small fees for receiving payment through the site. This is a fact that dissuades many people from using PayPal, but the site really is the safest way to perform online money transactions. There are two types of PayPal accounts: personal and premier/business. Both are free to open and both have their pros and cons where fees are concerned. You should familiarize yourself with PayPal’s fee policy before you start using their services as a seller.

34. Second Chance Offers
    If a buyer ever fails to pay you for a closed auction and you have gone through the necessary channels to report them to eBay, then you can offer a "second chance" to the bidder who came closest to winning the auction. This bidder can choose to accept or refuse the second chance offer. Upon acceptance, they will be charged the maximum amount they originally bid.

35. Check Your InBox Regularly
    During any active auction you have listed, you should regularly check your "My eBay" page for messages from other users. Potential buyers often have questions for sellers about items up for bid. If you fail to reply to questions before the auction’s end, you may be costing yourself money.

36. Save Long Item Descriptions as a Document
    eBay is not without its technical malfunctions. While attempting to list an item, you might occasionally get an error message that causes the information you just entered to disappear. If you plan on writing a long description for an item, you should save it as a document, then cut and paste. That will prevent your hard work from being lost due to an unexpected glitch.

37. Pros and Cons of "Buy It Now" Auctions
    Allowing buyers to purchase your auction for a flat price is appealing to some sellers. This will ensure that you get an amount you deem fair and may actually help to sell your item quicker than a normal auction. However, it is possible that your item can be sold for more than your "Buy It Now" price, so you may not want to cap off your sale like that.

Many people are intimidated by eBay at first, but the site is really quite easy to use. Whether you are buying, selling or both, there’s no denying that eBay is truly addictive. In fact, eBay users have formed a bit of a subculture unto themselves. With a bit of practice, you too will become an online auction expert.

Posted in Features

April 18th, 2007

If you would like to view or place classified ads, forget about your local newspaper. Like so many things, classified ads have gone virtual, and you won’t find a better site for them than Craigslist.org. Craigslist is free to use by anyone, and, although Americans place most of the listings, the classifieds are for international use. Hugely expansive, the site can be a bit daunting to new users. Fear not, as the following tips, how-tos, and tutorials will assist you in your Craigslist exploration.

General Use of Craigslist

1. Starting Out
   Craigslist is massive, so you should know how it is set up before you dive in. All classifieds are divided by geographical region, then by the following categories — community, personals, housing, for sale, services, jobs, gigs, and resumes. Within each category are many subcategories, which will help to finely tune your searches.
2. Bookmark Your Area
   Upon your first visit, Craigslist’s home page will automatically show you the listings for the San Francisco Bay Area. If there is a certain city/region you are interested in, go to your desired area, then bookmark. It will save you extra steps each time you visit the site.
3. Keeping Craigslist Clean
   Craigslist relies on users to the keep it organized and honest. All users have the ability to flag each listing for removal from the site. A listing should be flagged if it contains prohibited content, if it is spam, or if the listing is miscategorized. 
4. How To "Speak Craigslist"
   Craigslist posts contain a lot of abbreviations and acronyms, which originate from classified ads in newspapers, where people are paying for space. Personal ads are particularly rife with abbreviations, using "W" for woman, "M" for man, etc. Regular use of the site will make you fluent in Craigslist-ese, or you could simple consult an online dictionary for anything that really stumps you.
5. Common Craigslist Scams
   Unfortunately, the freedom that Craigslist allows users also gives criminals free range to target their prey. The most common scam that is affecting people on Craigslist is counterfeit check and money order fraud. If anyone offers you a check or money order from overseas, do not accept or engage in any kind of complicated "money wire" transaction. Also, beware of anyone offering some sort of guaranteed Craigslist buyer protection, as there is no such thing.
6. How To Report a Scam
   If you have encountered some sort of fraud while using Craigslist’s services, the first thing you should do is flag any post associated with the criminal. Next, you should report the offense to the authorities. This may include your local police department, the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
7. Enjoying the "Best of Craigslist"
   Craigslist has a lot of great things to offer, but many posts will go unseen by users due to the size of the site. So, the nice people at Craigslist, Inc. have created an area called "best of craigslist". There, you will find all the most popular listings, as deemed by Craigslist users. Vote for your favorites by pressing "best of" on the top right-hand corner of an ad’s page.
8. Craigslist is for Adults Only
   Craigslist is a very liberal site with a lot of adult content in certain areas. Although Craigslist prohibits explicitly pornographic posts, things do tend to sneak in here and there, particularly in the personals section. You may wish to bar your children from freely perusing the site for this reason.
9. Join the Craigslist Community
   Craigslist isn’t just about classified ads; it is also an online community. There are many other areas to the site, such as the popular discussion forums. The forums are a great way to meet people of similar interests, as well as promote yourself or ask for help in regard to the site.
10. Share Your Craigslist Success Story
    If you have enjoyed some great success by using Craigslist, the site wants to know about it. They now encourage users to report their success stories, as they would like to share the information with media outlets and other Craigslist users.
11. Use Caution With Craigslist "Hook Ups"
    Craigslist has an extensive area dedicated to personal ads. While online social networking has become commonplace in recent years, you should always exact caution if meeting someone from Craigslist in person. The site even has a special warning for those looking online for casual sexual encounters.

Selling / Posting on Craigslist

12. Fees for Posting Ads
    Craigslist is largely regarded as a free site, although there are a few areas that charge for posting an ad. These include the following:
    • Posting one job in the San Francisco area: $75.
    • Posting one job in the Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, Seattle or Washington D.C. area: $25.
    • Posting one brokered housing ad in the New York City area: $10.
13. Register Before You Post
    Registration with Craigslist is free of charge and mandatory if you wish to post any ads. Make sure you enter a valid email address, as you will sometimes need to confirm or edit your listings. Also, Craigslist will contact you if other users ever flag down your ads.
14. How To Post a Craigslist Ad
    Posting your own ad is simple and free of cost in most cases. Ads that carry fees can easily be paid for with your favorite credit card. First, you should decide what city/region you want to list your ad under. From that area’s main page, click on "Post to Classifieds" in the top left-hand corner. The following screen will allow you to choose the most appropriate section for your listing. From there, you will be given categories within the section you choose. While you are making these decisions, Craigslist will be offering you guidelines and tips. Finally, you will be provided with a self-explanatory set of fields to create your ad with. You will be able to review your listing when you are finished and, upon posting, your ad will appear on the site within 15 minutes.
15. Use HTML to Your Advantage
    While most people opt for plain text, HTML is allowed in the body of your post. HTML can allow you to change the font size or add a logo, both popular choices. For many people offering services or employment, this is the best way to stand out in a low-def environment.
16. Use Images to Enhance Your Ad
    There are two ways to add an image to your Craigslist ad. One is through HTML in the body of your post. Also, Craigslist allows you to upload images to your ads in the housing, for sale and personals sections. Using images can greatly improve your chances of selling a product.
17. No Explicit Candids, Please
    While sexy pictures are allowed on Craigslist personals, pornographic ones are not. The site is a big proponent of free speech on the Net, but quite strict about their pornography rule.
18. Carefully Word Your Title
    Your title should be eloquent, yet self-explanatory. Don’t attempt to be too clever with the title or it might be so cryptic that people overlook it. Also, try to include relevant keywords, as many people use Craigslist’s search feature to narrow the listings.
19. Finding a Missed Connection
    One of the most unique areas of the site is the missed connections subcategory within the personals. If you briefly met someone in your travels that you felt you had a romantic connection with, yet nothing came of it, find that person by posting here on Craigslist. While this could be considered borderline stalking by some, others will find it very romantic.
20. Offer Your Services as an Employee
    Not only can you search for work in the jobs section of Craigslist, but you can also post an ad for your services. There is now a section devoted to user resumes, not unlike popular job listing sites Monster and CareerBuilder.
21. Craigslist Is Your Virtual Soapbox
    Thanks to the popular “rants and raves” section of Craigslist, you can now sound off on any topic you want for an audience of millions. From political views to obscure personal issues, Craigslist users find this service to be cathartic. Impress people with your witticisms and you may end up on the “best of” list.
22. Be Honest and Polite
    If you promise something in your title or ad that isn’t true, it will be flagged down quickly, so be honest. Also, be polite, particularly if you are posting a job listing. No one wants to work for a grouch.
23. Go Easy With the Caps Lock
    Some people think that the best way for their post to stand out amongst others is to write it all in capital letters. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Internet-savvy users often disregard such posts as the work of trolls or spammers.

Buying on Craigslist

24. Buy at Your Own Risk
    Know that any and all transactions you make through Craigslist are done so at your own risk. Craigslist is not responsible if you get scammed by a seller nor do they offer any recourse if you do.
25. Craigslist: The Low-Def eBay
    Don’t be fooled by Craigslist’s modest appearance; the people behind the site merely wish to shun any corporate image. You are just as likely to find something to buy on Craigslist as you are on eBay. The “for sale” section of the site may not be as pretty as eBay, but you won’t have to hassle with any bidding wars or hidden fees, either. All transactions are handled without a middleman.
26. Find Local Garage and Estate Sales
    If you are an all-around bargain hunter, you should look for garage and estate sales in the "for sale" section. This list should be better than your local newspaper’s, as people can post easily and for free on Craigslist. Also, last minute sales will pop up on Craigslist, rather than in the newspaper. 
27. Buying Real Estate
    If you are in the market for real estate, then buying directly from the owner can be the best way to get a good deal. Craigslist is an excellent place to search for local real estate, particularly if you would rather not deal with a real estate agent. As with all transactions, however, do your homework before you commit to any agreement.
28. Paying in Person
    Unlike eBay, where most transactions will be made through the mail, Craigslist purchases are often local and may require face-to-face contact between a buyer and seller. Both parties should be cautious when meeting someone from Craigslist in person. However, the buyer should be especially wary if carrying cash to the meeting place. Remember, most individual sellers won’t take American Express.
29. Official Craigslist Merchandise
    While Craigslist prides itself on being almost non-profit, they do now offer Craigslist t-shirts. Some shirt designs are amusing and some are just straightforward advertisements for the site. Craigslist’s store also allows you to create your own t-shirt design.

Job Listings on Craigslist

30. Posting the Same Job Listing in Multiple Cities
    Doing this is recognized by Craigslist as spam. The moment you attempt it, an automated message will inform you of this rule. However, if you are offering a telecommuting position, you will undoubtedly want more visibility on the site. You can work around Craigslist’s policy by changing the title and content of your post just enough to trick their filters.
31. Subscribe to Your Favorite Job Board
    If you are actively seeking work in a certain category, you should subscribe to that job board’s RSS feed. The RSS button is located on the lower right-hand side of the page. If you are a freelancer, this should save you considerable time each day trying to get the jump on other jobseekers.
32. Search for Work Under "Gigs" Also
    Although many positions offered in the gigs section are non-paying to low-paying, regular work can also arise on that board. Freelancers should always check both the jobs and the gigs board.
33. Beware of Fraudulent Employers
    Craigslist users are susceptible to scams all over the site, but job postings can be the most damaging to a person. When applying for work, use caution with your personal information until you are certain the position is legitimate. While your name and email address will probably have to be shared right away, never offer your social security number unless you’ve researched your potential employer a bit more. Telecommuters appear to be most vulnerable to fraud.
34. Flagging Job Listings
    Always flag any fraudulent listings right away, as they need to be removed from the site ASAP. Also, flag listings that are miscategorized. This includes listings in the jobs category that are offering zero compensation. Non-paying positions can be placed under "gigs", but not under "jobs".
35. Apply for Work Quickly
    Positions advertised on Craigslist are often filled quickly, so apply for desired positions without delay. An RSS subscription will help you in this endeavor, as job boards are updated around the clock.
36. Find Telecommuting Positions
    Craigslist is a great place to find telecommuting positions, as there is a simple search feature on the job board that narrows your results to just work that can be done from home. Since legitimate telecommuting positions are few and far between, this feature comes in handy for a lot of people.
37. Write a Strong Cover Letter
    When applying for work on Craigslist, your success will really hinge on a strong cover letter, as you are competing with many other people. Try to write a clear, concise cover letter that doesn’t read like a template. Most cover letters sound the same, so be creative. However, try not to confuse "creative" with "unprofessional". Your freedom in that regard will depend on the job you are applying for.

Whether you are selling your car or looking for love, Craigslist will serve you well. It is catching on in every corner of the world, too, as the site is now visited by over 15 million people a month. Like eBay and other popular listing sites, surfing Craigslist can become very addictive. Fun, convenient and multi-purpose, you can easily use the site to its full potential with just a bit of practice.

Posted in Features

April 17th, 2007

If you’ve taken the Ecological Footprint Quiz, the number of planets that you’ve destroyed with your carbon footprint is probably burned into your brain. But in your search for ways to reduce your impact on the planet, you learn that many suggestions turn out to be sales pitches for items that are well beyond your budget. Plus, some ideas about how to green up your life are almost impossible to comprehend, let alone implement. (Do you really need a solar-powered windmill?)

The following list provides you with 57 ways to go green and save a boatload of money at little to no cost. And you shouldn’t even need a credit card! If you begin to share a ride to work with one person, for instance, you can save up to $780 per year. Other suggestions are negligible since they depend upon your current habits; however, in each instance you can learn more about subjects that will help you create your own formulas for saving the green in more ways than one.

Transportation

If you drive to work alone you really aren’t alone. In 2004, the U.S. census estimated that out of the nation’s 128.6 million workers, 77 percent of workers drove alone to work, 10 percent carpooled, two percent walked, and five percent used public transportation The following savings are approximate, based on an average of $30 per week in gas — or ten gallons of gas per week at $3 per gallon — excluding payments for car maintenance, insurance, taxes, tag, etc.

1. Bike or walk to work. The only gas you’ll use with this option is oxygen. Savings: $1,560 per year.
2. Telecommute. Learn about this quiet revolution [PDF link] in the workplace. Telecommuting twice a week can save you 40 percent of your gas costs according to the Telework Coalition. Savings: $624 per year.
3. Carpool. If you must use your car, share your ride. Find a ride in your local paper or try craigslist. Savings: $780 per year if shared with one other person.
4. Keep your car tuned. A well-tuned car uses approximately nine percent less gas than a poorly tuned car, and you can lose about two percent in fuel economy for every pound of pressure your tire is under the recommended level. Savings: $150 per year.
5. Learn to drive. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by five percent around town and 33 percent on the highway, or an average of $0.55 per gallon. And, you get less mileage for your money (23 percent less or $0.67 per gallon) if you drive over 60mph. Savings: $1.22 per gallon, or $634 per year.
6. Decrease your drag. If you aren’t using that overhead luggage rack, take it off (do you really need to carry that much luggage in the first place?). Also, it may help to turn off the AC and open up your windows to conserve gas, but not when you’re cruising down the highway at 60mph. Open windows at that speed increases drag and is less conservative than using the AC.
7. Lose the car. Consider all the money you’ll save on gas, maintenance, and taxes. You can donate that car for a tax deduction as well (see below).

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

8. Learn about tax deductions for charitable goods. Charitable items now must be in "good used condition or better." Learn more about where you can take deductions, how much you can take, and more through IRS Publication 526.
9. Learn about recycling. Europe is pioneering high-tech recycling, because its population is dense and landfills are scarce. Waste Online, based in the U.K., offers hundreds of strategies about waste, disposal issues, and solutions for turning waste into resources (like saving money and/or selling your trash). If you live in the U.S., this site can offer ideas so that you can…
10. Recycle locally, save on trash collection costs. Savings on recycling might seem negligible now, but the price for garbage collection is on the rise in the U.S., thanks to rising gas costs and the price of running a waste business. Use Earth 911 to find recycling resources in your area. If you can’t find a resource, then approach your local government about local recycling now that you’ve studied the issues.
11. Give your junk away. If you don’t have enough goods for tax deductions, remember, "One man’s junk is another man’s treasure." Use groups like Freesharing and Freecycle to move out unwanted items. You can find some great deals through these organizations as well.
12. Buy smart and save. When you need to purchase new items for yourself or as gifts, ask yourself if the item is recyclable. Plus, you can save some money in the long run if you read about Worldwatch Insitute’s Good Stuff before you make purchases to learn about items that represent sound ecological and economical decisions.
13. Live the new American Dream. It may seem that the new American Dream is to have a greener gadget than your neighbor. But, some green dreams cost little and they often reap huge rewards. Visit the New American Dream to learn how to live consciously, buy wisely, and make a difference.

Food and Food Waste

14. Cut back on meat consumption. If you cut back on meat you can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This act alone can save you a boatload of money in future medical costs.
15. Plastic water bottles create small-scale environmental disasters. American demands for plastic water bottles requires the use of more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel approximately 100,000 U.S. cars for a year. Use filtered tap water in a reusable bottle, and you’ll save money as well as show the world that you’re green. Switch to a glass container at home or in the office, stainless steel when biking or bungee jumping.
16. Move away from plastic food storage containers. The problem with plastics is dependency on this non-biodegradable material despite its possible toxicity. Save money and protect your health and the environment when you purchase foods in glass containers and then reuse those containers for food storage (but not in the freezer!).
17. Learn how to compost. Even if you live in an apartment, you might find a ways to use food waste as compost in a personal or community garden. But you might need to learn how to compost first. Go to American Community Garden to find or to create a community compost project. You can learn about how to conduct group efforts from sites like that one, but don’t expect to make a living from a small compost project. Instead, you can enjoy the organic local veggies for health benefits.
18. Learn to love worms. Another "in" food waste management program involves worms, or vermiculture, even in urban areas. But, go small before you decide that this is the green money-saving and moneymaking project for you (yes, you can sell your worms, and prices vary by area and weight). Two warnings about vermiculture: 1) The worms are noisy, so keep them in a place where the noise won’t creep you out (from personal experience); 2) Beware of Ponzi schemes that offer to buy back your worms.

Water

19. Learn why water conservation is so important. Yes, water is a renewable resource, but its access seems to be both unpredictable and arbitrary. Learn more about the international water crisis so that you can relate the world situation to your local access.
20. Then, learn about your local watershed through adoption. The EPA invites you to adopt your local watershed. Through this effort, EPA challenges citizens and organizations to protect and restore water resources at a local level. You will become more aware of what you can do to conserve water and cash, like…
21. Wash clothes only when you have a full load. Two socks or a full load require the same amount of energy to wash. You’ll save money on your water bill when you wash clothes less often.
22. Use cold water whenever possible. Home laundering accounts for up to 36 percent of total household hot water use. You can save 90 percent of the energy you use to wash clothes when you switch to a cold wash. A switch to a cold-water detergent might cost a few pennies more per load, but if you wash clothes less often, that issue might be moot.
23. Learn how to find water leaks. One drip can waste 250 gallons of water a month, which translates to 3,000 gallons of wasted water annually. Additionally, you can save money when you take matters into your own hands. Learn how to read your water meter to determine if you have water leaks. If you have a leak, learn how find that leak. For instance, you can test toilet leaks when you add a few drops of food coloring or instant coffee to the tank and don’t flush. If the color shows up in the bowl within a few minutes, you have a ’silent’ leak that needs repair.
24. Use less water when you flush. Up to half the water consumed in a home is used in the bathroom. New low-volume flush toilets don’t need displacement devices; but, if you own an older toilet, a plastic bottle will come in handy in this instance. Instead of throwing the bottle in a landfill, fill it with water, recap it, and place it in the tank. You’ll reduce the flow by 40 percent and still maintain enough water for a good flush.
25. Install a low flow showerhead and take short showers. The goal is to limit the flow to less than three gallons per minute, as this amount is far less than you might use with a regular shower. Learn how to install one yourself.
26. Reduce your water heater temperature to 120° F. It makes no sense to cool off water that’s too hot to use.
27. Wrap your water heater with warmth. While you’re reducing the thermostat you can wrap that baby in an insulating jacket, especially if the water heater was installed before 1992 (although newer models will benefit as well). Don’t wrap the water heater if the instructions prohibit it, and don’t cover the thermostat or the air inlets on gas- or oil-fired water heaters. This small effort will save you betwen four to nine percent in water heating costs.

Energy

28. Learn how energy and heat flows work. When you understand how your body interacts with heat and cold, then you can learn more about how to monitor your thermostat at home and at the office. Based on the principle that energy as heat will flow as long as one temperature is higher than another, you can get creative about how to save money and energy in your green money-saving mission.
29. Apartment hunters can save money. Heat rises, so look for a high-rise apartment if you live in the north and a ground-level apartment if you live in the south. While you might argue that top-floor apartments are insufferable during the summer, that hot season lasts only about three months per year. Use fans to generate air flow from an air conditioner throughout the rooms. Additionally, upper-floor urban apartments don’t gather city soot like ground-level apartments, so you can open your windows at night with less dirt accumulation inside (all from personal experience!).
30. Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be a great buy, because you don’t need an expensive one to work the magic. But, pay attention to the direction that they rotate. During summer months, set them to go counterclockwise to create a downdraft. During winter months, set them to go clockwise to assist hot air to the ceiling.
31. Seal your home. Wind chill can accelerate heat loss. While some ventilation is essential — especially if you have solid-fuel or gas fires inside — don’t forget that energy constantly moves and it will move in and out through any leaks in your home. Use insulation, sealers, and door snakes to control temperatures no matter the time of year. These items are well worth the price in the money that you save. Plus, if you mention your efforts to your landlord, it may help with the refund on your apartment deposit when you move on.
32. Remember that glass is a conductor. Window glass conducts outside and inside air, but outside influences often are more powerful. In summer, interior surface temperatures of poorly insulated tinted glass and clear glass with tinted film can become as hot as 140° F, so any air that comes in contact with that glass will become…you guessed it…hot. The opposite effect occurs during the winter. Special window treatments, even in apartments, can influence how that window treats your room. Remember to use white - at least on the outer face of your shades or curtains - because white reflects light away from the inside of your home.
33. Insulate your body in winter. In cold conditions, evaporation can quickly suck away warmth, especially if you’ve been active and then are stationary, leaving your skin exposed. Think of your body as a water heater and wrap yourself in insulating layers. Wear dark colors to absorb any outside light or heat energy.
34. Expose your body in summer. Heat-loss through evaporation is needed to regulate your body temperature in hot weather. Wear fewer clothes in fabrics (like cotton) that allow your body to release evaporation. Wear white or light colors to reflect light and heat energy.
35. Hold more indoor winter parties. Turn your thermostat down and let your guests provide the heat. One journalist believes that each guest can equal a 175-watt heater, so a large group could really heat things up quick.
36. Camp out inside. You can dramatically decrease heating costs when you turn down the thermostat at night. Some folks are comfortable even when they turn off the thermostat and open the windows, because they’ve learned how to sleep with several blankets (layers for insulation) and a cap on their heads (think Scrooge). This action is feasible only if you don’t live in arctic areas. Learn how to sleep in a cabin for some hints on this activity.
37. Monitor your thermostat. If you practice all the tips above, you can set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer. This is the point of these practices, because you can save substantially on your heating and cooling bills even when you adjust the difference by just a few degrees.
38. Move lights away from cooling appliances. Lights generate heat, so move them away from the air conditioner and fans so those appliances don’t work overtime. They can also affect thermostat readings, so move them away from those tools for accurate readings.

Electricity

39. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If an entire country (Australia) can do it, then you can do it too. But, wait until your current bulbs burn out before you make the switch so you don’t waste your money. Yes, CFL bulbs are more expensive, but even the cheapest energy saving CFLs will typically last for 5,000 hours compared to only just over 1,000 hours on average for the best conventional bulbs. And, the light is different, so you’ll need to make some mental adjustments to the change. But, the effort is very green both for the earth and for your wallet in the long run. You can save $30 or more in energy costs over each CFL bulb’s lifetime.
40. Learn about CFL disposal. When those CFL bulbs do burn out, you’ll be faced with trace amounts of mercury on your hands. So don’t throw them into your garbage. Instead, save them until you learn about how to dispose of them locally.
41. Learn more about electricity. Ask "Mr. Electricity" for advice about how to conserve energy and cash on any electrical appliance, including lighting. Banish myths, calculate your energy output, and learn how to live greener.

Appliances

42. Before you buy an appliance, learn about what’s available. The Federal Trade Commission database can help you learn about new energy-conserving appliances. In addition, you can refer to the manufacturer’s Web site to learn more about the appliance and to find authorized repair shops.
43. Learn how to make your current appliances run more efficiently. You can learn how to make your current appliances more efficient when you study the Web sites behind the links on this page. To be more succinct, spend some time with basically unbiased information provided by Mr. Electricity, How Stuff Works, and Energy Hawk.
44. A dishwasher may be your friend. This is one appliance that needs to be addressed, as the answer to this statement is currently a toss-up. The newer and more energy-efficient Energy Star dishwashers can save you money and conserve water if you wait until you have a full load. And, you don’t need to pre-rinse, since booster heaters in the new machines heat the water temperature efficiently to clean the dishes. But these dishwashers can sense food, a perceived benefit that can actually create energy conservation problems. Just scrape food off plates into your compost. And let your dishes air dry instead of using the heat dry feature. As to arguments against dishwashers, you can beat the energy-saving washer if you use some strict hand-washing techniques. The resolution to this argument is whether your time spent washing dishes can be used more efficiently elsewhere.

Cleaning

45. Learn to be an anti-consumer, even with cleaning products. You can use simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar to make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products that work on everything from your bathroom to your kitchen. And, most of these homemade solutions are a lot easier to make than a sandwich. Beware of any products that might contain allergens for you, and conduct more research to make sure that certain combinations are safe.
46. Clean up your indoor air. This is another health savings tip, because indoor air pollution can affect you physically. Learn about where that pollution comes from and how to treat it, including mold, natural gas, and pesticides that you can track into the house.
47. Change heating and cooling filters when you pay your electricity bill. That action may sound pretty extreme, but for people with allergies it makes sense. And, if you want to save money it makes "cents" as well. Your heating and air units will act more efficiently, and you can save more money when you purchase the filters in bulk.

Electronics

48. Learn about environmental and health hazards involved in electronic product use and disposal. E-waste has become a valid problem, and when you learn about the issues it might change how you use everything from your cell phone to your computer.
49. Keep your computer as long as possible. New computers are very seductive, but software is what makes the world go ’round. If you insist on having the newest, fastest machine around, then learn how to recycle your former workhorse.
50. You might want to change your monitor, however. A flat-screen LCD monitor can use up to one-third the energy of that old space-consuming CRT monitor. Plus, you cut down on harmful radiation emitted from CRT monitors, a definite health savings.
51. Tech heads can conserve, too. Even if you don’t turn off your computer or put it to sleep for reasons beyond a layman’s ken, you can conserve energy if you balance your consumptive budget. If you work at home, for instance, you might be able to cstelecommute or donate your car and use a bike instead. On the other hand, most techies understand that a cool room can benefit a mainframe or server rack; so the suggestion to turn the thermostat down a notch or two during the winter probably isn’t an issue.
52. Be responsible with your toys. If you’re enthusiastic about technology, you can join a global organization that promotes the responsible use of computer technology. CPSR (Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility) offers a free subscription to their updates, and membership dues are minimal. While this effort does cost time and money, you’ll learn how to save and conserve through this effort. Plus, the networking capacity is enormous.
53. Recycle your old cell phones. Donate your phone to the Collective Good.
54. Recharge your batteries. Batteries — can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em. Learn why some batteries are harmful to the environment, learn how to recycle certain batteries (even rechargeable batteries), and learn about how to recharge your batteries through a recharger or your USB port and why this practice will save you money.

Learn More

55. Thoroughly investigate any new "green gadget." Save your money on new "green" gadgets until they’ve been tested, and read comments or reviews on any given item to form your own opinions. For instance, the new "silver nano-particle" plastic containers cost a pretty penny, the FDA has not yet regulated the nano-silver food-storage boxes for toxicity, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proclaimed its concern about their potential environmental effects.
56. Learn more from lists like this one. Or, like this one offered by Global Warming. But, watch out for lists that promote expensive gadgets that have no apparent benefit for you. Anti-consumerism is pro-planet and -wallet.
57. Think about investment possibilities. Finally, you might think about what you’re going to do with all the money that you save when you go green. But, since this is a risky proposition, learn as much as you can about Socially Responsible Investments (SRI) first. Then type "SRI" into a search engine to learn more before you invest.

Posted in Features