SavvySugar

10 Simple Ways to Go Green and Save Green

SavvySugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:00:11 -0700

One of the greatest perks about being more eco-conscious, aside from saving resources and living a more sustainable life, is that doing so encourages us to cut back. Focusing on the motto of recycle, reduce and reuse can do wonders on our budgets and help save more instead of spending on things we don't need. The secret to jumping on the green bandwagon and saving more cash is simple - you just have to commit to it. Check out my guide to 10 ways you can cut back, save money and lighten your footprint.

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Do You Like the Idea of a Paper and Plastic Grocery Bag Fee?

SavvySugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:15:00 -0700

Seattle's city leaders were prepared to enact an ordinance that would charge 20 cents per paper or plastic grocery bag, but the plastics industry stepped in with a referendum to give voters the final say. The majority of voters turned down the referendum that would have charged for every bag received from supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores.

Supporters say the fee would encourage reusable bags, cut down on pollution and waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while opponents are mostly against the added expense. How would you vote if your city tried to enact a similar ordinance?

Are You Careless With Energy Use While Staying in Hotels?

SavvySugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:30:17 -0700

The perpetually clean bathrooms, plush bath towels, fresh sheets, and anytime room service make hotels divinely liberating. There's another element of home life I've noticed some people ditch when they're staying away, and that's flipping off the light switch when they're not in the room.

According to Claire Newell, author of Travel Best Bets, being conscientious about your energy use in your hotel room is a travel rule to live by, just like the middle seat person on a plane getting both armrests. She encourages people to "pack their environmentally friendly habits when they travel," meaning turning off the lights and not taking longer showers than you would at home.

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8 Places For Earth Day Freebies and Discounts (Today!)

SavvySugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:30:54 -0700

Nothing says Earth Day like saving a few bucks or getting stuff for free! Several businesses have chosen to honor the day by extending cash saving offers to their customers or handing out freebies as long as supplies last. From nail polish to light bulbs, there's something for everyone. Start the slideshow to see eight places that are giving out free stuff and discounts through today. Source

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Target Celebrates Early Earth Day With Free Totes and Coupons

SavvySugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:00:29 -0700

Earth Day is just a few days away! If you've been meaning to take a trip to Target (or have just been looking for an excuse to go), there's a good reason to head over there today. The chain will be handing out one million free reusable shopping bags (pictured left) in honor of Earth Day, and inside you'll find a coupon for $2.00 off an eco-friendly GE CFL lightbulb. Target is offering more ways to save money while going green - just be sure you're not filling up your free bag with stuff you don't need!

8 Ways to Save Money While Going Green

SavvySugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:15:13 -0700

Early Earth Day celebrations will take place in your local park this Sunday, so get into the spirit of the holiday by reevaluating your personal consumption. Conserve more money by trading some of your less eco-friendly habits for ones that are more green. Start the slideshow to see eight ways that you can save money while helping the environment.

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Take a Charitable Note From Taylor Swift

SavvySugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:30:07 -0700

Famous or not, most women own at least one dress that hangs uselessly in our closets. Take a note from Taylor Swift and turn the seemingly good-for-nothing dress into a good act; the 19-year old singer donated her long cream and gold Jessica McClintock gown to DonateMyDress.org. I certainly don't have any prom dresses in my possession any longer, but I have a selection of worn-once bridesmaids dresses that could use a better home. You, too? Take the opportunity to do some charitable Spring cleaning.

DonateMyDress organizes donation drives across the country to collect dresses for girls who can't afford to buy something for their high school proms. Thinking back to those big June dances, I appreciate how fortunate I was to have a family that could afford extras like a prom dress. Not everyone is so lucky, so take a second to locate donation drives in your area and round up your best condition dresses that you're never going to wear again. Remember, hold onto any receipt you get for making the donation for next year's taxes and consider taking a picture.

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Recession Garden Substitutes For People Short on Space

SavvySugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:30:48 -0700

We're all looking for ways to slash bills without sacrificing too much, and many Americans are turning to gardening as a way to save money on groceries while eating fresh produce. Besides the cost-effective factor, growing your own herbs and vegetables is an eco-friendly habit. According to Mike Metallo, spokesman for the National Gardening Association, "a $70 investment in a garden will yield $600 in produce for the year." Turn gardening into a hobby by getting others involved in the process from planting to picking.

While I would love to have a garden to call my own, my tiny city apartment on the sixth floor restricts my hope of having anything that grows outside. That doesn't mean I can't participate in the revitalized trend of homegrown produce; it just means I won't be saving $600 a year on the limited range of goodies I can grow from my kitchen. I've rounded up some cool gadgets that allow apartment dwellers to channel their green thumbs and enjoy fresh herbs or tomatoes.

Save Money With This Savvy Habit

SavvySugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:30:30 -0800

Whether the economy is enduring a period of rain or shine, it's always a savvy move to adopt money-saving habits. There's no better place to begin than the place you call home. According to financial adviser Jeremy Vohwinkle, turning off electronics using 100 watts for 18 hours a day could save you $131 over the course of one year. Sure it's pennies a day, but wouldn't you rather spend those pennies on something other than wasteful electricity?

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No Cobbler in Town? Send Your Shoes Out For Repair

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:30:07 -0800

These days, it's all about making the best of the things you already own. Americans are embracing this mentality, and the shoe-repair industry has seen a major boost because of it - one third-generation cobbler told The Wall Street Journal his business shot up 50 percent since the economy started its downward spiral.

Many places no longer have a local cobbler, so the 20-something son-of-a-cobbler, Ilya Romanov, created an online shoe-repair service as an extension of his father's existing cobbling business. People from around the country mail in worn-down shoes to AmericanHeelers.com, and then the shoes are repaired by Romanov's father's shop.

Save money on shoes by taking them to your local cobbler if you have one, but if your town is without, why not give American Heelers a try? The website says they offer free shipping both ways. It seems like a great alternative to buying new when you don't really need to be shopping.

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