Do you conserve resources? - GoFuckYourself.com

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 09:42 AM

A few years back I treated money like my own personal roll of toilet paper. My electric bills typically ran an average of around $1500 per month, and water usually around $600 per month.

Today, I make every effort to conserve as much as possible and am happy to report my electric bill is the lowest ever this month: $143.
I keep the heat set at 65 during the winter months and burn firewood in the 2 fireplaces to make up the difference, as well as dressing appropriately. During the summer it's a little harder because when it turns 108 outside, it's around 130+ inside the house, so the A/C runs quite a bit in the summer, but I do have some new rough ideas to try out this year to try reduce summer-month expenses too.

What tricks do you use to conserve resources and save money? I'm open to tips.

TheDoc · 06-02-2010, 09:48 AM

I turn the water off when brushing my teeth...

I conserve for the idea of money, no reason to have very light on in the house at night. Other than that, we plan on going solar here soon, being that it's not anymore expensive than just paying my electric bill.

CaptainHowdy · 06-02-2010, 09:49 AM

I'm stocking ammo for Jesus' comeback...

Daddy Big Nuts · 06-02-2010, 09:51 AM

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been watching my grocery bills. I take full advantage of sales and buy one get one free offers. I've managed to shave about $40-50 a week by doing it and not sacrificed my food quality one bit

CarlosTheGaucho · 06-02-2010, 09:58 AM

Well:

- no air conditioning (since it's not needed with the climate over here)
- no TV or other devices (since it's not needed)

also practically don't cook (I would if there would be more than one person to eat, but I just usually prepair me some stuff I can keep in the fridge and eat in regular intervals)

The heating and kitchener is all natural gas powered, and I don't use it much unless it's really cold.

My home energy bill is typically around say $ 50 a month, would be much higher if I counted the energy I burn in the office, that would go above $ 100

That all with very high local prices, prices per kW are extremely high here, I'm just extremely savy.

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlosTheGaucho

Well:

- no air conditioning (since it's not needed with the climate over here)
- no TV or other devices (since it's not needed)

also practically don't cook (I would if there would be more than one person to eat, but I just usually prepair me some stuff I can keep in the fridge and eat in regular intervals)

The heating and kitchener is all natural gas powered, and I don't use it much unless it's really cold.

My home energy bill is typically around say $ 50 a month, would be much higher if I counted the energy I burn in the office, that would go above $ 100

That all with very high local prices, prices per kW are extremely high here, I'm just extremely savy.

Yeah, the amounts I posted include powering my entire studio.

CarlosTheGaucho · 06-02-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

Yeah, the amounts I posted include powering my entire studio.

I once did a calculation:

PC's and all the related devices do as much as 80 - 90 pct. of the total energy spending (ok without air conditioning, that would move the number I guess)

Lightning doesn't do much - maximum 3 - 5 pct., all the other devices don't do much either, including permanently running devices such as fridge, they all account to cca 10 - 15 pct. of the consumption.

For example if I compared the costs for "modern" savy lightbulbs that cost a fortune with their durability, the older Edison style lightbulbs were more economic.

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlosTheGaucho

I once did a calculation:

PC's and all the related devices do as much as 80 - 90 pct. of the total energy spending (ok without air conditioning, that would move the number I guess)

Lightning doesn't do much - maximum 3 - 5 pct., all the other devices don't do much either, including permanently running devices such as fridge, they all account to cca 10 - 15 pct. of the consumption.

For example if I compared the costs for "modern" savy lightbulbs that cost a fortune with their durability, the older Edison style lightbulbs were more economic.

I really tried hard to make the switch to the CFLs, but I couldn't stand them. They took forever to warm up to full brightness, and then weren't very bright anyway. So, I said fuck the CFLs, and put 6 overhead halogen spotlights in my studio. But I try to use them sparingly because I know they burn mad amounts of juice. I decided that in the studio, when I need light, I want no corner unlit. In the living areas though, we nearly never use lights except in the kitchen. The gear in the studio runs 24/7 though... that's what I gotta work on finishing now. Getting all this shit shut down properly every night.
I'm close. I have most everything on easy-to-reach switching systems now in a data / power rack... so I can shut down most everything with a few switches...

CarlosTheGaucho · 06-02-2010, 10:29 AM

Looks nice,

yeah the super savy lightbulbs are totally unusable if you actually need proper light.

It's even killing my eyes in the warm up phase, bought me a full pack of classic lightbulbs way back when they were still available, then I'll have to switch to halogens.

Tom_PM · 06-02-2010, 10:35 AM

I live alone and have a standard gas water heater tank. So I crank it DOWN to it's lowest setting as it's normal setting. When I want a shower, I go turn it up and 5 minutes later, tons of super hot water. After the shower I go crank it back down.

Dont know the savings in dollars, but I know it makes no sense to keep super heated water at the ready 24/7. And a lower temp means it has to run for less time, and less often.

Stick a thermometer in your fridge and freezer and adjust. If you keep your freezer mostly empty, fill it up with ice or something. Thermal mass and all that.

Try LED lights.

Caligari · 06-02-2010, 10:35 AM

i dont use air conditioning and i no longer have a car. i bike, walk and use public transport.

during the day i make sure anything i'm not using (lights etc) are off.

with my art i try to find stuff being thrown out (busted frames etc) or boards to paint on.
recycled art man!

btw, nice rack you got there..heh

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PR_Tom

I live alone and have a standard gas water heater tank. So I crank it DOWN to it's lowest setting as it's normal setting. When I want a shower, I go turn it up and 5 minutes later, tons of super hot water. After the shower I go crank it back down.

Dont know the savings in dollars, but I know it makes no sense to keep super heated water at the ready 24/7. And a lower temp means it has to run for less time, and less often.

Stick a thermometer in your fridge and freezer and adjust. If you keep your freezer mostly empty, fill it up with ice or something. Thermal mass and all that.

Try LED lights.

That's a great idea on the water heater.... I never would have thought of that.

I wonder if there's a way to put a water heater on a timer or something?

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligari

i dont use air conditioning and i no longer have a car. i bike, walk and use public transport.

during the day i make sure anything i'm not using (lights etc) are off.

with my art i try to find stuff being thrown out (busted frames etc) or boards to paint on.
recycled art man!

btw, nice rack you got there..heh

Thanks

I only have 4 drive appliances, because I never have a need to run more than 20 drives at once. But I have stacks and stacks of HDDs that I swap out. 90% are 1 TB drives, (WD Caviar Black for performance, Caviar Green for backups) 10% are 500 gb or older non-Sata drives that I don't use any more. Got about 40 of those just collecting dust. Then maybe a dozen portables of varying sizes. Mostly 750 gb though.

I do have 2 more 4-bay drive appliances and a power unit in a portable road case though, in case I need to travel to a client's office I can pack some gear with me.

All are FireWire 800 driven.

Caligari · 06-02-2010, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

Thanks

I only have 4 drive appliances, because I never have a need to run more than 20 drives at once. But I have stacks and stacks of HDDs that I swap out. 90% are 1 TB drives, (WD Caviar Black for performance, Caviar Green for backups) 10% are 500 gb or older non-Sata drives that I don't use any more. Got about 40 of those just collecting dust. Then maybe a dozen portables of varying sizes. Mostly 750 gb though.

20 drives at once? holy crap that is some serious hard drive action. this is primarily for your design services?

quiet · 06-02-2010, 11:17 AM

i switched most of my bulbs to low energy. other than that, we eat out a lot less now, and have gotten more into cooking interesting food/experiments at home, using local produce. tastes better, and pretty fun.

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligari

20 drives at once? holy crap that is some serious hard drive action. this is primarily for your design services?

yeah... well, really it's only for my design studio. Design is the only thing I do that requires that much equipment. The cooking / catering thing and some other interests we have of course need a whole different set of tools.

LeRoy · 06-02-2010, 11:24 AM

I piss on my wife in the shower ;)

Saving all kinds of water right there. lol

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

i switched most of my bulbs to low energy. other than that, we eat out a lot less now, and have gotten more into cooking interesting food/experiments at home, using local produce. tastes better, and pretty fun.

We've stopped eating out nearly completely. Not because we don't enjoy it.... we love a great restaurant. It's just like, over the last couple of years with the recession shit and everyone losing their jobs all around me, I gradually kept feeling more and more guilty every time we'd go out. One of my neighbors is collecting cans on the street to make some money. It's that bad around here.
But, we are saving a ton of money by cutting out the $200 dinners for two.

cardinalvices · 06-02-2010, 11:30 AM

We switched to LEDs and bought a diesel powered car. But thats about it. You can't save much with central heating systems, especially when its like -15'F here during winters..

quiet · 06-02-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

We've stopped eating out nearly completely. Not because we don't enjoy it.... we love a great restaurant. It's just like, over the last couple of years with the recession shit and everyone losing their jobs all around me, I gradually kept feeling more and more guilty every time we'd go out. One of my neighbors is collecting cans on the street to make some money. It's that bad around here.
But, we are saving a ton of money by cutting out the $200 dinners for two.

i hear ya. we were eating out 5 times a week for years and years. it just gets kind of old. we've cut down to around once a week, somewhere nice... that's it. and really, making real food, taking your time with it, figuring out spices/etc, it's basically a hobby now.

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

i hear ya. we were eating out 5 times a week for years and years. it just gets kind of old. we've cut down to around once a week, somewhere nice... that's it. and really, making real food, taking your time with it, figuring out spices/etc, it's basically a hobby now.

yep, same thing we're doing brah.

Fortunately, my wife is a fantastic chef.
Unfortunately, I can only manage to make fish so far. lol

ottopottomouse · 06-02-2010, 11:50 AM

I was given some 30W low energy bulbs which are 150W equivalents and do seem quite bright. The latest ones don't need to warm up for ages like they used to.

Considering a diesel car but not really for cost saving

cherrylula · 06-02-2010, 11:56 AM

yeah those new light bulbs help a lot, eating leftovers helps a lot. I'll cook a huge batch of spaghetti sauce and eat it with different pasta or ravioli for a few days. Buying in bulk helps tremendously. Not running to the convenience stores for a couple of items saves a lot of money too. Fast food and restaurants are way expensive, don't do those much at all.

and we are really good with turning things off around here. I open the blinds in the day for some pleasant natural light which is cooler anyhow. Our leveled electric bills are under $100 a month with central air running all the time in the summer. That's about the only thing we don't skimp on, but until it gets over 100 we don't really run it at night. I can't stand the humidity.

about to install some double pane windows to help with insulation too.

baddog · 06-02-2010, 12:27 PM

When does it get over 100 in SF?

Amputate Your Head · 06-02-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

When does it get over 100 in SF?

Not sure. I'm not in San Francisco. (but I'm close)

Sly · 06-02-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

That's a great idea on the water heater.... I never would have thought of that.

I wonder if there's a way to put a water heater on a timer or something?

If you really wanted to make a change, get a tankless water heater. They really aren't that expensive. Warm water on demand.

BlackCrayon · 06-02-2010, 04:26 PM

i try to but the windows in this place suck. i replaced all my bulbs with those energy efficient ones but it didn't seem to make much difference. Looking at grocery store flyers really helps save money too.

Dvae · 06-02-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

That's a great idea on the water heater.... I never would have thought of that.

I wonder if there's a way to put a water heater on a timer or something?

Yes there are timers.
You can also get an insulated jacket to fit around the tank.

As far as groceries I buy as much as I can at the warehouse type stores. BJ's Wholesale and Sams Club etc. Amazing what you can 2 or 3 of in a larger size and about the same price as one at the local grocery store.

Argos88 · 06-02-2010, 05:09 PM

Cutting PASSIVES help too.

For example an expensive car (even a normal car) is a HUGE PASSIVE...

I try to balance the number of Actives with Passives to economize during hard times.

.

Dvae · 06-02-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardinalvices

We switched to LEDs and bought a diesel powered car. But thats about it. You can't save much with central heating systems, especially when its like -15'F here during winters..

Best way save is install a new system if what you have is old and very inefficient.
I had a new system installed a few yrs ago and cut my electric bill by 2/3, as its all electric heat and appliances. It took 2 yrs approx. to recoup the investment was def worth it.

As a bonus I'm now comfortable and the heat or AC does not run constantly.

BigDeanEvans · 06-02-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

i hear ya. we were eating out 5 times a week for years and years. it just gets kind of old. we've cut down to around once a week, somewhere nice... that's it. and really, making real food, taking your time with it, figuring out spices/etc, it's basically a hobby now.

What happened? Did you piss all your money away?

quiet · 06-02-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDeanEvans

What happened? Did you piss all your money away?

would you like to compare bank accounts? i have no problem with that

TrashyGirl · 06-02-2010, 06:12 PM

Bought 3 refill-able stainless steel water bottles and don't buy bottled water any more.

Walked thru the house and unplugged everything that didn't need to be plugged in, including microwave, tv, power strips, and only plug in things that need to be on at that moment.

Working from home, I save a lot on gasoline.

Spunky · 06-02-2010, 08:36 PM

Got rid of a gas guzzler and went for a import,changed all the bulbs to the fluorescents and turn off all unused appliances when not in use

fatfoo · 06-02-2010, 08:41 PM

You can exchange paper money for toilet paper at the cheap or deluxe price.

Do you want to conserve resources? Buy the cheap quality toilet paper.

ShellyCrash · 06-02-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sly

If you really wanted to make a change, get a tankless water heater. They really aren't that expensive. Warm water on demand.

This is on my to-do list.

We just got a new A/C unit, wasn't totaly by choice, but its supposed to reduce the power used to cool the house by 40%. It also pulls some of the moisture and humidity out of the air, which in FL is a godsend.

Also we stopped buying water. We have a brita on the kitchen faucet.

All our outdoor lights are either those power saver compact flourescents or solar powered.

In the winter we try and use our fire place whenever possible, but that's just for fun. I love setting fires in that thing. Got lots of use out of it this past Winter.

BigDeanEvans · 06-02-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

would you like to compare bank accounts? i have no problem with that

Yeah, i have over 3 million liquid and another 1.5 in gold & R.E. and i still make 60-75k a month. You?

PenisFace · 06-03-2010, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

would you like to compare bank accounts? i have no problem with that

quiet dont you have like 4 million dollars? ballin outta control.

InfoGuy · 06-03-2010, 12:15 AM

Get one of these to measure your electricity usage.

P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Load Meter and Monitor

BigDeanEvans · 06-03-2010, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenisFace

quiet dont you have like 4 million dollars? ballin outta control.

canadian like 5 years ago a d he's probably close to broke now

CarlosTheGaucho · 06-03-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShellyCrash

Also we stopped buying water. We have a brita on the kitchen faucet.

I have the same, just got a good deal on a a major package of filters that should last for 3 + years, never bought water, but the water on tap here just "doesn't work well" with me

I basically only drink water or fake coffee for the past 10 years (if I don't include alcohol)

jimmy-3-way · 06-03-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiet

would you like to compare bank accounts? i have no problem with that

Ahhhhhh man you have a GFY stalker! You're in the club!

beerptrol · 06-03-2010, 01:45 PM

all recycle all my empty beer cans

Sid70 · 06-03-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

A few years back I treated money like my own personal roll of toilet paper. My electric bills typically ran an average of around $1500 per month, and water usually around $600 per month.

Today, I make every effort to conserve as much as possible and am happy to report my electric bill is the lowest ever this month: $143.
I keep the heat set at 65 during the winter months and burn firewood in the 2 fireplaces to make up the difference, as well as dressing appropriately. During the summer it's a little harder because when it turns 108 outside, it's around 130+ inside the house, so the A/C runs quite a bit in the summer, but I do have some new rough ideas to try out this year to try reduce summer-month expenses too.

What tricks do you use to conserve resources and save money? I'm open to tips.

You would be surprised but I'm doing it much better then you because I manage to run a 4 person family under your average electric bill.

jimmy-3-way · 06-03-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

That's a great idea on the water heater.... I never would have thought of that.

I wonder if there's a way to put a water heater on a timer or something?

I think that you end up using more energy heating the water and letting it cool and then reheating it rather than keeping it warm.

I may be wrong, but water takes a lot of energy to heat and not much to keep hot.

Think of a boiling pot of water, you have to put your range on high and wait a few minutes for it to heat, but you can keep a giant pot at a boil by covering the pot and keeping the burner on low.

Amputate Your Head · 06-03-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy-3-way

I think that you end up using more energy heating the water and letting it cool and then reheating it rather than keeping it warm.

I may be wrong, but water takes a lot of energy to heat and not much to keep hot.

Think of a boiling pot of water, you have to put your range on high and wait a few minutes for it to heat, but you can keep a giant pot at a boil by covering the pot and keeping the burner on low.

Someone told me this recently about fluorescent lights too... that it burns more juice to turn them on & off a lot than it does to just leave them on. Not sure if I believe it or not... but I have several sets of them that get turned on & off all day long.

Amputate Your Head · 06-19-2010, 10:16 AM

Update: - Jun 2010

This month my power bill is even lower. $131
Still heading in the right direction.

ottopottomouse · 06-19-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

Someone told me this recently about fluorescent lights too... that it burns more juice to turn them on & off a lot than it does to just leave them on. Not sure if I believe it or not... but I have several sets of them that get turned on & off all day long.

Yes the choke on a fluorescent takes more to get them going than leaving them on, but i'm not sure how long you would need them on:off to balance it out.

Gerco · 06-19-2010, 07:47 PM

Been re-insulating the house, have a set of 4x8 solar panels about to go on with the new roof for heating water, use all florescent lighting. Don't run any big computer anymore, my mac book pro is about the biggest. All new energy star appliances, all in all been a good savings.

Buying the new place with cash outright was nice, plus not having anymore car payments is nice. Screw new cars. I'll take what I have and can work on if I (rarely) have to. My Land rover only gets 17mpg, but I have a total of 2k in it. so who cares, I can do a hell of a lot of upkeep and driving versus buying some new 20k pos. Also bout a sonata 4 door, does 27 mpg, have 2k in it also. Live in Georgia so don't have to impress anyone with the damn cars. lol. I find I personally drive my old 85 chevy c-10 around since it "fits" in here. It gets about 16mpg. I don't really go anywhere so I don't spend a whole lot on fuel anyways.

Sausage · 06-19-2010, 07:58 PM

Of course ... use windows for light, don't remember the last time I used the clothes dryer (5 years ago maybe), swapped out all the power guzzling bulbs and replaced them with the energy smart ones which made a big difference. Also turn stuff off at the wall when not using it which I was surprised to see made a big difference too.

Was shocked to learn most Americans don't hang clothes up to dry and just use the dryer... also that in some cities clothes lines are actually banned!!!!! Odd.

06-02-2010, 09:42 AM	#1
Amputate Your Head There can be only one Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Somewhere else Posts: 39,075	Do you conserve resources? A few years back I treated money like my own personal roll of toilet paper. My electric bills typically ran an average of around $1500 per month, and water usually around $600 per month. Today, I make every effort to conserve as much as possible and am happy to report my electric bill is the lowest ever this month: $143. I keep the heat set at 65 during the winter months and burn firewood in the 2 fireplaces to make up the difference, as well as dressing appropriately. During the summer it's a little harder because when it turns 108 outside, it's around 130+ inside the house, so the A/C runs quite a bit in the summer, but I do have some new rough ideas to try out this year to try reduce summer-month expenses too. What tricks do you use to conserve resources and save money? I'm open to tips. __________________ SIG TOO BIG

06-02-2010, 09:48 AM	#2
TheDoc Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Currently Incognito Posts: 13,827	I turn the water off when brushing my teeth... I conserve for the idea of money, no reason to have very light on in the house at night. Other than that, we plan on going solar here soon, being that it's not anymore expensive than just paying my electric bill. __________________ ~TheDoc - ICQ7765825 It's all disambiguation

06-02-2010, 09:49 AM	#3
CaptainHowdy Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Happy in the dark. Posts: 93,554	I'm stocking ammo for Jesus' comeback... __________________ Tjeezers.cam plus all sites $12.000,00. Transfer within 24 hours.

06-02-2010, 09:51 AM	#4
Daddy Big Nuts Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,080	I'm in the same boat as you. I've been watching my grocery bills. I take full advantage of sales and buy one get one free offers. I've managed to shave about $40-50 a week by doing it and not sacrificed my food quality one bit __________________ DreamGirlsCash - Exclusive 100% 2257 compliant Party Girl Content WildPartyGirls.com, ClubFlashers.com, GirlFun.com, MiamiBeachParty.com, DreamGirlsMembers.com [email protected] ICQ 448262927

06-02-2010, 09:58 AM	#5
CarlosTheGaucho Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9,512	Well: - no air conditioning (since it's not needed with the climate over here) - no TV or other devices (since it's not needed) also practically don't cook (I would if there would be more than one person to eat, but I just usually prepair me some stuff I can keep in the fridge and eat in regular intervals) The heating and kitchener is all natural gas powered, and I don't use it much unless it's really cold. My home energy bill is typically around say $ 50 a month, would be much higher if I counted the energy I burn in the office, that would go above $ 100 That all with very high local prices, prices per kW are extremely high here, I'm just extremely savy. __________________ CTG Media \| skype: carlosprague \| cb \|at\| ctgmedia \|dot\| net \| Want to make more with your Dating Traffic? \| Read My Educational Series \| Read my Adult Biz Chronicles \| Did your ad revenue drop by 40 pct. or more last year? Last edited by CarlosTheGaucho; 06-02-2010 at 10:01 AM..

06-02-2010, 10:29 AM	#9
CarlosTheGaucho Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9,512	Looks nice, yeah the super savy lightbulbs are totally unusable if you actually need proper light. It's even killing my eyes in the warm up phase, bought me a full pack of classic lightbulbs way back when they were still available, then I'll have to switch to halogens. __________________ CTG Media \| skype: carlosprague \| cb \|at\| ctgmedia \|dot\| net \| Want to make more with your Dating Traffic? \| Read My Educational Series \| Read my Adult Biz Chronicles \| Did your ad revenue drop by 40 pct. or more last year?

06-02-2010, 10:35 AM	#10
Tom_PM Porn Meister Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 16,443	I live alone and have a standard gas water heater tank. So I crank it DOWN to it's lowest setting as it's normal setting. When I want a shower, I go turn it up and 5 minutes later, tons of super hot water. After the shower I go crank it back down. Dont know the savings in dollars, but I know it makes no sense to keep super heated water at the ready 24/7. And a lower temp means it has to run for less time, and less often. Stick a thermometer in your fridge and freezer and adjust. If you keep your freezer mostly empty, fill it up with ice or something. Thermal mass and all that. Try LED lights. __________________ 43-922-863 Shut up and play your guitar.

06-02-2010, 10:35 AM	#11
Caligari Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: At The Mountains Of Madness Posts: 5,414	i dont use air conditioning and i no longer have a car. i bike, walk and use public transport. during the day i make sure anything i'm not using (lights etc) are off. with my art i try to find stuff being thrown out (busted frames etc) or boards to paint on. recycled art man! btw, nice rack you got there..heh __________________ ATTN Webmasters Cruel Bucks - LIVE Gonzo Does Not Pay ------------------------------------------------ Animal Rescue Click Here to Feed An Animal for Free

06-02-2010, 11:17 AM	#15
quiet we'll miss you our friend. RIP Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fernie, BC Posts: 25,115	i switched most of my bulbs to low energy. other than that, we eat out a lot less now, and have gotten more into cooking interesting food/experiments at home, using local produce. tastes better, and pretty fun. __________________ we'll miss you our friend. RIP

06-02-2010, 11:24 AM	#17
LeRoy Porn Pusher Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: It's a dry heat Posts: 13,341	I piss on my wife in the shower ;) Saving all kinds of water right there. lol __________________ JAPANESE CAMS AND CONTENT SITES Teams - leroy.rowland2 Telegram - @lroddd

06-02-2010, 11:30 AM	#19
cardinalvices Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,084	We switched to LEDs and bought a diesel powered car. But thats about it. You can't save much with central heating systems, especially when its like -15'F here during winters.. __________________ Cardinal Vices Studio - your one stop shop for webdesign! Paysites \| Consulting \| Tube sites \| TGPs \| Galleries/Banner ads \| Flash peel ads Start your own cam site - Get Live Cam Site Solution

06-02-2010, 11:50 AM	#22
ottopottomouse She is ugly, bad luck. Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 13,177	I was given some 30W low energy bulbs which are 150W equivalents and do seem quite bright. The latest ones don't need to warm up for ages like they used to. Considering a diesel car but not really for cost saving __________________ ↑ see post ↑ 13101

06-02-2010, 11:56 AM	#23
cherrylula lol Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 15,969	yeah those new light bulbs help a lot, eating leftovers helps a lot. I'll cook a huge batch of spaghetti sauce and eat it with different pasta or ravioli for a few days. Buying in bulk helps tremendously. Not running to the convenience stores for a couple of items saves a lot of money too. Fast food and restaurants are way expensive, don't do those much at all. and we are really good with turning things off around here. I open the blinds in the day for some pleasant natural light which is cooler anyhow. Our leveled electric bills are under $100 a month with central air running all the time in the summer. That's about the only thing we don't skimp on, but until it gets over 100 we don't really run it at night. I can't stand the humidity. about to install some double pane windows to help with insulation too.

06-02-2010, 12:27 PM	#24
baddog So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: the beach, SoCal Posts: 107,089	When does it get over 100 in SF?

06-02-2010, 04:26 PM	#27
BlackCrayon Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ottawa Posts: 19,631	i try to but the windows in this place suck. i replaced all my bulbs with those energy efficient ones but it didn't seem to make much difference. Looking at grocery store flyers really helps save money too. __________________ you don't know you're wearing a leash if you sit by the peg all day.. Last edited by BlackCrayon; 06-02-2010 at 04:35 PM..

06-02-2010, 05:09 PM	#29
Argos88 So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,732	Cutting PASSIVES help too. For example an expensive car (even a normal car) is a HUGE PASSIVE... I try to balance the number of Actives with Passives to economize during hard times. .

06-02-2010, 06:12 PM	#33
TrashyGirl Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,401	Bought 3 refill-able stainless steel water bottles and don't buy bottled water any more. Walked thru the house and unplugged everything that didn't need to be plugged in, including microwave, tv, power strips, and only plug in things that need to be on at that moment. Working from home, I save a lot on gasoline. Last edited by TrashyGirl; 06-02-2010 at 06:13 PM.. Reason: eta water bottle details

06-02-2010, 08:36 PM	#34
Spunky I need a beer Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ♠ Toiletville ♠ Posts: 133,940	Got rid of a gas guzzler and went for a import,changed all the bulbs to the fluorescents and turn off all unused appliances when not in use __________________ *YOUR INFORMATION HERE*

06-02-2010, 08:41 PM	#35
fatfoo ICQ:649699063 Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 27,763	You can exchange paper money for toilet paper at the cheap or deluxe price. Do you want to conserve resources? Buy the cheap quality toilet paper. __________________ Send me an email: [email protected]

06-03-2010, 12:15 AM	#39
InfoGuy 80/20 Rule Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,051	Get one of these to measure your electricity usage. P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Load Meter and Monitor __________________ Support American Heroes \| How Bad is My Batch? \| Vaccine Deaths & Adverse Reactions \| Free Speech Coalition \| <WARNING> ePayService / Guerra Capital, INC / MTACC payments \| Flirt4Free Fucks their Affiliates \| Don't do business with piece of shit Andy Alvarez from Webmaster Central / VR3000, who said: "If it was up to me, they would have shot all 30,000 of those country loving shitheads" Last edited by InfoGuy; 06-03-2010 at 12:16 AM..

06-03-2010, 01:45 PM	#43
beerptrol Confirmed Asshole Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Half way between sobriety and fubar. Posts: 12,722	all recycle all my empty beer cans __________________ “If we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon's but between patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and superstition, ambition and ignorance on the other.” -- Ulysses S. Grant

06-19-2010, 10:16 AM	#47
Amputate Your Head There can be only one Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Somewhere else Posts: 39,075	Update: - Jun 2010 This month my power bill is even lower. $131 Still heading in the right direction. __________________ SIG TOO BIG

06-19-2010, 07:47 PM	#49
Gerco Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,052	Been re-insulating the house, have a set of 4x8 solar panels about to go on with the new roof for heating water, use all florescent lighting. Don't run any big computer anymore, my mac book pro is about the biggest. All new energy star appliances, all in all been a good savings. Buying the new place with cash outright was nice, plus not having anymore car payments is nice. Screw new cars. I'll take what I have and can work on if I (rarely) have to. My Land rover only gets 17mpg, but I have a total of 2k in it. so who cares, I can do a hell of a lot of upkeep and driving versus buying some new 20k pos. Also bout a sonata 4 door, does 27 mpg, have 2k in it also. Live in Georgia so don't have to impress anyone with the damn cars. lol. I find I personally drive my old 85 chevy c-10 around since it "fits" in here. It gets about 16mpg. I don't really go anywhere so I don't spend a whole lot on fuel anyways. __________________ Http://www.extremehole.com ** CLOSED ** 400 HOURS of exclusive custom extreme content, already on external HD in Raw DV ready to encode. over 150,000 exclusive images and more.

06-19-2010, 07:58 PM	#50
Sausage Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 3,012	Of course ... use windows for light, don't remember the last time I used the clothes dryer (5 years ago maybe), swapped out all the power guzzling bulbs and replaced them with the energy smart ones which made a big difference. Also turn stuff off at the wall when not using it which I was surprised to see made a big difference too. Was shocked to learn most Americans don't hang clothes up to dry and just use the dryer... also that in some cities clothes lines are actually banned!!!!! Odd.