Tomorrow is Earth Day. Ways I try to reduce my impact on the environment:

1. Be cognizant of packaging. Plastic is bad, no matter how you spin it. I avoid things packaged in plastic when I can. Do I need produce bags? No. So I don't use them.

2. Don't use paper plates and plastic cups unless we have a large crowd. Which is hardly ever anymore.

3. Tote groceries in bags kept in trunks. I only accept plastic bags when I need trash can liners. If I'm only buying a few things and don't have a tote with me, I say I don't need a bag, thanks. We don't need the plastic bags.

4. Pack lunch foods in reusable bags. These babies can go in the dishwasher.

5. Keep a set of silverware at work so I don't use plastic. I was just reminded I wanted to do this by Steph in one of her zero waste kitchen posts so I'm new to this practice. Since we use more utensils in a house of two people than all the Duggars combined, I didn't want to bring any from home to leave at my office permanently so I got these from Amazon.

6. Glass or stainless steel straws. Sarah got me a glass straw for Christmas a few years back. I added another as well as a set of stainless steel straws so now I'm not throwing them out all the time. The stainless steel ones I bought last year came with cleaning brushes too.

7. Hang clothes to dry. I hang a majority of my clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. When we have a large yard, they'll all be hung out to dry.

8. Group errands together, walk, or use public transport. I schedule my errands for one day instead of multiple days polluting the atmosphere with my car. I take the asshole train to work, and at the shore I park my car and walk or bike everywhere until I leave. I also run as many errands as I can at the shore since I'm on foot or bike and during lunch at work since I'm on foot then as well.

9. Carry drinks in a reusable bottle. I love the S'well bottles because they keep drinks cool all day on the beach even when left in the sun. I detest plastic water bottles. If you are traveling via air, just make sure your reusable bottle is empty until you get through security.

10. Vote for people who know science and climate change are real.

11. Pick up trash I see on the beach. Enough shit is in the oceans, we don't need our trash washing out there.

12. Use cloth napkins, cleaning cloths, and hand towels. Paper towels are for dog accidents only.

13. Look for ways to reuse items or donate them instead of trashing them. I do put shore furniture out on my curb at home, but that's because it doesn't last for more than 10 minutes before a picker snaps it up.

14. Don't let the water run. While brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc. etc.

15. Compact fluorescent bulbs. Even though they're ugly.

Areas I need improvement on:
-To go coffee cups. DD doesn't make a reusable cup big enough to hold a large. DD, are you listening? I'd like a reusable cup that holds a large.
-Composting. I don't do it, but I should.

What do you do in your daily life to be more environmentally friendly?

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This one is for my friends in AUS from Jesse but the last bit about saving on electricity is for all of us. TGIF & happy weekend friends!

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How hard is it to change electricity provider?

Many people ask themselves the question, why is electricity so expensive? There are general factors which contribute to electricity costs being high across the board. Even so, it could be that you can find cheaper rates with a different provider. There are also things you can do to reduce your energy costs, no matter which provider you choose.

In this article we are going to explain why electricity costs are so high generally. We are also going to look at how easy it is to switch provider if you wish to, as well as giving you some tips on how to reduce your energy costs, no matter who provides your electricity.

Why is electricity so expensive?

One of the major causes of the rise in energy costs in Australia is the country's commitment to reducing emissions. A large amount of money has been invested in renewable energy production and not all of the systems have been completely successful. Associated costs are being passed on to the customer through increased energy prices.

What if you want to change supplier?

So electricity is expensive across the board. This does not mean that you should not check if you can get a better deal elsewhere. It's worth noting that you are restricted to one provider if you live in Tasmania. The choice is also restricted in certain parts of Perth.

If you want to see if you can get your electricity elsewhere, at a more affordable rate, makeitcheaper.com.au can help. They can do the research for you and even help you when it comes to making the change, if you need them to. It certainly helps to have someone around who can help you make the right decision for you.

How to save money on electricity, no matter who provides it

Whether or not you decide to change electricity provider, there are actions you should be taking anyway. They can help you reduce the amount of energy you use, and thereby reduce your electricity bills.

Only use air conditioning when necessary. If the temperature is not too high you should consider using fans instead.
Always switch electrical devices off at the socket. If you do not do this you end up wasting a significant amount of electricity, over time.
When you use the washing machine, make sure that you always use a cool wash. You can still get your clothes clean, while also reducing energy use.

You may not think that these simple tips can save you that much money. The fact is that savings soon add up. However much your savings are; it's better for the money to be in your hands than with the provider. Do not wait to take action. If you want to save money put these processes in place as soon as possible. If you want to change provider as well then do not forget to speak to the experts, so that you have a better chance of making the right decision.

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Electric company or alternative provider?
What steps do you take to save electricity?