(this image is at: http://opalsave.com/)
Prepping has become an amazing way of life for me and a hobby which I adore so very much. And in doing so encourages me to find ways to save and cut back on our regular bills. I know it’s been quite some time since I last posted on this topic so here it is one more post to share on what we been up in the money saving department.
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(this image is at: http://naturesnurtureblog.com/smartklean-detergent-ball-review-giveaway/)
1. Save On Everyday Items:
Wool Dryer Balls & Green Wash Laundry Balls
Here’s something I wish I had tried much sooner because we save on liquid fabric softeners, dryer sheets and laundry detergent.
We combine the use of the green wash balls and laundry detergent and cut down on the amount of detergent we normally use. It’s cheaper and less toxic and we save even more when we use our homemade detergent concoction anyway.
The wool dryer balls have no toxins, cut down the amount of time to dry and makes laundry extra fluffy and so, so extra soft.
We still use the lavender dryer sheets by Mrs. Meyers that I love. And so reuse the dryer sheets a couple of times or only use one sheet per wash. Or I sometimes spray the dryer and the balls with a couple of sprays from a mixture of 50 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and one quart of white vinegar and the clothes have such a clean and fresher smell.
I’m impressed with the Wool Dryer and Green Wash Laundry Balls. The initial investment ranges from ten to thirty dollars and last for quite sometime.
(this image is at: http://nutritiontulsa.com/400/which-are-healthier-white-vs-sweet-potatoes/)
2. Save on Groceries:
Cut Back On Pre-Cut and Prepackaged Foods As Much As Possible
One way we cut back on buying pre-cut or prepackaged frozen foods is with potatoes. We always buy ten pounds of fresh sweet, red and/or white potatoes for three to five bucks and keep them in a paper bag then store them away in a dry, cool and dark place in the house.
Since we eat them at least two or three times a week, we bake them fresh or sometimes we bake a whole slew of them then put them in big plastic freezer bags into the freezer so all we have to do is heat them up at busy times and times when we don’t want to cook.
And thanks to the many potatoes peelers and slicers on the market we can cut/slice our potatoes in any way we prefer.
(this image is at: http://lifesmartproducts.com/infrared-heaters/lifepro-2/ls-3w-bpiqt/)
3. Save On Electricity:
Infrared Heaters
When I read about how remarkable infrared heaters are and that it’s possible to save 20% to 50% on electric and heating costs, we immediately purchased one infrared heater for each room in the house. Spending anywhere between $35 to $150 per heater. We noticed once we started using them the house stays so much warmer too.
They supplement our existing heating system, do not blow allergens and dust around and are good for the human body because they help increase blood circulation, rid the body of toxins and also help reduce pain. They give off a nice glow/ambiance, makes the house feel warmer, calmer and cozy. So why the heck didn’t we think of this much sooner!
4. Save On Gas:
Infrared Heaters
As stated above, these infrared heaters save on our electricity bill and we do not have to use as much gas to keep the whole house warm. We heat only the rooms we are in and at night on goes the electric blankets.
(this image is at: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/camping-dishes/)
5. Save on Water:
Reuse Water
For Dishes and Basic Hand Washing
We spent a few dollars on basins that fit snugly inside the kitchen and bathroom sinks. So now instead of running water while washing dishes or using the dish washer, we fill only two basins with hot water. One gets a teaspoon of bleach and a squirt of dish liquid for washing and the other is filled with clear water for rinsing.
We set them up at the start of the day to wash breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes then wash them out, turn them upside down in the sinks at the end of the day.
We basically do the same in the bathrooms. We have two personal bins a piece. One gets filled with hot soapy water and one with clear water to wash our hands through out the day.
It works for us because we both have separate bathrooms anyway. But I guess a family could share the same basins and do the same and even change the water out if it gets too dirty. Exceptions are if hands are really dirty with excessive grease and grime then in that case wash thoroughly as normal.
When the water gets cold throughout the day we simply add a bit more of hot boiling water from the kettle, soap and dish liquid to them as needed.
1. Save On Everyday Items:
Wool Dryer Balls & Laundry Balls
2. Save On Groceries:
Cut Back On Pre-Cut & Prepackaged Foods
3. Save On Electricity:
Infrared Heaters
4. Save On Gas Heat:
Infrared Heaters
5. Save On Water:
Reuse Water
(this image is at: http://www.whatcomready.org/preparedness/individual-family-preparedness/)
