Save on Dishwashing

To wring the most savings you can from your dishwasher, use the lowest (briefest) setting and don't pre-rinse. If you are concerned about dried-on food staying on the dishes, do what we do. Put the dishes on the floor and let the pets lick them clean (only if you didn't have onions or other foods that are not good for pets)! Also, we put dishes in the sink, briefly, and let the water that runs over them as we wash our hands and do other chores rinse them automatically.

Unplug to Save Energy

Another good tip from AARP: To save electricity, unplug appliances when not in use. Many of these devices still use electricity even when turned off (like computers), up to 75% of the amount when in full use! An added bonus: You'll reduce your exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields), a suspected carcinogen.

Spice Reduces Depression Symptoms

The latest AARP magazine issue highlights a way to reduce depression naturally: Increase your intake of the spice saffron. A 2007 study showed that taking this herb twice a day worked just as well as Prozac in controlling symptoms of mild to moderate depression. If you don't like the spice, try taking a supplement. It's cheaper and better for you than prescription medication (and tastier, too).

It's Never Too Late to Start Lifting Weights

According to Consumer Reports magazine, the primary reason older people wind up in nursing homes is the lack of muscle strength in their hip flexors, which enables one to rise from a seated position. After age 50, muscle mass declines precipitously. However, there's hope. Anyone can stave off this decrease in muscle by lifting weights two to three times per week. Even people in their nineties can derive real benefit. Weight lifting also encourages bone density. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, but don't put it off: Stronger bones and muscles translates into better health, better quality of life and fewer medications and doctor visits!

Take Good Care of Your Eyeglasses

Most (if not all) eyeglass lenses manufactured today are made of some type of plastic, which makes them lightweight and less costly. Unfortunately, plastic scratches easily. Scratched lenses are virtually useless, so if you want to extend the time between having to purchase new lenses of the same prescription. Try these tips:

-Never place your glasses lens-down on any surface. Whenever possible, place them inside a case when they are not in use.

-Don't dry-wipe your lenses, even with those special cloths opticians provide. Always use soap and water to clean them, and blot, don't wipe, the lenses dry.

-Never, even for one second, place your glasses where they might be knocked to the floor or sat upon. Hang onto them, even if it makes taking your sweater off a bit more awkward. You'd be surprised how many glasses get crushed when the wearer forgets he or she put them down "just for a second"!

Treat Your Hair to a Conditioner-Shampoo

If your hair is dry or tends to frizz, try washing your hair with only conditioner every other time you normally shampoo. The conditioner will clean your hair well enough, and won't strip it of oils. This will help protect it from the elements as well as assist in "frizz" control.

Keep Colored Clothing Vibrant Longer

You don't need expensive (and polluting!) laundry additives to keep your colored clothes bright and reduce fading. Simply add a bit of table salt to the wash - I add about 1/4 teaspoon to each load. I keep a container of non-iodized salt right on the laundry shelf for this purpose. You can't get much cheaper than that!

Dishwashers Really do Save Energy

For years we never considered buying a dishwasher because we thought they used too much water and energy. Then I read in Consumer Reports magazine that, no matter how frugal you are, washing a sinkful of dishes used at least 4 gallons of water (plus the energy to heat it). We got an old dishwasher for free, that used only 7 gallons for a day's worth of dishes. Now, we have an Energy Star model that uses about 5 gallons. We use the shortest cycle we can to save energy - you can always spot-clean if a dish or two comes out with a bit of soil left on it.

Compost Your Cat Litter

Our town newsletter recently mentioned that one of the largest waste streams is used cat litter. We have been composting ours for a couple of years, and it really takes the strain off the (required) trash bags. There are many natural types of cat litter on the market today, so mix and match them together until you get a combination you like. Dump everything on to the separate compost pile, and add household and yard wastes occasionally, as well. Don't use the product on edible garden produce, though!

Disposing of Clothing Not Good Enough to Donate

Many charities have tightened up their requirements regarding the condition of clothing being donated. If you have items too badly worn to be acceptable, you can make use of them another way. I tear or cut old textiles into strips and use them in addition to kindling to start wood stove fires. This way, they're being useful right until the end, and are not taking up landfill (or garbage can) space.

Freshen Your Laundry

A couple of ounces of concentrated lemon juice added to your white wash really freshens and whitens the entire load. I use 2 ounces for my front loader, so top loaders may need more. It certainly is cheap enough, and, of course, all natural!

Deodorize With Coffee Grounds

If you have a plastic storage container that absorbs a smell that persists even after washing, try filling it with used, dry coffee grounds. Leave in for a few days, dump them out and wash again. Don't forget to compost the grounds!

Paint Brushes Make Great Cleaning Tools

Paint brushes make great dusters for small objects, get into nooks and crannies and are great for cleaning out those corners. Use them dry or moisten them a bit. I also use them to wash items that the stiff bristles of a scrub brush can't touch. You can get very nice ones at dollar stores; don't forget to cut off the wooden handles and use for kindling when they are finally ready for the trash.

Alternate Uses for Toothpaste

If you decide to stop using your current brand of toothpaste before the tube is empty, don't just throw it in the trash. The soapy-abrasive quality makes it very useful for polishing sinks and stainless steel cookware. I've read that it works well on white rings on furniture, too.

Toothpaste: Loaded with Chemicals

Have you ever looked at the ingredients of your tube of toothpaste? Silica, PEG-32, sodium lauryl sulfate, red, green blue and yellow dyes...not to mention saccharin and, of course, sodium flouride. Even though we're not supposed to swallow this chemical swill, it surely is being absorbed through our mucus membranes. Try natural brands (read the label first) and good old baking soda.

Find New Life for Those Old Linens

What do you do with linens that are not in good enough shape to donate to charity? Donate them to your local animal shelter. Shelters are always in need of bedding and towels, and they don't have to be perfect. While you're there, why not take a look around the facility? You never know, you may just go home with a new friend!

Ways to Get Rid of Old Clothing

Spring cleaning usually means getting rid of clothes that do not fit anymore, are out of fashion, or that we are just plain sick of. If they are in good condition, try selling them at a tag sale. Consignment shops are a good bet, as well. If you are not concerned with making a few dollars, donate your used clothing to charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Don't throw clothing in the trash if someone else can use it!

Keeping Mice out of Your Outdoor Equipment

A friend of ours recently shared this tip with us: To keep mice out of her camper when it is not in use, she uses dryer sheets. Apparently, she places them around the interior and the smell keeps the vermin away. This should also work for items such as snow blowers, garden tillers and lawnmowers, all of which spend several months stored in an outdoor shed. Stuff them into nooks and crannies through which mice can enter (be sure to take them all out before using!). I don't recommend using these sheets for anything else, though--they contain chemicals considered toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency!

Water Your Garden Using Rain Barrels

Every year, we set up one or two rain barrels underneath our gutter downspouts. All spring, summer and fall, we have a ready supply of water with which to water gardens, rinse out buckets, wash cars, etc. Our lot is on a hill, so we are able to use gravity to drain the barrels. Once you set these barrels up, you will be surprised by the many uses you will find for the water, all without straining your well pump and wasting precious resources.

Sun-Lighten Your Hair, Naturally

If you have dark blonde to light brown hair that used to lighten on its own each summer when you were younger, you can still achieve that look, albeit with a little help. Soak a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and apply to the surface of your hair; then, go sit in the sun. If you do this several times a week, by mid-summer your hair will have that sun-kissed look without dangerous chemicals or damage to your hair.