Reduce Utility Bills

Keeping plant and a lawn green in the summer can raise water bills. This is especially true in southern states where water costs go up at certain levels of use during summer months. Some communities and cities also restrict water use times. Here are a couple ways to reduce water use and still have green plants:

Keep water around plants

• Reduce run off water by digging a lowered area (well) around trees and individual plants to hold water.
• Build up (dam) outer area around edges of gardens, plants and trees to keep water where it is needed.
• Build up area around edges of lawns to hole water in area

Reduce evapportation

• Heavily mulch area around plants
• Water in evening when the sun is down in dry areas
• Water early morning in humid areas (to avoid mold)

Develop deep roots

• Water heavily 1-2 per day for two days in a row. This allows the water to sink deep in the soil.
• Allow water to stand (wells and dams described above assist in this) so it will sink deep into soil
• Don’t water for 1-3 days (depending on heat and plant tolerance) to discourage surface root development

Shade area

•  Use lawn chairs and tables when not in use to provide shade
• Cover with shade cloth during hottest part of day
• Put up temporary canapy
• Plant in natural shade of house and trees

Plant heat/drought tolerant plants

• Plants that do well during southern summers need minimal water
• Put in pots if winters are long and cold, these plants will want to winter indoors

Harvest water run off from summer rains

• Remove drain pipes to allow water to flow in large trash cans or other container to be used later for watering
• Add collapsible hose or use drainage ditch to direct water to plants
• Connect gardens and plants with shallow drainage ditches so water flows from area to another

A beautiful garden and green grass can be attained while minimizing water use and costs.

There are a few super simple ways to save on your utility bills that will have a bonus savings in other areas.

1. Reduce amount of shampoo and conditioner. Using the right amount of shampoo and conditioner will reduce the amount of water and the amount of energy used to heat the water in the shower. Excess shampoo and conditioner will take longer to rinse, especially if you have long or thick hair. Higher priced brands are usually less concentrated so you can use less per shower.
2. Minimize hand washing. Using hand disinfectants (especially the ones with lotion that don’t dry) will be less expensive than running and heating water. Regular towels and paper towels are not needed for drying either so that reduces laundry and paper waste (bad for the environment).
3. Know your employee benefits and any discounts that come with it. (Wal-Mart employees get discounts on selected cell phone service each month). If your company matches any contributions, participate and take that free money to use for paying utility bills.
4. Diet. If you need to loose weight, less weight in the car will save money on gas and wear and tear on the vehicle. Changing your diet to include a fresh food night that requires no cooking and no driving to fast food will benefit your health, your environment, and reduce the utility bill (and your gas bill).

Children may be the hardest ones to get on board with reducing utility bills. There are two ways to get them to do their part:

1. Bonuses for helping to reduce utility bills
2. Fines for not helping to reduce utility bills

Bonus plan:

• Financial bonus-a portion of savings, small and consistent rewards every time they are “caught” turning off lights, taking a shorter shower, etc.
• Treat or activity at the end of every month they help reduce utility bills.
• Use balance of money in quarter jar (see below) for a specific a treat or activity.

Fines:

• Start with a jar with $5 in quarters. Every time they leave a light on, leave water running, etc. a quarter is removed and put in a jar to be used to help pay the utility bill.
• Deduct from allowance a set amount when wasting energy.
• Do extra work around house to “pay” for extra energy used.

Post a copy of the chart that comes with most utility bills where children can see it. Point out how heating and cooling costs effect the amount used some months and show how when they help (like hang up their clothes to dry, take shorter showers, and more) reduce the utility bills. Write down amount of money per day was charged for the previous month.

When children want money, to do an activity, or need transportation somewhere, let them know there is an extra $15 available because they helped reduce utility bills by .50 per day.

Yes…..you can raise children who know how to reduce utility bills!