Timber Frame Business Council - Getting "In Touch"

Each month we will be including ways to go green in our newsletter, courtesy of Pennywiseguides.com, in hope that it will help our readers live happier and healthier lifestyles. Below is a continuation of the 101 ways to save Green and live Green. Check back each month for the more of the 101 ways, and feel free to send us your suggestions.

Green Car Tips
67. Tire Pressure: Keep the tires at the correct PSI (air pressure) at all times: driving around without proper air in the tires wastes gas.

68. Air conditioning and heat: Minimize the use air conditioning and heating when possible, roll down those windows and breathe some fresh air when the weather permits.

69. Weight matters: Having extra weight(tools, sports equipment, etc.) in the car hurts gas mileage.

70. Gas-saving driving: If you must drive, at least ensure that you're using less gas by doing so. Some common recommendations to do so: ease up on the gas pedal and brake pedal, be sure your tires are inflated and your engine is running smoothly, don't have your car on idle for too long, and get a fuel-efficient car.

Other Tips

71. Get your bank statement electronically: If you're worried about computer hackers, don't. Most banks send you an e-mail with a link to a secure Web site where you can check your balance

72. Cancel the canceled checks: If you still get paper bank statements that include canceled checks, at least cancel the canceled checks. You can reconcile your account just fine without all those extra slips of paper.

73. Donate clothing and household goods: Donate clothing and household goods to the environmental nonprofit of your choice. Many charitable groups, including those dedicated to saving the planet, will take such gifts.

74. Direct-deposit your pay: Most employers and banks can handle your request. In fact, they probably prefer the method. Your paycheck will always be in the bank, not in the mail, and there's no environmentally wasteful paper paycheck to worry about.

75. Pay your bills electronically: Once you're online looking at those charges, it just takes a couple extra clicks to make the payment.

76. Buy a hybrid vehicle: The advantages of these combination gas/electric autos have become well-known since pump prices have stabilized around $3 for the last couple of years.

77. Invest in 'green' funds: Ramp up that good eco-investing feeling by choosing stocks or mutual funds that that buy environmentally friendly assets. This type of investing goes beyond the usual eco-suspects, such as organic farms or environmental services firms. Green investing also means buying into mainstream companies that encourage sound environmental policies, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building.

78. Skip the receipt at the ATM: Most of the time you just take a glance at it and tear it up. Why not see your balance on the ATM itself instead of requesting a receipt.

79. Use cloth diapers: Another huge thing a parent can do to live green is to use cloth diapers as opposed to disposables. Disposable diapers take up an enormous amount of this countries landfills, don't break down easily, cost a lot of money, put chemicals directly on the bottoms of our children, and in many cases delay potty training.

Check back next month for the final 20 tips on saving and living green. Thanks!