Over the past few months, I’ve been trying to implement some small changes around our house in order to save on our energy bill. The reason for this is two-fold: first, it cuts our costs and second, it’s good for the environment!

The first step we took was replacing all of our light bulbs. You can now easily find LED light bulbs, which are significantly more energy efficient than regular bulbs, at practically any grocery or hardware store. They cost a little more than basic bulbs, but they last way longer, so actually your cost-per-use is probably less.

Next, I started being vigilant about unplugging unused electronics. We used to keep our cell phone chargers, coffee maker, toaster, and lamps in our barely frequented guest room plugged in all the time. Then, I learned that even when these appliances are in “off” mode they still suck energy if they’re plugged into the socket. Now I just plug them in as I use them… after all, it only takes a second to do!

I’ve also tried being more energy efficient when I cook. A friend told me recently that using lids on pots when you’re cooking can speed up prep time and thereby cut your energy use. That’s easy enough for me… plus, it means I get to eat sooner! I’ve also been washing our laundry only in cold water. I just bought some cold-water specific laundry detergent, and I haven’t noticed any difference.

Already, I’ve shaved at about $10 from our monthly electric bill. That’s $120 a year, so I’m pretty pleased with myself. Every little bit counts!