How to Really Save Money on Lighting

First, you don't save a lot right off the bat if you buy CFS bulbs for four or five times the cost of four incandescent bulbs. Let's be real.

Secondly, unless you turn the lights on and leave them for hours, you're not going to save as much in electricity as the ads would have you believe.

Thirdly, no matter what bulb you use, it costs less to use a lower wattage and it costs even less to not use them at all. Do you really need a night light burning all night in the bathroom? Do you need a light every time you go into the kitchen, even though the refrigerator (where you're headed) has a light of its own?

Think about it.

Pennies and aluminum cans

They're both the same, you know. A lot of people won't bother to bend down to pick up either a penny or an aluminum can. I do.

Why?

A penny times ten is a dime and a dime times ten is a dollar. I'd stop to pick up a dollar any time. Wouldn't you?

Make the Basics

Are you still buying paper napkins?? Why not take some of those old clothes you set aside for rags or donating to make some cloth napkins? It won't cost a thing except a little thread and some of your time. Just cut out squares (size isn't critical) and hem them. Handkerchiefs are the exact same. Just designate which one for which use.

There. You've saved money, storage and even gone a little green.