Things That Last Longer:



1 - Rechargeable Batteries AA for your digital camera etc.. Many cameras don't even work with regular alkaline batteries, and they are only good for one use then you throw them away. A set of 4 rechargeable batteries can be found online for around $10 and last a long time, so don't pay $40 for them at the store.

2 - Nonstick Cookware: Testing has shown that the "Circulon Elite" brand outlasts others, so if you must buy new make sure you take a look at them. If you already have some, DO NOT use non-stick cooking spray or it will cook into the surface and make it tacky and hard to clean! It's already non-stick so you're just wasting the "Pam" anyway.

3- Sheets: Sometimes they need replacing or you need another set. Take a look at the "JCPenny Home Collection" and their 300 thread count sheets to be more specific. They are reported to not shrink and fade and 300 thread count is the perfect balance between lower cost and softer feel.

4- Clothing: You want a gentle stain remover and detergent, and "Tide Total Care" has shown to be both; helping clothing look newer for longer.

5- Towels: When your towels need replacing, "Canopy Bath Towels" at Walmart looked good even after 25 washes. At only about $35 for a 6 piece set they are a great value.

6- If it's broke, fix it: "Gorilla Super Glue" can bond to metal, stone, wood, ceramics, glass and more! Exercise caution to not glue things to your skin and never get your fingers near your eyes when using any "Super" glue.

Quick Spill Cleanups:

7- Computer Desk: Spill resistant or waterproof keyboards can save your day, and money! "Seal Shield Seal Flex" keyboards can go directly into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

8- Carpet Stains: If you have a puppy or young children then this is for you. The "Woolite Pod" gets out stains quick and easy can can even put the fluff back into matted up carpet. Always make sure to soak up as much of the spill as possible before using any cleaner.

9- Carpet Cleaning: For years people have rented 'Bissell Deep Cleaner" steam cleaners to clean their carpets themselves. When you move out of your apartment, rent a steamer for fairly cheap at most large grocery stores and make sure you get back your security deposit.

10- On The Go: The "Tide to Go" pen can save day if you end up wearing some of your lunch before going to that big meeting at work and save your white shirt from a stain that you might not be able to get out later.

Living eco-friendly:

11- Painting Stinks: Use paints with no Volatile Organic Compounds VOC's when possible, it's better for your family and the Earth.

12- Grow Your Own: With vegetable prices rising start your own small garden in your yard. Pick plants that yield a lot of what you like tomatoes, zucchini, beans, peppers and save money on groceries.

13- Weed Killer: "Preen" vegetable garden weed-preventer has a safe organic formula that stops weeds from growing in your garden. Alternatively you can pull them out by hand, it's cheaper and guaranteed eco-friendly.

14- Bottled Water: Don't buy it. Get a "Brita" or "Pur" faucet-mounted water filter and fill up 1 gallon jugs to be placed in the fridge. Tap water isn't cold enough for me and this is a great solution. Help keep millions of water bottles out of the landfill, it's an enormous trash generator that people largely ignore. One faucet-mounted filter can replace 750 sixteen ounce single serving water bottles!

15- Repair It: Broken electronics do not belong in the trash, they contain PCB's (Printed Circuit Boards) that have mercury in them which is hazardous waste and is not allowed in your household trash. You can probably repair your digital camera for $100 or less instead of throwing it away and spending $400 on a new one or $200 on one that isn't as good as the one you threw away.

You may not be able to save thousands with these tips, but every bit helps. There are so many more that are not listed, be sure to look for more problem solving and money saving ideas coming soon!