Challenge-Cut Back on Water Usage

Here in the USA we are lucky to have easy access to some of the safest treated water in the world just by turning on the tap but do we really understand how much we use?  I thought I had a pretty good handle on it but clearly I have much more to learn.

An easy to way to understand individual water use is to look at your water bill, not just the amount due, but how much water you used. Once you understand how much you use, the WaterSense calculator can help determine how much water your household could save if you switched to more efficient, WaterSense labeled products.

You can learn more about water in your state, including how it is being protected and where your local drinking water comes from HERE.

Nearly one year ago we moved into a new home. Our water bill sky rocketed, and I do mean sky rocketed from the double digits to over $400 for two months, $300 another then averaged out to around $200.  I mentioned over and over to the builders that there had to be a leak somewhere because these bills were incorrect. How we always watched how much water we used.  

After a few months they said they fixed it, reimbursed us for some but we still had higher than our normal water bills. After going back and forth they finally agreed to come back out to look it over again but were fairly confident they wouldn't find anything wrong. Well what do you know. They were completely surprised to see that one of the workers missed one of the pipes that had a small but still damaging leak. Since then our water bill has been at a steady average of $43.00. Go figure. Advice? Don't give up on something you feel 'fairly confident' you are in the right :) Especially if it can save you some money! If I had been wrong, so be it, but if I had not question them we could have gone in debt over our water bills! 

Challenge-find ways that you can save water at home, at work, at play, wherever!  

With Google Reader coming to an end soon, I’m trying to make sure all of my reads are in Blog Lovin’, are we following each other? Leave me a comment if you’re signed up for Blog Lovin’ so I can make sure we are!

Sources-Seametrics, epa.gov help save water, american water works association

Bringing an end to clutter

The challenge to reduce clutter has been a bit overwhelming for me, but I am determined to NOT fail and bring it to an end. Here are just a few photos of what we have been up tackling. 

To get a better handle on it, my hubby moved just about everything into our driveway. He started this late in the day so it was rushed.

When we moved we already had an HE washer and dryer so the old washer and dryer that still worked was donated. BONUS-they picked it up. Nice! He has added three storage units that hang from the ceiling too. Perfect for items that are used rarely but still needed. 

He's getting there!

 Replacing plastic storage containers took some time. Except for a strainer, a couple bowl and lids, the plastic in our home has all been replaced. YAY!

The pots, pans, and lids were a disaster and never easy (or quiet!) to get to.

 Holiday items in our attic that are being reorganized so they are easier found. 

With the way our youngest outgrew her clothing, faster than her brothers, most every piece looked as if it was new. To give you an idea, currently she is 3 and wears a size 6! 

This was taken earlier but I finally let it all go. We had so many dishes, including from our registry, that were no longer being used. My oldest son lives on his own so he found a couple pieces he liked but everything else and more was donated!

How are you doing with this challenge?  You can find some ideas where to donate in the original challenge HERE and other challenges HERE.


With Google Reader coming to an end soon, I’m trying to make sure all of my reads are in Blog Lovin’, are we following each other? Leave me a comment if you’re signed up for Blog Lovin’ or any other of the sites I am on so I can make sure we are!

Eco Shout Out

It's time for a new Eco Shout Out!  Eco Shout Out is where links are shared to eco-friendly products, blogs and or companies that I or others have come across. It's also a time that you can self promote and/or promote any you have found too!  Any shared in comments or emailed to me will automatically be included in a future Eco Shout Out post that will also be shared at Crazy4Green on Facebook, Changes4Charlie on Twitter, Changes4Charlie on Pinterest and  any other networks I belong to as well!

Doodle Boop Designs-Crocheted Amigurumi and more!  All items are handmade by ME in my smoke free/pet free home studio! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. 

My Little Leaf-Wooden Teething Toys with a Twist!

The Baby Grocery Store-unique all-inclusive shopping experience that is revolutionizing how parents shop for baby essentials. We stock all natural, organic and non-GMO food products, including frozen and fresh meals to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Everyday necessities like diapers, wipes, and household items come from companies that care about minimizing their environmental impact and maximizing your child’s health and safety.

Mommy Greenest-was HealthyChild's CEO & editor of Children magazine—before she had kids. Healthier parenting with less judgement.

Eco Party Time-sharing tips and creating awareness for eco-friendly party products and supplies in everyday celebrations.

Organic Shopper-Organic shopping and lifestyle magazine with a mission to help shoppers to buy and support organics for healthier people and planet.

ECOmobiles-eco friendly toy vehicles; each with an educational storybook about planetary issues. Made In USA!

Go Green Academy- information on sustainable measures applied at homes and in green buildings.  With so much information on the internet, this website is clear and easy to understand.


Repurposed Recycled Reused Reclaimed Restored-With a little imagination and ingenuity, old can be like new and once conventional things can be unique. Learn, share and get inspired with Repurposed, Recycled, Reused, Reclaimed, Restored!

Sage Creek Organics-organic baby and toddler clothes & bedding are soft, stylish and most importantly safe. Designed from 100% certified organic cotton, we provide adorable, fun and stylish organic clothes.

With Google Reader coming to an end soon, I’m trying to make sure all of my reads are in Blog Lovin’, are we following each other? Leave me a comment if you’re signed up for Blog Lovin’ so I can make sure we are!