Soap dispensers: foam vs. non-foam

We've moved our entire house to foaming soap dispensers. Why? Have you noticed that when you use non-foaming soap, that you sometimes waste soap? (i.e. the soap doesn't get dissolved and used, but instead is flushed down)

We buy liquid hand soap (no antibacterial properties) but dilute this soap with clean tap water before putting it into the foam dispenser. We've noticed that you can make soap last a long time with this change - about ten times longer (10 pumps lasts about 100 pumps).

Getting the most out of toothpaste

You're getting to the end of your toothpaste tube and you're wanting to throw it away. Don't!

Have you ever tried cutting the toothpaste tube? If you do, you will find that you can scrape at least another 10-15 brushings from it! Depending on how many times a day you brush, you could be extending the life of your toothpaste by several days.

Defrosting in the fridge

When you have a frozen food you need to cook (say, a turkey), and you know you will cook it on a certain date, defrost it in the fridge. Be sure, however, to put the turkey on something in case the plastic wrapping has come apart or torn! (that way, turkey juice doesn't get all over the place in the fridge).

Anyhow, it'll save you energy because you won't be heating up something frozen to room temperature. Instead, your turkey will slowly defrost to fridge temperature and keep the fridge cool as well! Instant energy savings.

Shopping for food

Don't shop when you're hungry because you'll end up throwing a lot of junk food, pre-prepared foods, instant foods (you get the idea) in your cart....and it'll end up costing you more too. We've found that buying non-processed food items is better for your wallet and better for your body. So eat something before you decide to stock your fridge and pantry.