My Challenge to reduce our City of Fallon bill

So, I decided to challenge myself to try to reduce our water and electricity bills this spring and summer, compared to what they were last year. Why?

Because I hate paying the City of Fallon. When this bill shows up in the mailbox, I feel mad before I even open it. Do you know that we pay twice as much for garbage here as we did in Martinez and the city does not even recycle?? (For those who don't know - City of Fallon bill = electricity+garbage+water) Plus, we're poor, so I've been trying to cut costs everywhere.

While I cannot control the flat rate that we pay for garbage, I can try to reduce how much water and electrity we're using. Actually, I'm not sure I can reduce the water too much, so my focus will be electricity.

Why am I blogging about this? Accountability. If I write it, and people ask me about it, I'll feel obligated to stick to it.

So the first change I made this week was to stop using the dryer now that it's warming up. I have a topless gazebo outside (don't ask) that, as it turns out, is perfect for hanging my laundry on.

Also, I'm going to start turning off the computer every night. We NEVER do this. Ever. But I just read this week that you can save $6/month just by shutting it off every night, and maybe it will run faster during the day too. Sure, $6 doesn't seem like much - but hey - that's 3 gallons of milk, or a months worth of bread for our family.

Now, if I could just get Don to turn off the TV when he leaves the room, and Austin to turn off the lights when he leaves a room...... I'm open to other ideas on how we can save electricity - and maybe someone will join me in this challenge?? Anyone? Anyone?