What specific actions have reduced your energy bill? (ID #001)

Date: 4/11/2009 to 5/15/2009
Duration: 5 weeks
Host: Self Moderated
Topic(s): 5

Overview:
Idealists like us always hope that our fellow humans will change their ways for sustainability & peace.   In reality, individuals are motivated by a mix of selfish interest & promote the common good primarily when they can see a direct benefit to themselves.  Enlightened folks understand that promoting a global culture of efficient mutual cooperation is, by definition, beneficial to all.  Nevertheless, the self-interest is a real factor that is rarely harnessed to motivate people to take actions to reduce their carbon footprint.  One way to effect action is to demonstrate real dollar savings obtained by reducing energy consumption while barely changing a lifestyle.   We cannot succeed with tying greening to a viable business model, or aggregate of models.  I have logged almost a years' worth of personal lifestyle greening with great results at http://livinggreenlivingwell.com  .  In what ways have you downsized your energy bill, or otherwise saved money by making green choices?   Which specific products appear to work well for you?  Don't be shy, name names of products and provide links if you care to for products or services that have had a positive impact on your finances.  Is the creation of a greening service company a good idea?

Topic 1: Electric Slide (week 1)
How have you reduced your consumption & electricity while maintaining a similar lifestyle?  What works?  What doesn't work?

Topic 2: Getting Around Green (week 2)
What changes have you made in your transportation habits that have saved you money?   What works?  What doesn't?

Topic 3: Water, Water Everywhere (week 3)
What have you done to reduce your water throughput?  Which strategies and product(s) work, and which do not?

Topic 4: Heating & Cooling (week 4)
What changes have you made to your residence that decrease the cost of heating & cooling?  Which strategies and product(s) work?  Which do not?

Topic 5: Strategies for Personal Finances (week 5)
Saving many small amounts of money per month really adds up over time.  Many of live at or near our budget's capacity.  What strategies for personal finances have you implement to save a percentage of your income for greening your lifestyle?