Family Friendly Ways to Save Energy

Like many people, we’ve been reviewing all our bills and looking for ways to reduce our spending wherever possible. Since we’re also trying to reduce our use of nonrenewable resources, finding ways to save energy are bonus items. The Koala Sisters (aka our daughters) got into the act so we bring you four family friendly ways to save energy.

(1) Have a PJ day. This is a favorite of both of our children. Rather than bathing and getting dressed on a weekend day, we all stay in our PJs and hang out at home. We save the hot water needed to bathe, the water needed to wash the clothes we would have worn, and gas for traveling around town running errands. We also gain a very relaxing day together!

(2) Snuggle time. When the temperatures drop, it is a great time to get cozy. We added a couple of blankets to our living room so it is easy to curl up on the couch and read. Rich and I will each share a blanket with the girls when we watch a movie together. Lately we’ve been finding them with a head at each end of the couch and a pile of art supplies in the middle. They also come in handy for fort building! We save energy on our heating bill since we can keep our thermostat set lower. We also gain lots of hugs and kisses.

(3) Use your shower for more than showering. No, not that – this is a family friendly site! If you haven’t already seen this video from Brazil, take a look. My kids think it is hilarious!

We save 1.6 gallons of water per flush saved. We also gain lots of giggles and great opportunities to talk about saving water and why it is so important.

(4) When it is cold outside, make yourself warm on the inside. I’m a big believer in making sure the girls are toasty warm inside and out, especially on those days that we need to head out early. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai are favorite drinks for us in the winter.

When it comes to hot chocolate, I highly recommend taking the few minutes needed to make it from scratch. It doesn’t take that much longer and it is SO much better! Here is the recipe we use:

1 cup warmed milk

1 1/2 teaspoon cocoa

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

While the milk warms in a pot on the stove, mix the cocoa, sugar and vanilla in the cup or mug you will be using. As soon as you see little bubbles begin to form in the milk, turn off the burner. Take one or two spoonfuls of milk and stir them into the cocoa mixture to make a paste. Then add the remainder of the milk, stir thoroughly, and enjoy! Makes one serving.

We save energy since we are warming up from the inside. We also save money since we avoid overpriced, and not very tasty, pre-mixed hot chocolate packets and all their packaging. We also gain a chance to hang out in the kitchen together cooking and then sipping our cocoa. Some of my favorite winter memories with my children involve hot chocolate!

Our conversation on this topic is ongoing so I’ll continue to add to these.

What are your family friendly ways to save energy?

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