Environment - Step 13: Switch to Online/Auto Bill Payment

I admit it - for a long time, I've been too lazy and even a little skeptical to sign up for any of the numerous online bill payment options available these days. However, I made it one of my 2008 New Year's Resolutions to get over it and to finally set up as many of our bills as possible to online or automatic payment. So, over the past couple of weeks, I finally got off my ever-expanding fanny (ahhh, the joys of pregnancy!) and got things set up. And, while I was at it, I signed up for paperless bill notification wherever it was available. This whole process will result in a number of benefits, both financial and environmental:

1. A minimum of 1 sheet of paper & 2 envelopes (1 for sending the bill & 1 for sending the payment) are being saved for every bill I'm now receiving through email. I'm also saving 1 paper check for each bill I'm paying online.
2. I'm saving about 47 cents per bill per month (42 cents per stamp, plus 5 cents per check) for each bill payment that I make online. For my 10 bills that I set up for online/auto bill payment, I will save $56.40 per year!
3. I'm saving time - it's so much quicker to pay bills online (and no time for auto payment bills) than to pay manually via check & postal service.

So, if you haven't signed up for online/auto bill payment, do it - you'll save time & money. If you have already done this, but haven't signed up for paperless bills, make sure to update your accounts to utilize this option - it will save precious environmental resources! Also, keep checking back with companies who did not have online payment options in the past - more and more companies are expanding their billing services to include this option.

Take Care,
Kara

Environment - Step 12: Donate Your Used Bikes for Use in Africa

First, I'd like to apologize for not posting in many, MANY months. I have a really good reason - I'm expecting my 2nd child in late October and I've been SO tired. Any spare time that I've had has been dedicated to napping! That's not totally true - I have been doing a lot of research on environmental issues, especially how to be more green without spending a fortune. I'll be talking more about what I've found in future posts.

But first I'd like to talk about a donation program that I've just been introduced to. My husband is an avid cycler (in fact, he's watching the final stage of the Tour de France right now). His cycling club recently paired up with Bikes for the World (www.bikesfortheworld.org) for a bike drive. This organization collects used bikes in good condition for distribution in developing nations; they also collect any related bicycle parts. My husband had upgraded his road and mountain bikes in the last couple of years, so this drive provided an excellent opportunity to get rid of his old bikes. The organization also accepts contributions (suggested amount: $10 per donate bike) to help differ shipping costs. Tax receipts are given documenting all donated items, plus any donated funds. So far this year, Bikes for the World has distributed 6700 bikes!! They have drives scheduled in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland through the end of this year and there is a list of associated bike collecting organizations listed on their site. Hopefully, you can find a drive near you and put your unwanted bike to good use!

One last note - Bikes for the World is looking for adults' and children's bikes (excluding tricycles); children's bikes are used by children who must travel a long distance to get to school each day. So, if your kids have outgrown their bikes, please donate them to Bikes for the World or an associated organization - it would help a needy child so much!

Take Care,
Kara