What I'm wondering is this: is taking a short shower every morning (vs the 20 minute luxury soak) really going to help save the earth? I'm just one person, and if everyone else is taking 20 minute showers, am I just fooling myself that my little part helps?

Same goes for cloth shopping bags, etc. I need motivation to keep taking those earth friendly baby steps.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

What I keep telling myself is, "What if EVERYONE felt that what they're doing couldn't possibly make a difference?" Then, there would be no improvement whatsoever. There's power in numbers! And just know that it's okay if you "stray" every once in a while! I don't think your having your own special luxuries (aka, the 20 minute shower) is going to really matter that much...especially if that's just something you really enjoy. There are so many ways that everyone can not only save energy, but cut down our BILLS!

Last month, my sister called me to RAVE about how she cut her energy bills by LESS than HALF! All she did differently was unplug all unused TVs in her house, keep unneeded lights off...AND...MOST surprisingly...UNPLUGGED HER WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER when not in use. She went from an electric bill of over $200/mo. to one that is now about $80!!!!

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Come on over...to the "FREE side"!!
http://mommysavers.com/boards/sample...eebies-offers/

Last month, my sister called me to RAVE about how she cut her energy bills by LESS than HALF! All she did differently was unplug all unused TVs in her house, keep unneeded lights off...AND...MOST surprisingly...UNPLUGGED HER WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER when not in use. She went from an electric bill of over $200/mo. to one that is now about $80!!!!
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Very interesting!

I dont think that you are fooling yourself but like luvmysoldier said break it up. I think lots of people are starting to be more aware so I would like to think I am not the only one doing it.

Have you seen the insurance commercial where people keep seeing someone do something responsible and then they go on to do something responsible themselves? I think that you should look at how doing the things that you do are probably influencing others to do good things as well. Just think about all the tips that people share in these threads. I know that I've picked up some ideas!

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I guess I see it as you have a network. So if you do something and tell your network about it then they do something and tell there network about it. Then you see it might just work. It gets the word out.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

I think that is a GREAT way to look at it. I LOVE that commercial. You never know who might pick up something from your example. And every little bit did count. Besides like another poster said, what if everyone stopped trying just because they are just one person. Then where would we be?

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley expecting #2 May 2010

Plus, if nothing else, cutting down on a shower or electicity will at least save YOU money, even if you're not sure about it saving the earth!

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www.myspace.com/vioburn

Frugal is being wise with your money and resources and cheap is forcing everyone else to.

Check out my blog, I'm starting to add more to it, as I can...www.ginnyv.com

My Dh recently changed all of the light bulbs in the house to the "low energy " florecent kind. They are ugly but do save energy. We also turn off the switch that controlls our entertainment center each night and have gone out to buy a few fan's. Our last electric bill was $55.00 the lowest ever in the 5 years we've lived here, so if nothing else it does save money.