Unfortunately, when they expire or need to be replaced, many people just chuck ‘em. However there are some crafty ways you can bring new life to your old credit card. Here are 5 ways you can re-use them for something else.

1. Jewelry

That may sound crazy, but do a Google search for “credit card jewelry” and you will see there are tons of pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that can be made from them. But more surprising is that many of them actually look pretty cool! Many make creative use of the person’s name that was embossed on the credit card. Meanwhile, others make a pop-culture statement on status by crafting American Express Gold and Platinum cards into chic accessories.

2. Ice Scraper

Have you ever been caught in a snowstorm without an ice scraper? As someone who grew up in Michigan, trust me, it’s not fun! Thankfully the time it happened to me, I had a couple credit cards in my pocket. Obviously they aren’t the ideal tool for the job, but I was successful nonetheless in using them to scrape ice from the windshield. You never know when your spouse, relative, or friend might borrow the scraper from your car and forget to put it back. So if you live somewhere it snows, you may want to shove a couple old Visa or MasterCards into that glovebox.

3. Artwork

At the Graphic Design Museum in the Netherlands, there’s an astonishing mosaic that’s completely made of credit cards. It takes up an entire wall and the cards are arranged by color. But if you think mosaics are the only thing you can make, think again. Check out the mosaic and more to see the dozens of different ways people have incorporated these pieces of plastic into their artwork.

4. Phone Stand

I love my iPhone, but what I don’t love is the fact that there’s no built-in stand. Fortunately it’s as simple as folding a credit card in two different places and voila! You have a fully adjustable stand. Best of all, this cheap and quick iPhone stand can be assembled in a matter of seconds, wherever you may be. The author on the aforementioned link notes that it’s the perfect stand for flying, since it’s so compact and portable.

5. Construction

This is another use I can personally vouch for, because I’ve used old credit and debit cards on a number of occasions. How so? Well it’s the perfect rounded edge for caulking and a straight edge for plastering (i.e. fixing nail holes in your wall with a dash of plaster). In fact, during the last occasion, I actually found my old Bank of America debit card to work better than my $6 edging tool from Home Depot.

So there you have it… 5 ways to give your old credit card new life. It’s worth pointing out that not only will these uses work for bank cards, but also just about any plastic card you can think of. Everything from an old Walmart gift card to an expired YMCA membership card. So next time you find yourself with one that’s no longer needed, save it for later use.

Mike owns and operates CreditCardForum, which is a message board for comparing credit card deals and what people are saying about them. His most recent review was of the Walmart Money Card, which he gives a big thumbs down to. Rather than paying the high fees on it, he recommends using it for any of the five purposes above!

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Solar energy, on the other hand, is a renewable resource which means that as long as it’s replaced, it will continue to provide. For example: trees. If someone cuts down a tree and then plants a new one to take the place of the tree which was cut down, then this is a renewable resource. Unfortunately, there’s no way to replace the coal and gas that we rely on now for power. There are ten advantages to using solar energy in your home.

First and for most, solar energy is renewable so you never have to worry that the sun will not produce light. As long as the sun shines there will be a source of energy. And if it ever stops shining, well, we’ve got much bigger problems!

• Solar energy is great for the environment. It doesn’t produce any nasty byproducts; solar cells will not emit any harmful gases that pollute the air.

• You can rely on renewable resource collectors such as solar panels. A panel can produce thousands of hours of solar power with minimal maintenance. Solar power panels and other supplies can be purchased direct at www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk,  so you can create a self-sufficient home.

•  There is no hum or noise that comes from any type of solar cell; although there is a simple little noise, it is nothing like that which comes from a power plant in your back yard.

• You are able to control your cost more effectively with solar panels. You have an initial expense when purchasing the tools and equipment to set up your solar power system, but it will pay off over time. You won’t receive a monthly bill from the sun; simply flip on your switch and enjoy.

• There are many different types of Plough Croft solar panels to choose from, and there are also different prices so you can select the one that best suits your needs. Whether you have a small one bedroom cottage or a huge multi-level business building, you can find the right size and type of solar panels to purchase. Some of these panels cost just a few hundred pounds while others could be in the thousands, but you can control your own cost.

• When you use solar energy you are self-sufficient, so you never have to link up to the main power grid. This means that you no longer have service charges or other charges associated with your home.

• Consider selling your extra energy. When your panels are large enough and generate more than enough power, your energy meter will actually spin backwards and the power company can then buy the extra from you if you’re connected to the grid.

• In some places, you can receive a tax credit at the end of the year to help when you are able to provide proof of your purchase of solar energy equipment. You can expect to get back up to 30% of your total cost. This is a big saving that will help you to enjoy using the solar power panels.

• Solar energy is always changing as more and more is being discovered. There are several solar panel kits that you can purchase at www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk  for any size of home. So now, you can create a self-sustaining home no matter where you live.

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There’s no use avoiding the fact that going green in the wintertime might be a little tougher than in the warmer months. With less daylight and constant cold temperatures, homeowners will have to use all their resources to safeguard their homes in order to stay warm. Less sunlight also means that solar energy sources won’t be producing electricity at optimum levels, so those who subscribe to green energy companies will see their bills rise during wintertime. But there are ways to cut energy costs this season without allowing your house to turn into an icebox.

Dress for warmth inside

Ok, this might not seem like the most enlightening piece of advice, but you’d be amazed at how much money you can save by wearing extra clothing in your home. When you feel a chill in you house, try putting on some thick wool socks, pajama pants, or even a comfy beanie to combat the cold. Your body heat will stay trapped against your skin when you bundle up; simply walk around your house for a bit while fully clothed and you might just reconsider turning on the heater. Keep your warm clothes on when you go to bed at night and you might not even have to touch the heater!

Inspect and make safe sources of heat

It’s critical that you check all major heating sources before the serious winter season sets in so you can warm your house safely when the temperature outside starts dropping dramatically. If you have a functioning fireplace, for example, check that the flue (the inside of the chimney) is clear and unobstructed by sooty buildup before you consider starting a fire. Most chimney related hazards could be avoided by taking a few minutes to ensure a clear passage for the smoke from your fire.

Also be sure to check your water heater and water pipes to ensure that they’re winter proof. Exposed pipes should be wrapped and secured in insulation or heating tape to prevent from cracking in freezing temperatures. As a preventative measure, a large thermal blanket should cover water heaters in order to shield them against the cold. A well-insulated water heater won’t have to work as hard to produce hot water, an effort that ends up saving you money in the long run.

If you don’t feel up to these tasks yourself, there’s no shame in hiring an experienced plumber to check and properly pad your water pipes and water heater. The fee you’d pay the plumber to secure your house’s heating system pails in comparison to the money and trouble you’d go through to repair your pipes if they broke during particularly icing weather conditions.

Seal and reinforce your windows

Homeowners in older homes should pay close attention to this tip. Oftentimes older homes retain their original windowpanes, frames, and fixtures that have deteriorated over time. It’s highly likely that these decrepit windows allow much more cold air into your home than you’d expect, keeping temperatures inside your house low despite the heater.

Like I suggested with pipes and water heaters, you can ready your windows for the winter in two ways: do it yourself or hire a professional. If you’re looking to save money then you could simply seal off cracks between windows and their frames, or invest in some heavy curtains or drapes to trap in some of the intrusive cold air. If you’re especially industrious you could purchase and install replacement panes for your windows. But if you don’t have the time to manage the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call a trained window repairman to update your windows. Well-crafted windows won’t only keep out the cold during the winter; they’ll also keep your house cool in the summer. Updating your windows could be the wisest investment you make in your hose this season.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Lauren Bailey, who regularly writes for best online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99ATgmailDOTcom. 

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Watch for Sales

With organic products being as popular as they are, supermarkets would be silly not to offer sales on them. Be sure to pick up the weekly ads from all of the grocery stores near you. From there you will be able to see what organic items are on sale each week. Often times stores will offer “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” sales on organics, which can save you a lot of money. If you find that the products you want are included in the sale, by all means take advantage of it. Just be sure to check dates and be logical when purchasing. If your household won’t use the product, don’t purchase it just for the sake of it being on sale. Only buy what you will use.

Find and Use Coupons

You may not think that coupons exist for organic products, but the truth is they do. You may have to look a little harder for them, but it is usually worth it. Besides checking your Sunday paper, be sure to scan your supermarket ads, as they sometimes include coupons for various products. If you have certain organic products in mind, check the manufacturers’ websites. Many companies that produce organics put coupons online. All you have to do is print them out and take them shopping with you.

Buy in Bulk

Although they may not offer a huge selection, some warehouse-type stores have begun carrying certain organic products. If you find that a product you use is available in bulk for a better price, pick it up. Buying in bulk will not only save you money, but trips to the store as well. If you have more of something, you will not run out as quickly.

Grow Your Own Organic Produce

A surefire way to save money on organic produce is to grow it yourself. Organic gardening is relatively simple, and the results will be well worth your time and effort. You basically grow a garden as you normally would, just remember to use organic pest control products, as well as organic fertilizers. When you grow your own organic vegetables and fruits, you should have enough to freeze, can, or store for future use. Not only will you have a year-round supply of organic produce, but you will save a great deal of money as well.

Make Your Own Organic Cleaning Products

You may think that food is the only thing that can be organic, but the truth is household cleaners can be as well. Non-organic cleaners contain many harsh chemicals that truly aren’t necessary for keeping your home clean and free of germs. Unfortunately organic cleaners on the market can cost a lot of money. You will be happy to know that it is possible to make your own organic household cleaners with simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Things like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can all be used to easily create organic cleaning products. There are many recipes that can be found online, so doing a simple search will bring up many results. Your house will be chemical-free and clean, and the stress on your wallet will be greatly reduced.

These are all wonderful ways to save money on organic products. The savings will allow you to provide yourself and your family with safer things to eat and use on a daily basis. After discovering how easy it is to save money on organic products, you may wonder why you did not find these tips sooner.

Guest post from Adam. Adam writes for FrugalDad.com, an online coupon site.

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Many people who use solar panels to run their home are even making money from the energy they produce. Most solar panels can produce more than enough electricity to power the home and many households are left with energy they can sell back to the electricity board. This means solar panels pay for themselves after a time.

If you are looking to get solar panels for your house, one option is to take solar courses. If you already work in a trade such as a plumber or an electrician, there are a number of different courses you can take to help you understand solar panels more.

You can learn about different types of solar panels that are used in the industry For instance, if your trade is plumbing, you can learn about vented and un-vented solar panels and how they attach to a roof safely. Ploughcroft Solar offers a variety of different courses in various places around the country. It’s only a matter of finding the right one to suit you.

You can even train with a qualified installer on the job. That means you get first-hand experience of the job and how to install everything properly. This live demonstration would surely be one of the best ways to learn.

With the ever increasing popularity of solar energy it may be time to get on board. Or, if you know someone who works in a trade, then this may be a great career expanding option for them. Maybe they’ll even help install your system!

By preparing now for the renewable energy switch, you’ll be one step ahead of the game.

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Transform Fresh to Lasting

If you haven’t tried your hand at canning yet, it’s one of the very best ways to green up your home this fall.  You’ll be able to take advantage of the flood of fresh produce that is available to us during the fall months and preserve it to get you through the winter months when the only other way to get it would be to purchase something shipped from across the globe.

Craving raspberries in December?  Then you will love your homemade canned raspberry jelly.  Peaches?  Canned!  Drying is another great option.  Apples are one of my favorites to eat dried, and since they are abundant in fall, this is the prime time to stock up and stockpile dried stashes.  Nothing beats your own fruits and veggies in the middle of winter that you didn’t have to sacrifice your green principles for.

Switch Out Those Light Bulbs

With the start of fall comes the beginning of shorter and shorter days and you’ll naturally be using your lights for more hours each day.  Switching to energy efficient light bulbs might seem like a small thing, but if you haven’t done it yet already, this can go a long way to saving energy.  CFL (fluorescent) bulbs can even be up to 80% more efficient than the typical bulb.

Pesky to Perfect

You know those leaves that pile up so quickly in the front yard, the back yard, the side yard….  They seem pesky and annoying and often get a bad rap for taking up too much time and killing the grass underneath.  But, with a green mindset, those pesky leaves can become the perfect spring fertilizer.

Skip raking the leaves and ditching them in garbage bags on the side of the street and contributing to more energy use and consuming more landfill space.  Instead, shred them up and add to your composting bin.  Come spring, you’ll have a lovely, rich organic fertilizer.

And remember!  Rake, don’t go out with a leaf-blower.  One gas-powered leaf blower running for an hour is equivalent in emissions to driving 350 miles.  Other great green leaf uses?  Frame a few for fall décor or turn them into a potpourri.  Just crush, store in mesh bags and spread them throughout your house for the ultimate smell of fall all season long!

Add Some Green Inside, Literally!

Fall is the perfect time to move your “garden” from outside to inside.  Plant an herb garden for your windowsill.  You’ll get to keep that summer feeling going all year long with fresh mint in your tea, newly picked rosemary for those portabella burgers and perhaps even spinach.

Start Prepping Insulation

As soon as those daily temps start dropping, it’s absolutely appropriate to start “winterizing” your home.  There’s no need to wait for the first snowfall (in fact, that’s a really bad idea); plenty of us live in locales where fall most certainly calls for early effort to save precious heat.

Get prepped with draft blockers for the doors and for behind your light switches.  Insulate the hot water heater.  Consider caulking or double-checking the caulk all around sneaky spaces like windows, pipes, wires, etc.  You might want to look into getting a programmable thermostat that will automatically turn down and off at the appropriate times, relieving your less-than-perfect memory of the responsibility.  Change out all of your furnace filters.  As they become dirty, the airflow gets restricted, meaning more energy needed to push through.

And of course, you can get your own “insulation” invest in some good warm, heavy sweaters so you can keep that thermostat set low!  Stock up on propane, de-ice and any winter products you might need, now, before price increases to meet demand.

Freelancer Jocelyn Anne writes about greening up the home on a regular basis.  Her favorite fall methods include canning lots and lots of apple pie filling and thoroughly playing in the leaves before composting.  At the moment she’s promoting the efficient, energy saving G70 garage heater for the winter season.

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In order to help consumers solve this problem, FindTheBest has designed a new platform which allows users to find and compare the most fuel efficient vehicles based on vehicle class, engine size, miles per gallon (MPG), fuel type, green vehicle rating, and more. With nearly 2,500 different cars to compare, you’re bound to find a green automobile that meets your specific needs and desires, without the hassle of traveling from dealership to dealership trying to locate a particular car.

Looking for a small car with a combined MPG greater than 80 and powered by an electric battery?  Need a specific make or model that can fit an entire family?  Simply set the filters accordingly and let the tool display all the options available.

The days of polluting the environment by driving huge trucks and SUV’s are hopefully fading, and tools like this help to both educate and perpetuate the green lifestyle.  With so many incentives at both the state and federal level, the idea of owning an eco-friendly automobile is becoming more and more a reality.  Insurance companies are now offering affordable plans that incorporate a discount on the premium you pay due to the fact that purchasing an environmentally-friendly car conveys a dependable image in the eyes of insurance companies; therefore, reducing the probability of settling accident claims.

Next time you’re considering purchasing a new car, be sure to take the time to research automobiles that not only add value to your personal life, but also add value to the world around us.

Michael Bracy is a Business Development Associate for FindTheBest, a comparative search engine that compares a variety of green products from Energy Star refrigerators to photovoltaic solar panels.

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The summer weather does tend to bring with it some motivation and inspiration that’s quite hard to find during the winter months, so it’s vitally important that we make the most of it. Here are 4 great ways to get greener this summer.

Dry Your Clothes Outside

This goes without saying but once the sun comes out, we should all make use of it by drying our clothes outside instead of using an electric dryer.

You’ll save money on electricity and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment at the same time. Use a simple washing line inside or if you have the room, hang your clothes outside on a line to get the full use of the sun’s rays.

Not only will this save you money on your energy bills but your clothes will smell and feel better for having been dried outdoors.

Grow your own fruits and vegetables

A lot of people think that growing your own fruits and vegetables can be difficult and time consuming, but not if you follow some very basic guidelines and if you have the weather on your side!

Foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, eggplants, peppers and even corn, grow fantastically well during the summer months so why not give them a try and see what happens. You can save some money and there will be a real sense of satisfaction when you are eating the food that you have grown yourself.

You will probably be able to find the seeds for your own fruit and vegetables at your local store or market, do some research or follow the instructions on the packs and see how you get on, you may surprise yourself.

Enjoy fresh produce from your local markets

I’m not sure what it’s like by you, but I have some fantastic local markets by me that offer fresh produce at great prices. Local farmers markets are great for finding fresh meat, but depending on what they have in stock, they can also be great for baked goods, cheeses and more.

Try out more than one local market to make sure that you are getting the most from your money as prices in your local area will most likely vary.

If you’re really hot, use fans instead of air conditioners

We all know that air conditioners do a very good job, but they’re expensive to run and take their toll on the environment. A more frugal way to keep cool could be to use a fan as these also do a great job too and use less energy than air conditioners.

Fans can circulate cool air around the rooms indoors instead of keeping the air trapped in a single room as an air conditioner does. It’s better for the environment and cheaper for you too, so why not give it a try?

I hope that these frugally green summer tips will help you to save some money and do your bit for the environment too this summer.

Les Roberts writes for moneysupermarket.com, the UK’s number one comparison website that can save you money with low-rate loans and balance transfer offers.

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Here are a few ideas for money-saving dishes that everyone young and old will enjoy:

Make-Your-Own Pizza

What child doesn’t love eating pizza? The homemade version is a lot healthier, cheaper and more fun than eating it in a restaurant because everyone can be involved. If you have time, you can make the dough from scratch the night before which will save you even more money. If you don’t want to buy a pricey jar of sauce from the store, just find a cheap tin of tomato sauce and jazz it up with salt, oregano, black pepper, and any other spices that you enjoy. Buy some cheap mozzarella cheese, green peppers, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, and anything else that you and your kids like on your pizzas. Separate the dough into individual pizza sizes, and cook it for a short time in the oven to prevent it from becoming soggy. Now for the fun part, as your little ones get to assemble their own pizzas by hand!

Casseroles

A delicious and hearty casserole should be on your menu for cold winter nights, as these healthy dishes are easy to cook, well loved, and save you money because they allow you to use some of the cheaper and tougher cuts of meat at the supermarket. These tough cuts will soften after being simmered in the oven for several hours, and become juicy and flavourful. Casseroles should be cooked for most of the day, so plan your ingredients in advance and prepare them in the morning. Simply combine your ingredients such as meat, vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice in a casserole dish and place in the oven to cook. By the time dinner rolls around, the house will be filled with a delicious smell and you will have a nutritious and delicious one-dish meal waiting for you!

Soups

Soup is very easy to make and a hearty homemade soup from leftover vegetables can feed a family for next to nothing. If you grow your own vegetables, soup is even cheaper! Kids love the comforting warmth of soup, but you might have to remind them not to slurp! There are no rules when it comes to making soup. Start with a hearty stock which can be homemade with leftover meat or created with soup stock cubes. Next, add anything you desire including vegetables, barley, rice, pasta, and spices. Serve it with some nice bread or dinner rolls, and you will have a happy and well fed family!

These are just a few ways that you can treat your family to healthy and hearty meals for much less money. There are many possibilities when it comes to cheap meals, so use these suggestions as a jumping-off point to experimenting with your own ideas and creating your own recipes!

Barry Hardcastle writes about money matters on Devon Money Man, and has worked on behalf of such financial brands clients as business banking specialists Ulster Bank.

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Space heating and cooling account for maximum energy use and is the largest energy expense for most homes. Here are a few ideas that you can implement to make your home more cost-effective:

Replace old windows

Replacing old and leaky windows with weatherstripping and storm windows, so that you save on your heating and air-conditioning bills is a great idea. The heat conduction of the walls can be reduced by installing fiberglass, cellulose, and foam insulation materials.

Plant trees around your home

The most economic way to make your home energy efficient is to plant trees in your backyard and front garden. Even if your home is old, a good plantation can save on electricity bills. Landscaping will help prevent the exterior of your home from getting much warmer or colder in extreme weathers.

Install Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lamps are energy efficient. You will be astonished to know that electricity to run a light bulb costs way more than the bulb itself. Turn off the light if you leave a room, even if for a while. Make sure that your devices are not plugged in when not in use. If you are not charging your phone, then remove the plug, or else the power will continue to flow to the device.

Some people find that getting the exterior of their home painted makes their home more warmer inside. Get the cracks, gaps, and other holes in the home’s exterior repaired and you will feel the difference.

Mathew Leonard is a writer for Handyman London.

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