DIY Life

I know, I know, you're hearing about the green movement everywhere, and it's even more prevalent now that the gas prices have risen sky-high. You want to do your part, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin.

You want to start where it will do the most good and save you the most money, right? Green Home has put together a table that can help you figure out the best ways for you to go green.

I'm concerned about gasoline right now, as I drive a (smallish) SUV -- my next car is a hybrid, I promise! I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could save over $2000.00 over the next five years if I just drive more slowly (under 60 m.p.h). Tell that to my lead foot, then join me after the break for more green money-saving tips.

Bikes. They're everywhere. Mountain bikes and road bike sales started trending up about a decade ago (thanks, Lance), and recently sales got an additional bump because of rising gas prices. Do you own one? If so, you're familiar with the expensive pricing structure at the bike shop.

You really should get a complete tune-up on a yearly basis. And if you do the work yourself, you can save bucks big time. This used to be a case of reading confusing manuals with substandard illustrations. But no more! At this excellent bike repair online resource, you can do it all.

The instructions are clearly written and the photos are well-done and informative. So get out the tool box, surf over there, and get started! This is a great time to replace a freewheel, adjust your brake calipers, or adjust a headset!

[via Lifehacker]

Yeah, you haven't used a reel lawn mower since grandpa threatened to take you out behind the wood pile and give you a whuppin' if you didn't make with the chores, right? Well, guess what? Reel mowers are making a comeback due to high gas prices and that vacant seat on the green movement band wagon.

Today's push reel mowers have kept up with the times. The blades are better quality steel, the units don't weigh as much, and with amenities like sealed bearings, maintenance is minimal. They are also safer than motorized mowers -- no debris projectiles to dodge!

Shopping with criteria in mind

So, what should you look for when you make the choice to DIY your lawn and go green at the same time? Consider these ideas:

• What height do you want your grass to maintain? Different models have different max height settings. The Scotts Classic mower will go as high as 3 inches.
• How big is your lawn? The larger it is, the wider you'll want the cutting swath to be.
• How much maintenance are you willing to put up with? There's not much involved in any case other than blade adjustment and sharpening. Higher-grade models like the Brill Razorcut 38 claims to not need a sharpening for 8, count 'em, 8 years! Cheaper models are in the every year/every other year range.
• Price. The price of these mowers varies widely, from the $80 ballpark up to $300. Usually, like fancy plumbing fixtures, you get what you pay for, so shop around.
  

Ready to go green? Ready for a good workout? Ready for some quiet lawn work? Start shopping and get to mowing!

[Via www.icanfixupmyhome.com]

Yesterday, I put $20 worth of gas into my car. I can remember the day when that would have filled it up, but instead it gave me just over 5.5 gallons. Gas prices are definitely at a high point, and it's predicted they could rise further by summer.

Though you can save money at the pump by reducing the number of miles you drive, sometimes it's impossible to cut back enough to make a difference. You can, however, save a few bucks by following these few tricks from Yahoo Finance.

• Consider checking a website like GasPriceWatch.com, which is fed by tipsters but also has a Certified Pricing Program. (Driving all over town looking for low prices, however, will burn any pennies you save. Look for a station near where you'll be anyway on your daily travels.)
• Fill up at low peak times when prices are likely to be their lowest -- before sunrise, late at night, and -- in some states -- mid-week.
• Fill up when you hit 1/4 tank. Make sure the price on the sign matches the one on the pump and that it's set to zero when you begin fueling.
• Investigate ways to improve your gas mileage.
• Take good care of your car. Check your tire pressure regularly and unload seasonal items such as snow tires.
• Though many financial experts don't recommend using credit cards, according to Yahoo Finance, using a credit card with cash rewards can help you earn rebates when you buy gas.
  

It may not take all of the sting out of today's rapidly rising gas prices, but by planning ahead, you may be able to save a few dollars off your monthly gas bill.

Mention gas prices in any crowded area and you'll likely get a collective groan. I paid $3.30 a gallon today, an improvement from last week's $3.45. I've no idea if they're meant to go up or down by summer, but I do know that even taking a day trip is a lot costlier than it used to be.

Whether or not it's gas prices keeping you home during your vacation this year, turning your vacation into a "staycation" might actually end up being more relaxing and enjoyable in the long run. No suitcases to pack, no crowded cars or planes, and sleeping peacefully in your own bed every night...sounds good, doesn't it?

The secret behind a proper staycation, though, is planning ahead. The Seattle P.I. has a few good tips to get you started. Ditch the to-do list, and spend some time getting to know your own community a little better. Visit new-to-you parks, restaurants, attractions, and trails. Learn a new hobby, or return to that fun project you had to drop due to lack of time. Spend time with your kids, or catch up with an old friends face-to-face, rather than through email. Who knows... you might end up staying home every year!