money
Creativity can pay
The folksy gift and décor store Kirkland’s Home is looking for the “Next Great American Artist.” This contest running through Oct. 2 challenges creative types to submit their best homemade decorative piece for a chance to win $5,000 and have their work reproduced for sale in Kirkland’s Home stores. All arts and crafts for the home will be considered. Details at .
energy
Cut consumption
The October issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine highlights 29 ways to use less water and power. Editors report that when taken as a whole, these ideas can shave hundreds of dollars a year from energy bills. The tips include:
Turning the water off while brushing your teeth. Running the faucet wastes about a gallon of water a minute, according to Kiplinger’s.
Using cold water to wash clothes. This saves about 50 percent of the energy used to wash clothes in warm water.
Tuning up your furnace every two years to save about 10 percent on heating bills and reduce 1,250 pounds of carbon dioxide.
space & money
Shelving sale
The Container Store’s annual shelving sale is going on now. All shelving storewide and online is 25 percent off through Oct. 21.
