Ideal Bite

Staying Warm

Layer It on Thick

11.02.2009

Submitted by tmeronek on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 12:00am.

The Bite:

Have a tendency to overdo it on the central heating? You could be tossing away hundreds of dollars - no exaggeration. Regulate your temp by wearing layers, and always keep a shawl or wrap (and a jacket) handy in case your outfit needs a little embellishing.

The Benefits:

Wearing the right layers can save you up to $250 per year on heating and cooling bills - and that's no overstatement.
For every two Biters who adopt this tip, we'll avert CO2 equal to planting a tree.

Personally Speaking:

Jen turned all her girlfriends in Bozeman onto Wild-Wool wraps (made with paihamu fur fibers - more on that here); she credits the wraps with single-handedly keeping heating bills down throughout southern MT.

Wanna Try:

Wild-Wool Wrap - light, scallop-edged wrap (or small throw) made from merino wool and the fur of the invasive paihamu ($95).
Sust Knit Cape - new this season, it's nice and thick without being too heavy, and made from organic wool; in three colors ($248). Enter the code IDEAL25 during checkout to get 25% off. Offer ends Dec. 24.
Tickled Pink Scarf - crazy-soft organic cotton wrap that drapes beautifully in a lacy stitch; shown here in brown and cream, but also available in sage and beige. Also check out this ruffly shawl ($79-$285).

Biter's Guide to Getting Cozy - get the lowdown on easy, eco ways to fight the cold this winter.

Cocktail Fact

In the northern hemisphere, the coldest day of the year usually comes a few weeks after the shortest day of the year, since heat stored in the ground from summer leaks out gradually over the winter.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters dress to avoid having to use the heat and A/C so much, in a year we'll avert the same amount of emissions that 625 cars create in that year.

18 comments

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Lyn on November 02, 2009 at 03:49 AM 1

I'm starting to realize that Ideal Bite is just a big advertisement for ridiculously expensive items. It's too bad that being "eco-friendly" seems to cost so much. Almost $300 for throws, capes and scarfs to stay warm. Crazy! I can't even nearly afford it.

Judy on November 02, 2009 at 04:01 AM 2

To really save, you could knit or crochet something. Maybe you could post some sites for cozy sweater, laprobe, scarf or other patterns. They would cost considerably less than buying expensive stuff. Learning to knit is fun and easy.

Sandra on November 02, 2009 at 04:13 AM 3

I agree with Lynn, you can't save the money if you spend it first on exceedingly expensive scarves and capes. Maybe knit yourself one, I might have to keep the needles on mine, since I haven't figured out casting off yet, but even then it would be less dinero.

April on November 02, 2009 at 06:19 AM 4

Could you please try to include affordable options? Even in a good economy I could not afford a $250 knit cape.

Leah on November 02, 2009 at 06:34 AM 5

Amen on the super expensive solutions!! I keep lots of polar fleece throw blankets around (I don't pay more than $10 for one) that I have bought cheap at the end of the previous season. I like the idea of knitting our own afghans as well. Also, my husband and I keep the thermostat set down low, and in the evening we curl up in our bedroom with a space heater to watch tv or read. We are only heating up the room we are using and spending time together.

Maggie on November 02, 2009 at 07:55 AM 6

I agree with April--more inexpensive options, please! A $285 shawl? Seriously?

Born2bMama on November 02, 2009 at 08:38 AM 7

I love this website! I agree that most of the products are not priced for most middle class families, but if you use your imagination you can adapt the tip to your own life. Keep it coming IdealBite even with the ridiculous pricing! Tip: Etsy.com is an awesome website where you can find handmade, recycled items such as shawls, throws, and scarves. I plan on buying many Christmas gifts from this site.

Bonni on November 02, 2009 at 09:01 AM 8

I bought 3 yak wool shawls at the Women's Conference last week... I gave 2 away already to envious friends. They come in tons (maybe 20!) of gorgeous colors and are so soft and cozy. They are only $55 each and proceeds go to a great cause--plus the women running it are amazing, met the founder there Stephanie Waisler. http://unattifoundation.org/buy-unatti-handicrafts/yak-wool-shawl/

zig on November 02, 2009 at 12:26 PM 9

You can buy inexpensive throws, wraps and blankets at garage sales, thrift stores and consignment stores. Zig

Kelli on November 02, 2009 at 03:49 PM 10

Ah, ladies, some of you are beginning to see. Being environmental is not all about buying organic solar-powered rainforest bonbons at $50 a box to salve a materialistic conscience. Being environmental is not supposed to be based upon buying at all. The basis is to use less ("Reduce") and that means buying less and making use of what you already have. The time does come when we have to buy and we should make smart choices when we do, and buying used or making your own, as mentioned above, are smart choices.

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