Former President Jimmy Carter may have said it best: The best way to conserve energy is to not use so much of it. Americans use 24 percent of the world’s energy and only make up 5 percent of the world’s total population, according to Mindfully.org. In fact, on average, one American uses more energy than 370 Ethiopians. Fortunately, some simple things can be done around the house that are not only practical, but they also conserve energy.

Long before paper was made in large manufacturing plants, paper was made by hand. Parents can take their children back in time and enjoy the art of paper-making with their children. In addition to creating a hand-made craft, making recycled paper provides an opportunity to teach children the importance of reusing, renewing and recycling.

Since they don’t have a constant parenting partner, working single moms must often plan their work schedules around their children’s schedules, be solely responsible for coordinating child care and be available at all times to meet the needs of their children. Jobs that allow for freedom and flexibility in scheduling, with the opportunity to earn a steady income, tend to be the best jobs for single moms.