10 Simple Ways to Go Green and Save Money

Forget stocking up on recycled-hemp yoga mats or buying eco-shaped water bottles. The best way to be is green a lot like being frugal. These tips will not only save you money, they’ll help the environment as well.
1. Use what you already have. Sure, you can go out and spend a fortune on tons of products made from recycled materials, but by using what you already have, you’re saving energy and materials used to manufacture and transport those items you would have purchase. $Bonus: You don’t spend money on those other things.
2. Cut down on disposables. Instead of filling a landfill with disposable diapers, baggies, and paper towels, try replacing those items with washable, reusable alternatives. Cloth diapers instead of disposables (you’ll want to invest in these so you’ll get something good that won’t leak. More money up front, but more benefits later on) Tupperware for baggies, rags for paper towels, and I’m sure you can think of more. $Bonus: You don’t waste money on the disposable stuff.
3. Hoof it. Cut down on emissions and walk or bike to work if you can. You’ll get exercise and your air will be a little cleaner. $Bonus: You’ll save gas money and wear and tear on your car, which means less money spent on repairs and maintenance.
4. Enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner. Romance your significant other and conserve power by enjoying a home-cooked meal in the candlelight. $Bonus: Say hello to a smaller electric bill.
5. Try a reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottle, eco-shaped or not, take forever to break down in a landfill, so do the earth a favor and switch to a reusable bottle instead. Try a stainless steel bottle, studies have shown that plastic ones may have slightly toxic effect, and the stainless steel ones last longer anyway. $Bonus: No more blowing money on individual plastic bottles and you’ll save room because you won’t have to hoard them anymore.
6. Switch to LEDs. They cost more up front, but they last much longer than regular bulbs and use less power, so give these swirly guys a try. $Bonus: Shave a few more bucks off the power bill.
7. Buy in bulk, not individual packages. Cut down on extra packaging and buy the bigger container. It will take you longer to go through it and in the end; you’ll only be trashing one medium bag instead of a dozen smaller ones. $Bonus: Bulk buying is usually cheaper, but check the unit pricing just to be sure.
8. Think secondhand. Instead of wasting energy and resources by buying something new, see if you can get it used first. Check out thrift stores, yard sales, online classifieds, EBay and Free Cycle. I’ve gotten a blender, a kitchen table and chairs, a waffle iron, Halloween costumes, and plenty of clothes this way. You also save these items in the thrift store from getting thrown in a landfill, so double kudos to you. $Bonus: If you love a bargain, you’ll love this idea. Buying secondhand is almost always a bargain, especially if you learn where to look.
9. Visit farmer’s markets, or grow your own. Save packaging materials and cut back on energy and emissions that go into transporting food: check out the farmers market or make your own garden. You’ll support your local economy and the produce you get will usually taste better and have more nutrients and fewer chemicals than the grocery store stuff. $Bonus: Farmers markets are usually full of deals, and if you decide on a DIY garden, a minimal startup cost can yield a ton of food.
10. Rethink your cleaners. Trust me; you can clean almost anything with a little vinegar and/or baking soda and the occasional lemon half. Try vinegar on your windows, glass and floors. Use baking soda to scrub the kitchen and bathroom and to absorb odor from everything from smelly sneakers to stinky fridges to yucky litter boxes. Scrub with a lemon half to eat away grime. You’ll keep harmful chemicals out of your home and save a lot of space under the kitchen sink. $Bonus: Vinegar and baking soda are super cheap and have a million uses beyond just cleaning.