'8 Ways to Live Green and Save Money at the Same Time'

8 Ways to Live Green and Save Money at the Same Time

By Charlene at 03/27/09 09:26

If you are trying to do your part for the environment and stretch those budget dollars to get hte most for your money, you are among the majority.

Here are 8 handy tips that will not only save you money, but help you be environmentally responsible at the same time:

1. Use cleaning rags instead of paper towels - It will not only save you money, but you will have an empty storage space that can hold something else.
2. Borrow a dress instead of buying a new one - If you need to get a dress for a formal occasion, perhaps think about borrowing one from a friend. How many long formal dresses do you or your daughters have in your closet that will likely not ever be worn again by one of you? Also, think of trying a second hand store. Donate yours...look for one for that occasion. Everybody has a long dress that they have worn only once!
3. Invest in a gallon of vinegar - I am just STARTING to learn how many things vinegar can do. It can not only kill mold, mildew, and even bacteria...but it can soften clothes, kill weeds, clean windows, make your own berry ink to use with your handmade quill pen, color Easter eggs, and on and on. There are many ways I never even thought of to use vinegar, that I learned from the Vinegar Institute!
4. Think about buying in the bulk section of your grocery store - Did you know that a family of four can actually save up to $800 per year by eating bulk oatmeal instead of those commercial breakfast cereals that you pay about $4-5 per box for? Buying bulk rice, beans, and other whole grains will not only save you money, but with the lack of packaging, it also is an environmentally responsible way to buy.
5. Go meatless one day per week - One of the biggest money wasters is not planning ahead for your meals. How many times has 5:00 PM rolled around and you have no idea what to make for dinner? Use what is in your pantry. Try making a meatless meal once a week. The researchers at the University of Chicago say that making a veggie meal once per week with reduce your carbon footprint and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the use of red meat is also healthy for your body.
6. Join a group or association - It is believed that shopping is sometimes a direct result of loneliness. Joining a group in your community will provide a sense of purpose and comradeship, and counter the urge to consume.
7. Dollar test your fridge to see if it is leaking cold air and wasting your energy dollar - The refrigerator in your home could be one of the biggest energy wasters...especially since it is one of the few things that is constantly plugged in and running. Try putting a dollar bill in the door and see if the door holds it tight. If it falls out or slips out easily, it may be time to replace the gasket in the door.
8. Save electricity by using jugs of water in your fridge and freezer - I didn't know this, and it certainly doesn't pertain in my home since nobody ever takes anything OUT of the fridge...but the fridge has to work harder when it is empty. There are larger spaces it has to fill with cool air. Same with the freezer. If you have a lot of spare space in the firdge or freezer and aren't planning on shopping soon to fill it, place some jugs of water in there to take up some of that empty space. Don't fill them too full for the freezer since the water will expand. Allow space for air to circulate. Also, the other benefit is that you could always have ice cold water from the fridge to drink and if you use half gallon containers in the fridge, you have instant ice for your picnic cooler. Just stick the frozen jug in the cooler and no more wet items from ice cubes melting!

If you just try and make a habit out of being frugal, and finding alternate ways to do things, you will be amazed at not only the amount of money you savem but also how easy it is to do your part for the environment.

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