10 Easy Tips on How to Go Green and Save Green

I know the phrase "Go Green to Save Green" is really cliché and trust me, I am kicking myself right now for having used it. That being said, it is a fact that being more sustainable does lead to saving money.

While one of the first things we think of when we think of sustainability in the mainstream is Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) there are lots of other options which are actually cheaper than the mainstream alternative. Here are 10 of the easiest, courtesy of the WorldWatch Institute:

Save Energy

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older bulbs burn out.
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy
• If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

Save Water

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water by keeping water pressure high.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.

Use Less Gas

• Walk or bike to work. Not only does this saves gas and parking costs, it also improves your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
• Telecommute
• Move closer to work. Even if you pay more in rent, it could save you money overall

Eat Smart

• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and has an enormous carbon footprint.
• Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood.

No Bottled Water

• Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water.
• Bring a reusable water bottle.

Don’t Buy if you can Re-use

• Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

Borrow instead of buying

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
• Share tools and other appliances. There is no need to buy a power drill just to hang a few pictures on the wall.

Buy Smart

• Buy in bulk.
• Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned.
• Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, it will pay off in the end

No E-Waste

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
• Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes.
• Recycle your cell phone.
• Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

• The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
• Check out this link for some great recipes: www.sustainlane.com/reviews/learn-to-make-your-own-household-cleaners/

OK everyone, I know the phrase "Go Green to Save Green" is really cliché and trust me, I am kicking myself right now for having used it. That being said, it is a fact that being more sustainable is closely associated with saving money.