When you think of being Green what comes to mind? Hybrid cars and Solar Panels are sometimes suggested by celebrities but most of us mere mortals can’t afford to do those things. However, we can be Green and help the Earth, by taking simple steps suggested below.

Recycle:

This to me this one of the simplest and most effective ways you can be green. In our case we have a grocery store close by that has recycling bins and you don’t even have to separate anything. I don’t understand why everyone around me isn’t simply taking a few bags up to the store with them every time they go. Just think of the difference we could all make to the future of the Earth if we only took a few minutes to recycle. If you don’t have a recycling center near you, often companies like Rumpke will pick up it up for a few dollars a week.

To find a recycling center near you simply go to this link on Earth911.com and you can search by your address or zip code in the USA and even search by what item(s) you want to recycle.

You can also make money recycling as some recycling drop offs will pay for cans, bottles and other items.

Unplug Things When They Are Not In Use:

This is something everyone can do, and it just takes some practice for it to become a healthy habit for the Earth and your wallet. When appliances and electronics are plugged in even when they are not being used they still use a small amount of energy. Just imagine the energy we can save in the Western World where we are the cause of the majority of the energy used by just unplugging things when we’re not using them.

Switch off Water in between Brushing teeth and turn down heat of water in clothes washing:

Another simple thing is to not let the water run while you are brushing your teeth or other activities. According to Oberlin.edu website the EPA states, “The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons per minute. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime can save up to 8 gallons of water per day, which equals 240 gallons a month.”

By simply switching from hot to cool water when you are washing clothes you will save money and make a difference. In fact Energy Star says 90% of the cost for washing clothes in a top loading washer is from heating the water.

Again you will save money by turning off the water and if you do all of these simple things you will notice a difference in your bills every month and who couldn’t use more money with a not so great economy?

Use Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs:

Eco-friendly light bulbs or Compact Fluorescent Light blubs (CFLs) are a lot less expensive than they used to be and they should last longer. According to World Watch.org, Lighting consumes a lot of electricity, half of which is produced by burning coal which contributes to greenhouse gases and global warming, you can help by using CFLs which use only 1/3 of the electricity and last up to ten times longer.

Wear Clothes More Than Once and Line Dry:

I must say I am guilty of this it’s so easy to just throw something in the wash after it’s been worn with out even checking to see if it’s dirty. Of course there are some items that you would not wear more than once but what about a sweat shirt or jeans that are still clean after you’ve worn them once? And when you need to dry items, why not buy a cheap piece of rope or a clothes rack and dry them outside in the sun?

Buy And Sell Used or “Vintage.” Items:

There are many great thrift stores which sell clothes that look new or barely worn and you can save so much money. Especially for kids clothes, you kids could be going back to school for a fraction of the cost and in designer clothes by buying at thrift stores or even checking out all of the garage sales. You can save time with garage sales by looking in the paper, word of mouth, or signs for community garage sales where you will find many sales to check out. You can also make money by taking unwanted clothes to thrift stores or just donate them to Goodwill and get a tax write off.

Think before You throw Away

Before you throw away a cell phone, batteries or other items, make sure you can’t follow the three R’s Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. We can recycle many things, and I can’t tell you how many times my daughter wants something I’m going to throw away to make something else. And Reduce by buying reusable things instead of items you have to throw away. Use old t-shirts as rags instead of paper towels. I know there are times when you need a paper towel instead like for dog waste.

Switch off Appliances and Lights when you’re not in the room

At first you have to think about doing this but it will become a habit. And you will notice the difference in your electricity bill. Our bill has gone down since we have made this a habit.

Use Cloth Bags at the Grocery Store:

If you don’t have them at home already, you can buy any number of cute cloth bags for about a dollar each. For example Whole Foods, a fantastic organic grocery store sells bags with cute designs for a dollar. They’re a good size and send a message that you care about the Earth.

You can also get creative with an idea I saw on the Martha Stewart Show. She had a guest who used old t-shirts and made them into shopping bags. It was simply; cut a larger whole out of the neck for the opening to put the groceries in. And then use the arm holes as handles and sew the bottoms. To view full instructions go to her website and check it out they even have a picture: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/good-thing-t-shirt-bag.

Walk, Run Bike, carpool; even take public transport instead of Drive

If you have a store near you, when was the last time you walked, biked or ran to the store for just a few things? Taking more walks, runs, and bike rides are better for your health and you won’t be adding to pollution. You could make it a family affair and it might just be fun. I have taken my girls up to the store and then when we got there we would get a drink and sit down, the girls thought it was a treat.

If you have to get in the car like we do so many times a day why not car pool with other people when you can or take public transport, like the bus or train if it’s near you.

Change to Eco-Friendly, or Local Products:

Changing to eco-friendly products shows large companies what is important to you and it will make prices go down. Using eco-friendly products also doesn’t have to be expensive. Some items are only a few cents more than conventional products and sometimes even cheaper. Check out the clearance racks for reduced prices, coupons in the news paper or online at coupon sites and even store named organic or natural brands.

Grow Your Own Garden and Don’t Use Pesticides on your Lawn:

Growing your own garden is fun, even if you don’t have a green thumb. I started growing my own garden this year and I’ve been using pots and not planting in the ground. You can also use a kid’s swimming pool for planting up a garden if you don’t have space outside to plant. Planting can be fun for the whole family from planting the seeds, watering and eventually enjoying the produce.

By following a few simple steps that will save you money and sometimes even make you money you can provide a better future for the planet, animals and the people who will live after us.