How can I save money by going green?

Question

I know that changing light bulbs will help and ive already done that but i would like to do other things that are not expensive. like changing your washing machine to energy star is too expensive. what are some other things i can do??

Answer 1

you will need to get a few more cheap items that make a big difference saving you money in the long run, get a reusable water bottle like kleen kanteen, an energy strip and a shower saving filter.  other tips which wont cost you money right now are developing simple conservation habits around the home e.g. keeping A/C on 78-80 degrees when you are not home, opening windows when you are at home, utilizing natural lighting as much as possible, packing dishwasher throughout day and turning it on only when full, when you go grocery shopping buy fresh produce from you local farmers market which is much cheaper and healthier.  for more tips go to http://www.totalecostore.com congrats on the lifestyle change  

Answer 2

Buy a car that runs on natural gas if you're in an area that has a place to refuel it. I pay only 85 cents a gallon where I am, and it burns cleaner than gasoline, too. Do the math and see what you're paying for gasoline every month, then check my source below to see what it would cost you if your car used natural gas instead. How much do you pay to fill up? I pay under $10. Lots of savings there. Good luck!

Answer 3

The easiest way to save money AND go green is the first R - Reduce.  If you don't buy it you can't waste it (and the resources that brought it to you).  If you don't need it don't buy it.

Find small ways you can get things to stretch longer or do double duty (for example using sour cream containers so you don't have to buy baggies or Gladware).  Turn off and unplug appliances.  Conserve water. Use filtered tap water instead of buying bottled. Shop at thrift stores to give things a 2nd life.

Answer 4

Going green is easy, there are so many great resources about the subject. My personal favorite is "The Green Book" which has parts of its book online as well at www.readthegreenbook.com.

As I have been striving to "Go Green" I realize it is like stepping back in time without getting rid of my modern conveniences. I'm doing many things I learned as a child, like line drying my clothes, sweeping instead of vacuuming, opening the windows in the morning to catch the cool breeze, only buying what I need instead of everything that looks cool, growing some of my own food, and canning what I can't eat now.

To me "going Green" is a frame of mind. Do what fits your lifestyle and do the easy things first, it is a process and like dieting if you go to radical to soon, you are more likely to go back to bad habits. I also believe there are good, better, best choices in most things. If you aren't ready to start a home garden, then try finding a farmers market, until you locate one look for produce grown as close to home as possible and go organic when available.

Many people think "going green" is expensive, I disagree. Some changes may take an initial investment, but they usually have a short payoff time. Things like weatherstiping and insulation cost, but the energy savings will add up quickly. You may need to purchase reusable bags, but most stores give you a 5 or 10 cent credit, so you are paid back within a few months.

My top tips are make your home more energy efficient, that also means using natural light, cooling and heating.

Reduce your packaging, if you eat more fresh food you will generally reduce packaging, it's the same thing they tell dieters, shop the perimiter, that is where all the meat, dairy and produce are located. Only buy what you will use, many Americans throw away a lot of unused food. Buy in bulk, that doesn't just mean large packages, but that area with the bins that you buy only what you plan on using.

Replace disposable items with durable items, if you eat outside often and use disposable paper or plastic plates, it is a wise investment to purchase a set of reusable plastic plates. Replace disposable razors, diapers and cleaning products like swiffer. Avoid bottled water, get a home filter like Pur or Brita.

Recycle, www.earth911.org will help you locate the nearest recycle center. I try to only purchase plastics that are #1 or #2, they are more easily recycled. I also buy recycled products when available, that includes paper towels, napkings, toilet paper, tissue, school/office supplies and clothing.

Detox your cleaning, vinegar and baking soda clean almost anything, they can even losen a hair clog. Seventh Generation and Method are a couple mainstream brands that are very earth friendly.

Just start small and build from there, don't get overwhelmed.

Answer 5

Turn off lights and computers and things like that when you're done using them. This not only cuts down your energy bill, but it cuts down on energy. In addition, unplug things that are not in use and get a power strip that you can plug everything into.

Air dry your clothes one day when it's nice out.

Take shorter showers with less heat.

Plant some trees. Take a walk under some oak trees one fall day and pick up acorns to plant. See this site:

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-an-Oak-Tree-...

Start a garden and a compost pile, if you have the space. If not, try starting a petition to put a garden in your city.

Recycle. This one costs almost nothing except for buying a recycle bin. Crush down your cans and milk cartons and put them on the curb. Check which days your street is visited for recycle collection.

Try car pooling to work. Or stop using your car and just walk or bike. This is great for your exercise, too.

The best thing you can do, if you live in a city and/or have a flat roof, is to start a box garden up there. This one is more costly, but just as fun and great for the environment. It cuts back on the rain run off and the reflection of the suns rays.

Answer 6

tripple R!

Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE!

if you recycle at a nearby place they normally PAY you when you recycle! so you are getting money for doing good

Answer 7

Recycle your lawn mower, and you and your family graize in the lawn like sheep.

You save on gas, maintenance, repairs, and food.

You will be very "Regular" too!