Go Green, Stay Green, SAVE Green

Go Green, Stay Green, SAVE Green

Nope, using these 7 tips we will not save the World overnight, but if enough of us do take these simple steps to leave a smaller carbon footprint then we can definitely impact a little positive change and save a little cash while doing so!!

(Credit: The Dark Side of Your Beauty Products, www.mhsbroadcaster.org)

Tip 1 – Make Green Beauty Products – Save $150 easily every year

Studies show that the average woman spends over $200 a year in beauty products. If you ask me, that number is really low. The cost of shampoo, moisturizers and make-up removers definitely add up over time. A number of these same products can easily be made at home using ingredients like eggs, yogurt and sea salt. Not only will you save money making your own beauty products, but you will do so without adding any of the chemicals that the leading brands do. For some good do-it-yourself beauty product recipes check out the Daily Green website at www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/diy-natural-beauty-products-recipes.

 

(Credit: Save money, be green and enjoy your commute: www.drcog.org)

Tip 2 – Carpool - Save $300 - $1,200

With gas prices costing us around $3.70 a gallon, most Americans driving an average of 15 miles one way to work each day, and the average mpg of an automobile purchased in America being about 22 miles to the gallon, we are each spending close to $2,000 a year commuting to our jobs every year. That’s just to your job, that doesn’t include the trip home. Sharing a ride or taking turns driving to and from work can not only save on gas prices but also overall car maintenance. If given the option to share the drive, just do it, it makes for more money in your pocket and a cleaner environment.

 

(Credit:  www.dailypicksandflicks.com)

Tip 3 - Borrow & Free-cycle – Save up to $800 annually

Reduce, reuse, recycle are the words we live by when trying to make a difference in our carbon footprint. It can easily become a way of life. So why not apply it to things we don’t have on hand but need to use. Instead of purchasing a new tool for a project, why not borrow from a friend or neighbor. The raw materials used to make an item we use for a project that takes thirty minutes are not worth the investment. So ask a friend for a loan, I bet you will be able to return the favor and the face-to-face socialization will be good for everyone involved. Free-cycling is a way to borrow without all the social interaction. It connects people who want to get rid of things that other people want. Need a new camera or computer? Check out the Free-cycle network. Want to replace your microwave? Someone out there may be willing to trade you for an item that you need or you may decide to gift the item. That will definitely make you feel GREAT!  

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Tip 4 - Irrigate Lawn and Garden with a Rain Barrel - Save $100-$300 a year

American households spend around $600 on the average on water every year. Around 45% of that is spent to water yards and flower beds, making a Rain Barrel an economical and environmental choice. They cost about $50 to build and are available for purchase all over the place. There are a variety of Rain Barrel options out there and are definitely worth researching. The one shown above constructed from a garbage can collects water after it runs off the roof and will pay for itself in no time. Recycling rain water can save you a lot of money over time and can teach your children the importance and ease of conserving household energy.

 

(Credit: Clean Green, www.inhabitat.com)

Tip 5 - Try Green Cleaning – Save up to $250 a year

By combining simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and elbow grease you can save a lot of money on multiple products that are toxic to both us and our loved ones. These common household items are not only nontoxic but inexpensive. Get Green Cleaning product ideas for cleaning everything from laundry to toilet bowls can be found at www.thedailygreen.com/green-cleaning.

 

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Tip 6 - Visit Your Local Library – Save $100 to $300 a year

I do not know about you but I am a sucker for a great magazine subscription. I love a great book and movie too!! So I am the perfect candidate for a Library Card. Save your cash and check out that great mag for a day at the beach or that hot novel you have been dying to read. You can even brush up on your current events or your favorite artists’ latest tunes and specific branches of your local library. So get your intellect on and save the Planet in the process.

 

(Credit: Cooking at Home, www.eatathomemissouri.com)

HUGE Tip 7 - Stop Eating Out – Save Hundreds to Thousands

Buckle up folks. The most alarming statistic we uncovered while researching ways to save green by staying green was that the average American family spends over $4,000 a year eating out!!!  Researchers have proven you can eat just as well at home and save $3,000 annually. Cooking at home not only teaches great lessons about overall health and conservation, but it can also be a therapeutic and bonding experience. Cooking for yourself and your family typically starts the ball rolling toward healthier eating and better meal planning. Not only will you save green and ingest fewer processed chemicals and by-products, but better healthier eating habits for everyone involved are a huge bonus of this our last, BEST tip!