How to Go Green and Save Money

Saving the planet might seem like a tall order, especially when saving money is a more immediate concern. But as it turns out, living an eco-friendly lifestyle can actually help you to cut costs and get on firmer financial footing. Switching to energy-saving light bulbs, for example, could shave hundreds of dollars off your energy bill each year, while breaking the bottled water habit can add up to thousands in annual savings. Are you ready to go green-and save green? Follow these tips to get started.

• Conserve energy. Household changes can help you save both energy and money. Use insulation, door snakes, weather stripping, and caulk to control heating and cooling costs. In addition, set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer (over time, those few degrees add up to big savings). If your water heater is warm to the touch, it's probably wasting energy, so consider adding a fiberglass insulation blanket. If you're still using incandescent light bulbs, switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, and always shut your computer down completely at night, as opposed to leaving it on or in sleep mode. Also keep the lint screen in your dryer clean or, better yet, air-dry your clothes.
• Save on gas. Guzzling gas is both environmentally and economically harmful. Instead of relying on your car, consider switching to biking, walking, or public transportation. If your job allows you to telecommute, it could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. If you must drive to work, start a carpool with your officemates, and keep your car well-tuned (according to experts, you'll use up to 9 percent less gas this way). To reduce drag on your vehicle, keep the windows closed while driving, and remove unnecessary luggage or ski racks. If you've decided your car is more of a hindrance than a help, sell it, or donate it to get a tax deduction. And if you're in the market to buy a vehicle, purchasing a hybrid gas-electric or diesel car could earn you a tax credit of $250 to $3,400, depending on fuel economy and weight. For more ways to save on your taxes, check out 8 Little-Known Tax Write Offs.
• Be wise about water. Using water wisely is beneficial for the planet and your wallet. To start, if you're still drinking bottled water, stop: Plastic water bottles are harmful for the environment, and studies have shown that the Environmental Protection Agency sets much stricter standards for tap water than the Food and Drug Administration does for its bottled counterparts. In addition, wash your clothes and dishes only when you have a full load, check your home periodically for water leaks, and consider installing a low-volume flush toilet and a low-flow showerhead. Taking shorter showers and not letting the water run while you're shaving or brushing your teeth are also great ways to save gallons of water each week.
• Preserve paper. According to the National Resources Defense Council, the average American uses a whopping 741 pounds of paper each year-a habit that not only contributes to global warming, deforestation, and pollution, but also takes a toll on your budget. If you're still using paper plates, cups, napkins, or gift-wrap, switch to more environmentally sustainable options. Paper towels, for example, can be swapped with cloth dish towels or rags, while paper coffee filters can be replaced with reusable mesh filters. Instead of relying on paper bags, bring your own cloth bags to the grocery store. Say no to ATM receipts, opt for direct deposit, and when you're using the computer, try not to print. If you must print a document, be sure to use recycled paper, and print on both the front and back of the sheets.
• Eat ethically. Along with taste and nutrition, savvy shoppers consider environmental and monetary costs when they're food shopping. In a recent report, Carnegie Mellon researchers found that eating less red meat and dairy products is one of the most effective ways for concerned citizens to lower their food-related climate impact. In fact, switching from the typical meat-heavy American diet to a vegetable-based one reduces the same greenhouse gas emissions as driving 8,000 fewer miles per year. Purchasing locally grown foods and buying in bulk, as well as buying in season, can also go a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your grocery bills. For more ways to cut grocery costs, check out 10 Ways to Save at the Supermarket.
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Recycling is one of the most important steps you can take to save the environment and save money. So trade in your aluminum cans and plastic bottles for cash, and if you have any non-aluminum scrap metals around, like steel or copper, call local metal recyclers to see if you can make some extra money for it. Reuse metal cans and plastic containers whenever you can, and consider composting as a way to give your table scraps new life in a vegetable garden.
• Barter, Trade, and Buy Smart. While you may be tempted to buy new, shopping at thrift or resale stores is easier on both the environment and your finances. If you have gently used items you don't need anymore, you may want to consider trading them with friends for products you want. Don't overlook websites like eBay and Craigslist, where you can find secondhand items for bargain prices. And if you must buy new, be sure to do your research on whether the item is reusable and on its environmental impact (with household appliances, for example, you should look for energy-efficient brands, such as Energy Star).

While you may not be able to save the planet all by yourself, making smart choices can have a positive, lasting impact, both environmentally and economically. For more green ways to save, search our Tip Jar and check out 101 Ways to Trim Your Budget.

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