So many people have it in their heads that going green only means purchasing a Prius or other hybrid & installing costly solar panels – which is simply not true! As I talked about earlier, there are tons of ways you can go green & save lots of money. Here are some more!

- Skip the gym membership & take a walk/jog around the neighborhood instead.

- Take cool showers during the summer. You’ll be amazed at how energizing this is!

- Eat more veggies – get a salad the next time you go out. They’re just as filling & much less than the steak.

- Check out your local Craig’s List the next time you need a bookshelf, sofa, or other big purchase. You might be surprised to discover what people are trying to get rid of! My parents picked up a couch for us at an auction for ten dollars – we don’t think it was ever used.

- Always buy local, organic if possible, but don’t purchase organic fruit & veggies from far away places. The amount of fuel used to fly this produce in negates the environmental benefits of eating organic.

- Rather than buying reusable grocery bags, re-use all those plastic ones you have stashed in your pantry/under the sink/next to the refrigerator. You know you have tons of them from Target & the like!

- Use your local library (yay!) instead of running off to the bookstore to get the latest bestseller. What’s the chance you’ll re-read it anyways? Save your book purchases for those favorites.

- Also use your local library instead of the video store. Libraries often buy only one copy of the latest movie; video stores buy multiple (thus wasting plastic and other resources) & then try to get you to buy them later. Can you wait a few weeks to see that new release?

- & speaking of the library – does your library offer free tax help? You might have to wait in line, but with that price, you can’t beat it! & please, e-file your taxes. You’ll get your money faster, & help save trees.

- Stop using bleach & other harmful chemicals to clean. Mixing baking soda, lemon juice, & basic liquid soap makes a fantastic bathroom scrub.

- Turn your computer off when you’re done using it, or at least set it to hibernate.

Other fantastic (& green!) ideas:
- Body + Soul’s Green 101
- Real Simple’s New Uses for Old Things
- Winterize your home & save money
- Going Green!