Who couldn't use more tips on ways to save money and go green? Here's 15 more...
- Put all your major electronics on power strips. Even when appliances are turned “off,” stereo equipment and computers continue to draw electricity. Turning off a power strip at night or when you leave the house reduces energy consumption and saves money. Cost: As little as $10.
- Wash your clothes only in cold water. Hot water takes an enormous amount of energy for your washer to generate. Cold water and soap get your clothes just as clean. Plus, there's less strain on the clothes (hot water tends to fade and shrink clothing). Cost: Nothing, really!
- Stop junk mail. Free services, such as Opt-Out Prescreen and Catalog Choice, can help end most of your junk mail. Cost: $0.
- Use rechargeable batteries. Think about all of the batteries that you throw out. If you buy a full set of rechargeable batteries for all of the gadgets, remotes and smoke detectors in the house, you'll keep that many batteries out of the landfill and save money in the long run. Cost: $10 and up.
- Make your own all-purpose cleaner. Just use baking soda and water. Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of water in a spray bottle. You can use this combination to clean almost anything. Cost: $1.50
- Use washable rags instead of paper towels. Using old rags instead of paper towels not only saves you money, but also keeps paper out of the landfill. You can also use cloth napkins versus paper. Cost: Potentially $0 if you have rags laying around.
- Use both sides of computer paper. Once you print something and no longer need it. Flip it over and put it back in the printer to print on the other side, or use it for scrap paper. Cost: $0.
- Stop the bottled water use! Studies have shown that bottled water is no better than your typical tap water. It just costs more and leaves a trail of empty plastic bottles everywhere. Invest in a faucet or pitcher water filter, and save money and the environment. Cost: $20.
- Bring your own bag to all stores. Most people talk about bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, but why not bring them everywhere? Leave a few in the car in case you stop to shop somewhere unexpectedly. Cost: A few bucks, if not free.
- Use online banking. Online banking -- which is extremely secure -- saves time (writing checks), money (no stamps needed) and the environment (no checks, paper bills or envelopes). Cost: $0.
- Rotate your car tires on a regular basis. Keeping your tires inflated to the right PSI (pounds per square inch) and rotated regularly saves fuel. Cost: $25 a couple of times a year.
- Read your favorite newspaper or magazine online instead of receiving the paper version. Try to keep delivery subscriptions to the bare minimum, only your absolute favorites, and try to read the rest of them online. Cost: $0.
- Get yourself a library card and use it. Great free way to read your favorite books. Cost: $0.
- Shut off your computer and monitor when you leave work for the day. Save energy -- even if it's not in your home! Cost: $0.
- Buy it used. Anything - furniture, clothing, electronics - can be bought used in good shape. This saves one more thing from going to a landfill! There are many sites to choose from, including Freecycle, Craigslist and Ebay. Cost: Cheaper than new.
Have any other tips to add to the list? I'd love to hear them!
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