Frugal Tip Thursday -- How to Go Green in Your Home When on a Budget

I realized on Wed. that I forgot to post my Frugal Tip Tuesday tips, so this week it's Frugal Tip Thursday!

Many people equate going green with spending green. That doesn't have to be the case. Read on to learn how some quick fixes can be green and frugal.

• Fix what you can't replace.
  If you can't afford the newest eco-friendly appliances, minor do-it-yourself repairs can help you save a bundle and consume less. Just fixing your leaking faucets can save you 10% on your water bill, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Be fridge smart.
  Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Replace fridges made before 1990. Other quick fridge efficiency tips include: Wait for leftovers to cool before you put them in the fridge, and keep your fridge full so it runs more efficiently.
• Cooking.
  Use a microwave instead of an oven whenever possible and save up to 50% in energy costs for cooking.
• Dishwasher.
  Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Let the dishes air-dry instead of using the heat cycle. An average dishwasher costs $60 to $100 per year to run.
• Cleaning.
  Ditch the paper towels. Paper towels create 3,000 tons of waste per year in the U.S. Switch from conventional towels to reusable versions like microfiber rags. If you must purchase paper towels, buy the kind made from recycled paper. If every household in the U.S. replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100% recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.
• Opt for natural gas.
  Try to use natural gas to power your home. It burns cleaner and is more efficient. For example, it takes twice as long to dry clothes with an electric dryer than with a gas dryer.
• Computer.
  Turn off computers at night: It may occasionally take you a few more seconds to get to work, but you'll save energy and money. It will also reduce wear and tear on your hardware, extending its life.
• Clean the air naturally.
  Plants are great (and cheap) all-natural air purifiers. Some even specialize in the removal of certain irritants. For example, azaleas are a great remover of formaldehyde and ammonia. Ask your local nursery what types of plants you should be looking for to help combat specific allergens.

Source: Carter Oosterhouse, HGTV