5 Eco-Friendly Green Living Tips That Save Money

Scientific evidence for global warming is clear and irrefutable. According to Worldwatch Institute, an organization that focuses on environmental issues, the steps that people can take to reverse climate change are simple and lead to cost savings. An awareness of the need to protect our environment will lead people to implement these steps on a daily basis.

1. Reduce Energy Usage

There are many things that you can do each day to reduce the amount of energy consumed by your household. Less energy usage will show up every month in the form of lower bills for gas and electricity. One thing is to lower your thermostat during the winter heating season and raise it during the summer cooling season. Another is to use cold water to wash your clothes in situations where warm or hot water is not needed. When the washing cycle is over, you can save energy and money by drying your clothes on an outdoor clothes line or on an indoor drying rack instead of using a gas or electric clothes dryer. One other energy- and money-saving thing you can do at home is to replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These bulbs help to reduce greenhouse gases by going through about 75% less electricity than ordinary incandescent bulbs while producing the same amount of light.

2. Avoid Bottled Water

Bottled water is expensive, and it generates a great deal of waste that often times winds up polluting the environment. You can save a lot of money and cut down on environmental pollution by installing a water filtering device on your kitchen faucet. This way, you get pure water without having to spend money on bottled water.

3. White Vinegar

Commercial household cleaners frequently contain harsh chemicals that get flushed down the drain and into the public waterways. White vinegar is a cheap alternative to commercial cleaning agents, and it cleans and disinfects without causing environmental harm.

4. Automobile Usage

If at all possible, you should cut down on the use of your car by walking or biking to wherever you need to be. Driving less reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment, and saves you money because you need to buy less gasoline. In addition, walking and riding a bike can help to keep you healthy so that your costs for medical care can be kept to a minimum. 

5. Use Rechargeable Batteries

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, batteries contain toxic metals like nickel, cadmium, lead and mercury. Simply throwing batteries into the trash when they are used up can lead to environmental pollution when the toxic metals get into ground water or into the air if the disposed batteries are incinerated. Buying rechargeable batteries not only reduces environmental contamination but also saves you money on battery purchases over the long term.

It is important for future generations that every citizen be a good stewart of our environment by keeping our air and water clean and free of pollution. It is also important that we take steps to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gases that come from burning fossil fuels. Everyone has the power to help accomplish these goals by making a series of small lifestyle changes that in the aggregate have a very large positive effect on the environment. It is a happy coincidence that many of these changes also lead to significant cost savings.

Jan Spears writes about green living, personal finance & more at http://www.creditscore.net.

Green Tip Tuesday: Get Rid of Your Junk Mail

The Ultimate List For Stopping Your Junk Mail

Courtesy Wikipedia

Heather at The Greenest Dollar enlightens us all with another fabulous post:

Ah, junk mail. According to experts we’ll spend 8 months of our life reading, sorting, and recycling the stuff. That’s a lot of time we could be devoting to napping, playing with our kids, reading, or pulling weeds. Anything else, for that matter, besides dealing with junk mail.

Junk mail accounts for 1/3 of all mail sent in the United States. In fact, each household gets over 800 pieces of junk mail per year.

Want to know how many trees that is? 100 million. Every single year. Just for junk mail.

This is equivalent to clear cutting all of Rocky Mountain National Park, every four months.

And the emissions from junk mail creation are terrible. According to DoNotMail.org, junk mail creates more emissions than 9,377,000 passenger cars each year.

And in spite of the major strides we’ve made in recycling, the Huffington Post reports that over 44% of junk mail ends up in landfills, unopened.

Sigh.

Yes, it hurts my heart to think about it. And although I signed up for the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) “Do Not Contact” list, I still get stuff like Val-Pak coupons and flyers from my local furniture store. I recycle every bit it, of but still. Those are trees that don’t have to die.

So, here it is folks. All the resources I could find for stopping your junk mail. ALL OF IT.

1. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
I started with the DMA, and to give them credit I did see a pretty dramatic drop in my junk mail, especially when it came to credit card offers. You can customize your mailing preferences through the DMA by heading here.

If you’ve lost a family member and want to get their name off mailing list, you can sign up for Deceased-Do Not Contact through the DMA here.

2. Val-Pak
Yep, Val-Pak is that blue envelope of useless coupons that shows up every month. What a waste! Unless you’re re-asphalting your driveway or thinking about getting cellulite removal surgery, then these coupons are a waste of time and paper.

You can get off the Val-Pak mailing list here.

Yes, you’ll still need to do this even if you sign up with DMA. After I did DMA, I was still getting Val-Pak coupons.

3. Opt-Out Pre-Screen
Opt-Out Pre-Screen stops you from getting “pre-screened” or “pre-approved” credit card offers.
To sign up, click here.

You can also call 888-567-8688 from your home telephone to opt out.

4. Catalogs
If you get catalogs, it’s probably because you bought something. Anything.

Companies are notorious for selling lists, so if you bought a sweater through L.L. Bean then chances are you’ll start getting a J.Crew catalog, an REI catalog, and a Hearth and Home just for good measure.

If you want to stop the flood of catalogs, then send an email to: optout@abacus-us.com

Or write to:
Abacus, Inc.
P.O. Box 1478
Broomfield, Colorado  80038

5. Tacky Store Flyers
I wish I had a picture of the one I got today. It was a “HUGE FURNITURE BLOWOUT!!!!” newspaper type flyer from the local furniture store. I get them almost daily from car dealerships, hairdressers, pizza stores, department stores… blergh.

These are the flyers that are addressed to “Resident”. And they usually come from Red Plum marketing.

Want to stop them?

Click here to get off the Red Plum mailing list. You can also call: 888-241-6760.

6. Publishers Clearinghouse
Ok, I’ve never been solicited by Publishers Clearinghouse, but if you have, you can get off their list by sending an email to: privacychoices@pchmail.com.

7. Other Junk
So, what about those AOL cds and “Happy Birthday” cards from our dentist that we don’t want or need?
We just have to tell them we don’t want it. If, after signing up with all the resources listed above, you’re still getting some junk, then call the company directly. Ask them to take you off their mailing list.

They can hardly be rude; after all, this is saving them money too.

And your dentist? Ask the receptionist to take you off the mailing list except for cleaning reminders. Better yet, ask if they’ll email you.

Go Green: Tips for an Eco-friendly Children's Birthday Party

Celebrating an eco-friendly birthday can be loads of fun and cost next to nothing. All it takes is a little thought and planning.

Once you and your child (assuming he/she's old enough), have chosen a theme, look at each aspect of the event: decor, food, activities and gifts, and ask yourself the following questions. (We're talking about children's birthdays here, but the same principles apply no matter the age of the honoree.)

1. Can I reuse or re-purpose items I already own for decor?
Avoid purchasing paper goods like tablecloths, even napkins. If you're crafty, take a plain white sheet and color in animals, pirates, tea cups or whatever matches your theme, or visit a thrift store and see if they have some fabric that could be used. The most practical solution for napkins is washcloths. If you don't have enough, you can pick up a dozen for less than $10 in many discount stores. These can be used as every day napkins until they totally deteriorate at which time they transform nicely into dust rags.

For table decorations, check your house, especially your child's room, assuming it's her party. Among her toys, we bet you can find enough items related to the party theme to create a unique tablescape. If she's old enough, she can set it up on her own.

There's no need for conventional balloons which, unless disposed of properly, can be a threat to wildlife and also post a choking hazard to children. Instead, make a few pinatas with recycled paper and fill them with some healthy treats or treasures.

2. What can we eat that everyone will enjoy but that's healthier than the usual birthday fare?

Avoid planning a full meal. Much of the food goes to waste as kids are notoriously picky or just too excited to eat. Instead, lay a table with a choice of healthier snacks (depending on children's ages), like raisins, peanut butter (be sure to ask parents beforehand whether their children are free of allergies), fruit, 100% fruit leathers, or organic "bars." Instead of juice or soda, put out pitchers of cold filtered water, homemade lemonade, or if it's a winter birthday, how about making real organic hot chocolate?

When it comes to the cake, save money and create something healthier by making one yourself. It's not that difficult or time consuming. If you have a small group, donning chef hats and making the cake can be a fun part of the celebration.

Another option for do-it-yourself fun is cookie baking and decorating. Individually decorated cookies make great no-waste party favors. Be sure to set out a container for composting leftovers.

3. Do we really have to haul the gang to an amusement park, restaurant or skating rink to enjoy a memorable party?
The answer is absolutely not! Think about what your kids love doing daily. For instance, one four-year-old we know lives and breathes hide 'n seek. Why shouldn't her party involve several variations on the game? Not only can all the partygoers play, but how about hide 'n seek with some gifts, both for the birthday girl and the guests? Or why not hide and seek for objects instead of people?

If your child loves animals, call your local 4H club and see if a teenager will bring a rabbit or other animal for the children to learn about and pet.

We're betting that no matter what your child enjoys, he'll love integrating activities based on his passion into the party.

Neither of ideas the above costs a penny. And remember that when you focus on the child instead of the event, magic can happen.

4. How do we take the focus off gifts?
At the same time parents may decry our nation's emphasis on overconsumption, they equate a great birthday (or Christmas or Halloween for that matter), with giving and receiving lots of stuff. But more people are beginning to believe that children's birthday parties, especially the gift giving parts, have gotten out of control. Parents and children alike, are starting to look at the whole gift giving idea in a new light. Some parents are asking for gently used or homemade (by the guest, not the parent)items. Others are opting out of asking other children to bring gifts to parties, while keeping family gift giving intact. Many have started donating to charities in the child's name, or a combination of these ideas. For a terrific list of alternatives, visit http://www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org/.

The birthday child isn't the only one who is showered with gifts, though. At many events, tiny guests return home laden with so many items, you'd think it was their birthday! Downsizing prizes and party favors is not difficult. Every game does not have to have a winner who is rewarded with a trinket. How about making a craft project the centerpiece of the party, with the children taking home what they make? Even better,donate the projects to a children's hospital.
Birthday parties should be fun for everyone and there is no reason to create waste and shower anyone with carloads of stuff. Instead, aim to create a memorable event that focuses on simple pleasures.

For more simply green children's birthday ideas, check out this post.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

3 Cool Ways To Green Your Reading Habit

If you’ve started feeling painfully guilty every time you buy a new book (all those trees!), or you’re looking for thrifty ways to save money when it comes to your reading habit, then you’re in luck. I’ve got some suggestions on how you can make your book obsession a bit more eco-friendly.

I’m first looking at Swap Sites, and then we’ll be diving into the wonderful world of Kindle. Lastly, I’m looking at several sites you can download books for free. So, let’s get reading!

Fast Facts On The Trees Used To Make Books

Planet Green, a Discovery company, had these fascinating but sobering facts on the consequences of our book buying habits.

• There is a book published somewhere in the world every 30 seconds.

• One tree will provide enough paper for only 116 averaged sized books.

• It takes 4.4 gallons of water to produce one book.

• For every ton of recycled paper that’s used in a book, 24 trees are saved.

I’m not a math whiz, but when you do the numbers on this it’s mind boggling. For instance, how many trees do the major best sellers go through? I found one stat online that said a 250 page book that sells one million copies will need over 12,000 trees.

And, that’s just for that one title.

So, it’s easy to see why buying brand new print books might not be the greenest option. In fact, after finding those stats out I’m not sure I can walk into a bookstore and look at it in the same way ever again. Sigh.

Anyway, we’ve got some eco-friendly options here: Swap sites, the Kindle, and free downloads. Let’s start with book swap sites.

What The Heck Is A Book Swap Site?

A swap site is an online community of users who swap books (or cds, or dvds) with each other to keep from having to buy them brand new. They’re frugal, green, and pretty exciting (after all, who doesn’t love getting free books in the mail?)

Swap sites are only for books you don’t want back. After all, you’re mailing your books out to people who can keep them, or swap them with others if they want. You’ll never see it again once you send it out.

Here’s how it works: on the swap site, you list all the books you’re willing to give away. Next, you make a wish list of books you’d like to read.

The site then starts searching for you. They locate people who want to read the books you’ve got, and also find others who have the books you want.

Most sites work on a point system. That is, for every three books you mail out to someone else you get one point. Most books cost one or two points. This is going to be different on every book swap site, of course, but that seems to be the average from what I found online.

And that’s it. You mail your book out to someone, and get a book from someone else in return. All you pay for is the postage. Everyone benefits.

Swap Site Resources

Think you’d like to try using a swap site? Here are a few to get you started:

• Swap Tree

• Paperback Swap

• Book Mooch

• Title Trader

• What’s On My Bookshelf

• BookIns

• Frugal Reader

How I Greened Up My Own Reading Habit With A Kindle

I love books. I was an avid reader as a kid, and am an avid reader as an adult. This means that my library used to be completely and utterly out of control. I don’t know how many books I had (I never really did a master count), but it was a lot.

Since I fell in love with micro home living last year, however, I realized that 95% of my book collection was going to have to go. After all, if you’re living in a home that’s less than 500 square feet there’s just no room for hundreds of books.

So last year I began the heart-wrenching, emotionally traumatizing process of donating most of my books to the Carnegie District Library in Howell.

It’s been a long process, and I’m still not done. After all, if you love books then you know how difficult a process like this can be. I didn’t know about swap sites until just a few months ago, so I was unable to utilize that amazing resource. On the upside, however, my local library got the books, so I’m happy about that.

So, how have I greened up my own reading habits?

Well, I’m definitely not buying new books, that’s for sure. Now that I’m aware of just how many trees and energy go into producing one brand new book, I’ve sworn off new bookstores for good.

Instead, last summer I invested in a Kindle.

Kindle: Amazon’s Wireless Reading Device

Why The Kindle Is A Great Investment

Let me start out by saying that I love my Kindle. In fact, love might be an understatement. I adore my Kindle.

There are several reasons why buying a Kindle is a good idea if you’re looking to go green.

The first is the obvious one: you no longer have to buy paper books. You’re not using any resources to support your reading habit. All books are delivered wirelessly to your Kindle, which means no more trees will die because of your obsession. For me, this was a huge, huge perk to investing in a Kindle.

Secondly, the Kindle stores 200 books. This means if you’re interested in micro home living, or simply saving space in general, you don’t have to worry about not having anything to read because there’s no room for your library. All you need is your Kindle. Also, it’s important to realize that the Kindle stores 200 at a time. You can actually have more stored in your Amazon account or on your laptop. You can take them off or put them on your Kindle at any time.

Thirdly, depending on your reading habits, a Kindle can be surprisingly frugal.

I know, I can see your eyes popping from here. Yes, the Kindle is $359. And in today’s economy, I know that’s a steep price tag. But if you love reading older books, like the classics, then you can get some great bargains. Over the long term, a Kindle will probably pay for itself.

To prove my point, here are my last five purchases that I’ve made on my Kindle:

1. Les Miserables- Victor Hugo $.99
2. The Awakening- Kate Chopin $3.96
3. Wuthering Heights- Emily Bronte $.99
4. The Secret Garden- Francis Hodgson Burnett $1.50
5. The Princess Bride- William Goldman $6.40

Almost all the books available on Kindle, even the new releases, are less than $10. And the classics, as you can see, are often less than $2.

Reading the classics is what I love best, so for me I’m saving money buying them through my Kindle. And unless Stephanie Meyer comes out with a part 5 to add to my current Edward Cullen, “Twilight” obsession, I won’t be buying many, if any, brand new books.

Note to Stephanie Meyer: Please oh please come out with a Part 5…

Green Your Reads With Free E-Books

Think you can’t get something for nothing anymore? Think again. There are several ways you can get free books online, if you know where to look.

My favorite is Project Gutenburg. They’ve got over 27,000 titles online, free for the download. Here’s my master list of free book download sites:

• Project Gutenburg

• Ebook.com

• FreeBooks.org

• ManyBooks.net

• World Public Library

Last Word

Books are completely wonderful. After all, where else can you spend one day living the life of a 12-year old girl growing up on the streets of Brooklyn in 1912, and then the next day experience the life of a peasant in post-revolution France?

Books allow us all to see the world from other people’s shoes. They help us develop empathy and compassion, and take us to places we’d never get to see otherwise. They open up the world, and all the mysteries it has to offer.

It is possible to love books, and read them voraciously, without harming the environment at the same time. I don’t know where the future of books is heading, but if I had my guess I’d put my bets on digital formatting. It makes sense in every way; it’s cheaper, takes up far less space, and doesn’t use resources to produce.

The downside? Digital formatted ebooks lack the romance that a traditional paper book holds. I know all too well the distinct pleasure of curling up with a hefty book and a soft blanket. It’s a luxury I’ll never be able to fully give up.

The Kindle comes close to recreating that intimacy between reader and book. I still feel “connected” through my Kindle, a connection that is completely lacking when I read a book on my laptop. But, that’s just me.

I hope the resources I’ve put out here at least give you some options for greening up your reading habit. After all, one less book bought by thousands of people really adds up!

A great post brought to you by Heather Levin, TheGreenestDollar.com