Going Green: Eco-Friendly Tips to Help Save Money and the Earth

Have you and your family been wanting to go green, but didn't know where to start? Perhaps you have been too scared to make the initial plunge into the lifestyle change. Maybe you think that going green requires more time than you have to devote to it. All of these things should not be a concern, because going green can be as easy and require as little time as you wish for it to require.

Eliminating excessive personal waste should be everyone's concern, as should helping the environment. The more we waste and disregard the Earth, the weaker she becomes. The Earth provides us all with so much, we shouldn't think twice about trying to give a little bit back.

Below I have covered a few very basic and simple tips on how to become more eco-friendly. These tips are great for people who are just starting off going green. Going green shouldn't be a scary venture. It is actually very simple to do if you just take the time and patience to do it.

• Waste Not, Want Not

One of the best eco-friendly and money saving tips is to stop wasting. Buy only the foods you need, and not an excessive amount that you know you'll more than likely throw away. If you're feeling very adventurous, try going without toilet paper and use cloth instead.

• Recycle or Donate

Recycling and donating are some of the easiest things everyone can do to help the Earth, but most are too scared to do so. Doing either one of these does not have to be a daunting task. It can be as simple as taking your old clothes to Goodwill. If you really want to get serious into recycling, you should check into your county's local recycling program. If your county doesn't have one, you can still recycle on your own. Simply find inventive ways to reuse the products that you would normally throw away.

• Walk or Ride, but don't Drive

If it all possible, try to ride a bike or walk to the places you need to go. Try to eliminate the amount of driving you have to do. If you do have to drive, try to carpool so you can help the environment by reducing vehicle emissions in the air.

• Shop Local

Buy all your produce and meats locally. This not only helps promote local farmers, but it also cuts down on toxins released into the environment that are required for shipping produce from around the world. Shop your local Farmer's Markets or check your local grocery stores. Many local grocery stores have started going local and sell a large amount of local produce and meats. If neither choices work for you, try growing your own food. You can even grow produce in an apartment, you just need the time and patience to make it work.

• Air Dry

Instead of using the dryer to dry your clothes, try hang drying them outside or within your house. This method takes a little longer (unless it's a hot, sunny day), but once you see your electric bill, you'll be more than grateful for the extra time that was required.

• Eliminate Plastics

Try to eliminate your family's use of plastics. This means no more bottled waters, no more microwave dinners, etc.. Not only will you be helping eliminate your family's exposure to BPA, but you'll also be helping the environment by not contributing more plastics to the landfills. Whatever plastics you do use, try to recycle them.

• No More Mail

Switch all your bills to electronic billing, this will help reduce the use of paper, therefore saving the trees. Also, cancel your magazine subscriptions, or switch to electronic magazine subscriptions. Both are great ways to help make a positive impact on the environment outside of your home.

• Dress Warmer or Dress Less

Instead of cranking up the AC or Heater, keep them at an optimal range and simply dress warmer or dress less. This will save you a lot of money over the year. Also, be sure to turn off the Heat or AC when leaving the house, so you don't run extra electricity when no one is even home.

• Adopt, Pedigree Does Not Make the Animal

Pet adoption centers are filled with adorable and loving pets that have to be put down because they cannot find a good home for them. Instead of buying a new family pet from a breeder, visit your local adoption center and look around. Who knows, you might find the exact pet you're looking for.

• Pump- Go Anti-Aerosol

Aerosol cans are terrible for the environment because they cannot be recycled. Pump cans have been around for years, provide the same results, and CAN be recycled. Pump cans provide a much more eco-friendly alternative to your beauty regime. A small and simple step to begin on your journey to eliminating waste and going green would be to stop buying aerosol and go pump!