Many people think that "Going Green" is super expensive and that there is no way that they can afford it. Sure there are things out there that are expensive and even though many of us would love to participate in all aspects of Going Green, saving energy, reducing our carbon footprint.

The truth of the matter is there are many things that almost anyone can do to actually help SAVE MONEY by choosing the "Green" option!

Saving Water

Water conservation is very important. It is often thought that since it is a renewable resource there is no need to worry about water conservation. Well that may be true in a sense, but it really isn't as predictable as we may think. There are so many things to consider such as contamination and pollution. So by working to save water, you are not only helping to keep a renewable resource renewable but clean and environmentally friendly.                                                    

Wash clothes only when you have a full load.    It costs exactly the same to run the washer to wash three items as it does to run a full load!! Save money by using less water and less energy!!

Use less water when you flush!    They now have low volume flush toilets, but many of us can't afford to go out and replace our toilet!! Here is a do it yourself tip: take a plastic bottle, fill it with water and place it in the back tank of the toilet. This will help the tank become full quicker, saving water!

Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.   If you think about it, what is the sense of having your water so hot that you have to add cold water to it to cool it down? By reducing the temperature of the hot water heater it will be at a temperature you can always just use!

Wrap your hot water heater to keep it warm!       You can wrap your hot water heater in an insulated jacket to help keep the water inside warmer with out the running the heater constantly!!! (check your heater's instructions to ensure that it is ok to do with your heater, and do not cover up the thermostat or the air intakes ~ Safety first!)

Use cold water when ever you can. Cold water is great for washing clothes and it will save you a ton of money on your energy bill!

Save on your Electric Bill

There are many ways to save money on your electric bill that don't even cost you money to do!!! Many of the tips for saving water will also save you money on your electric bill!

Turn off the lights when you leave a room.  Everyone can do this. The concept is simple. If the light isn't on then you won't be running up your bill!!

Switch to Compact Florescent Light Bulbs. These bulbs are energy savers; they last for up to 9 years or something crazy like that. They aren't expensive especially when you figure in they will save you money on your electric bill plus the bulbs last so long!!! Buy a box of them and when you have a blown bulb, replace them as they blow!

Buy energy saving appliances.  Obviously it would be expensive to run right out and buy a new appliance just to save money to save energy...does that make sense? But when it comes time to purchase a new appliance, do your research and check out the different brands to figure out what the best choice is for you.

Using a dishwasher. Many are on the fence about the dishwasher. The thing is about dishwashers especially new energy saving ones is that you no longer have to pre rinse your dishes before putting them in. Before the days of these "smart" dishwashers that could detect the food on the dishes and the boosters that they have we would have to run the water forever basically washing the dishes before we put them into the dishwasher. This used a ton of energy and water. Dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. The trick to keep the dishwasher working for you is to make sure you only run it when it's full and to not us the drying feature. Either dry them by hand or let them air dry.

Unplug things when not in use.  It sounds like common sense to say that as long as the electronic item is turned off that it isn't using energy. But that isn't true. As long as something is plugged in, it is using energy!! Think about all the things you leave plugged in all day long but only use once a day or once in a while! Even leaving the charger for your cell phone, iPod or PDA plugged in is sucking energy and costing you money!

Transportation

Transportation is a huge cause of pollution and energy use. Fact is, gas is expensive! There are ways to cut down on your use to save you money along with helping out the environment!

Work from home or telecommute. The work place is pretty undefined in today's world. We can work from almost anywhere. Many companies offer the work from home option, even if its only for a couple days a week. If you are able to do this, it saves you in more than one area! First of all you won't have to put the wear and tear on your car which saves money on repairs. You will save money on gas. You will also save in the area of work clothing which equates to saving on buying clothes (business, professional attire whatever your job requires) which also includes dry cleaning since you could technically work in your jammies if you wanted too! You also would save on buying lunch or whatever else you normally buy when you head to work each day!

Carpool. You don't have to work at the same place to carpool with someone! As long as they are in the general area, you can walk to your office, or they can drop you off. Take turns with a neighbor and cut your gas bill in half!

Keep your car tuned up. A well maintained vehicle runs better and more efficient.

Odds & Ends

BAN bottled water!  First of all, how did we ever let these companies charge us so much for WATER? It is amazing!! Bottled water is so expensive!! Think about how much money you could save if you stop buying bottled water (obviously if your water is undrinkable then you have to buy water but go to Wal-Mart and fill up one of those huge blue jugs!! That is cheaper than bottled water!) Bottled water is not only expensive but all of those plastic bottles create so much waste!!! Instead of spending a ton of money and sending something to a landfill that will not decompose for a gagillion years, buy a pitcher with a filter, hook up a filter to your faucet, and fill up a thermos or a travel cup to take it with you!!

Buy rechargeable batteries. Batteries are expensive, period! Making the investment in rechargeable batteries may cost a bit in the beginning but once you have them the savings will begin! Batteries are another item that are disastrous to a landfill! So you will not only be saving money but the environment also!

Donate your items instead of throwing them away! You know what they say "One man's junk is another man's treasure"  If you aren't the kind of person that likes to do garage sales, another option when you are cleaning out your closets or under your bed is to donate the items!! You can donate to the Salvation Army, churches, community thrift stores etc. You may not get cash for your items but ask for a receipt, most let you fill in your own amount, and you can take the deduction on your taxes!

Obviously we have only listed a few ideas here, but you can see that "Going Green" doesn't have to cost YOU money, it can actually SAVE you money in the long run!! Sometimes a small investment goes along way and who wouldn't benefit from getting a lower electric bill or water bill!!