Going Green to Save Green: 10 Ways to Pad Your Wallet and Save the Planet

In today’s society “Going Green” is the movement du jour, and money is tight. Science is showing us more and more that the green movement can benefit more than just the environment. Here are 10 simple steps that not only help you give back to the environment and your wallet.

1. Turn off the lights and let in the sun

As the weather gets warmer, and the sunlight grows stronger, take advantage of the sunlight. Opening the blinds and turning off the lights not only saves energy, but it can be good for you. According to ProjectStore.com , natural sunlight converts cholesterol into Vitamin D. ProjectStore.com also says, “If we expose six square inches of our skin to direct sunlight for one hour per day, we will obtain our minimum daily requirement for vitamin D.”

Exposure to natural sunlight is also known to boost endorphins that make you feel healthier and happier. Since rooms lit by natural sunlight tend to be brighter, it can improve sleep, even out hormonal imbalances, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and increase metabolism.

Opting for a natural glow rather than an artificial one will not only help the planet, but help you to feel better.

2. Unplug electronics when they are not in use

According to the Florida Energy Center, everyday electronics are responsible for jacking up electric bills and wasting unnecessary energy. “The worst leakers were products from the following categories: televisions, video units, multi-system audio units, speakers, security systems, items that have remote control or memory settings,” the report states.

Wasted energy not only harms the environment, but it also adds preventable costs to the electric bill. Rent is high enough already; why spend more money than you need to? At the end of every month or year, the money you save from unplugging unused electronics could buy you something fabulous.

3. Recycle For Beer Money

Beer is something that is pretty common in the refrigerators of college students. Many states offer refunds of the bottle deposits that are built into the cost of the beverages (5 cents per can in Maine, Vermont, New York, Hawaii, Iowa, Oregon and Connecticut; 10 cents in California and Michigan). At the end of a weekend or night of drinking, take the empty beer cans to your local can deposit and trade in your garbage for pocket change. The deposits can be found at local grocery stores and Wal Marts in participating states. The money you get back could mean the difference between Natty Light and Corona Light at the next party.

4. Bubble Baths Beat Sudsy Showers

According to Lenntech.com, a five minute shower uses 25-50 gallons of water, while baths use almost half of that amount. On average, Americans use five times the amount of water that Europeans do. A moderately filled bath instead of a shower can cut water consumption, and can also be a good way to relax and unwind.
However, if a shower is what you prefer, an environmentally friendly, low-pressure shower head can lower water use by 1 ½ times with each use. They are available at most home improvement stores, and online for relatively low cost.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

As science and medicine improve, more and more traditional cleaning products are facing scrutiny for the impact they are having on not only the environment, but the health of the consumers as well. According to care2.com, the use of environmentally “unfriendly” products can leak toxins, poisons and neurotoxins, causing birth defects, illness and effect sleep patterns. It is also proven that the use of eco-friendly cleaning products can save water, since many of them do not require the consumer to rinse away the products after use.

Companies such as Seventh Generation, Clorox and other brands are now creating eco-friendly versions of their products to meet the growing demand for the products, and all are available at supermarkets and stores everywhere. And, the prices of the products are comparable to those of the originals.

6. Canvas Bags Show You Care (About Fashion)

Many grocery store chains are now selling reusable canvas shopping bags. These bags cut down on the use of dangerous and environmentally harmful plastic bags. The canvas bags are sold at the registers, and companies such as Stop and Shop offer a 5 cent refund on every bag, every time you shop. Within a few trips to the grocery store the bags will have paid for themselves, and begun to save you money.
Many designers and retailers are also making “eco-conscious” bags that are not only environmentally friendly, but fashion forward and chic as well.

7. Eat Local and Organic

Though the cost of gas has dropped significantly since the summer, the impact that fumes and chemicals emitted from gasoline is still a major problem for the environment. Instead of eating food that is hauled across country or from different countries on trucks which emit chemicals and toxins into the air, choose foods from your local market that are grown by local vendors and are certified organic. Certified organic foods have no toxins or pesticides in them which make them healthy for you and the environment, and the support of local business helps commerce in your area.

8. Bamboo Is Good For You

Bamboo is a resource that is easily replenished, and extremely useful. According to CaliBamboo.com, bamboo is stronger than graphite, concrete, and steel, and regenerates extremely quickly. It is can be used to create flooring, window treatments, paneling, and sheets. An article in Cosmopolitan Magazine says, "The bamboo plant contains an antibacterial agent that naturally protects against pests while growing in the fields. This quality is believed to help bamboo fibers wick away moisture and block the growth of nasty bacteria."

The sheets are said to be extremely soft, crisp and environmentally friendly. Plus, what college kid likes to wash their sheets-- the antibacterial properties in the plant allow you to push off that task for at least a few more days.

9. Water Bottle Water is No Good

The majority of the Earth's surface is water however, only 1% of that water is drinkable. Bottled water, though thought to be the cleanest water around is often anything but clean. The plastic bottles it is packaged in release cancer-causing chemicals into the water along with the bacteria and germs that are already in the water. And, the bottles are often thrown away rather than recycled, harming the environment.

Instead of water bottles that can be expensive and bad for you, buy a Brita or other type of water purifying system which is a one-time cost, and allows you to reap the benefits of clean tap water. The cost of the system can be split between roommates or housemates, which keeps the price down and more money in your pocket.

10. Take the Shuttle/Ride With Friend

With billions of cars on the road everyday, the damage being done to the eco-system and o-zone layer is irreversible. Instead of driving yourself to the grocery store, take public transportation or your school's shuttle system to get your groceries. The shuttle is free and it's headed there anyway, so why not take advantage.

If there isn't a shuttle system or public transportation available to you, try carpooling with a friend or two when you run errands. Not only will that be less cars on the road emitting toxins, it can also turn bland errands into a fun outing.