Green Friendly "Tried" Tips for Saving Money and The Planet

There are so many ways you can help out when it comes to being more "green" and saving your planet.  Most of these tips actually save you money in the long run too!!  Here are a couple tips I HAVE ACTUALLY tried and noticed a difference.  These are all fairly simple especially if you tell yourself you will make one change everyday so you won't overwhelm yourself and quit.

Unplug every appliance that is not in use...remember even if they are not turned on they are still pulling energy.  This means all chargers, computers, printers, toasters, can openers, blow dryers, etc.
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Turn off Lights, Computers, Tv's, Fans, and Radios when no one is in the room and they are not in use.  Your computer and TV use more energy than most any other major appliances in the home.
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Fill used plastic water/pop bottles with water and sand or rocks (enough to hold it down) and put in the well in back of your toilet.  This is a cheap way to make your toilet low flow.
*Saves water and $$$ Utility Bill

MYO Cleaners and Home Solutions.  A lot of these are safer for the environment, your children, and your pets.  Check out my MYO section for some recipes and ideas.  These also cost way less when using everyday products you already have in your home.
*Saves $$$ Shopping

Use an old garbage bin and put it outside somewhere it will easily catch rain water or runoff water from your roof.  Use a water pitcher or cup o transfer this water to your plants and garden.  You can buy these at the stores but they are more costly and this works just as well.  This is also natural rain water which is safer for your plants
*Saves water and $$$ Utility Bill

Avoid using disposable anything unless you must - ie. paper napkins, towels or plates, plastic silverware or cups, plastic water bottles, etc.  Use cloth napkins or towels and (ceramic, glass, reusable plastic) plate ware instead.
*Saves waste and $$$ Shopping

Load your dishwasher and washing machine as full as possibly (for your machines max capacity).  Never wash a half full load of anything.  Also turn your heated dry off on your dishwasher and wash everything in cold water if possible.
*Saves water, electric and $$$ Utility Bill

Air dry clothes and dishes whenever possible.  Keep the lint trap clean in your dryer.  Also, do all your loads at once - if you don't allow your dryer to cool off it won't take as long or as much energy to heat up.
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Turn off faucets when brushing teeth or washing dishes while you are not directly using the flow of water.
*Saves water and $$$ Utility Bill

Only run the oven cleaning cycle during the night or winter months.  This will help heat your home with energy you are already using.  You can also (only if you do not have kids) prop the oven door open after use during the winter months to allow the air to help heat up your home.
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Switch over to energy saving light bulbs throughout your home.  They cost more initially but last longer and use less energy
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Install low flow shower heads and faucets throughout your home.  They cost more initially but last longer and use less water.
*Saves water and $$$ Utility Bill

Keep your water heater turned down as low as you are happy with.  Same with your heat, drop it down a couple degrees during the winter and use blankets.  During the summer raise your air a couple degrees and use fans.
*Saves energy and $$$ Utility Bill

Use rechargeable batteries/battery charger.  These are very expensive up front but totally worth it especially if you have little ones with toys or swings that require batteries.
*Saves $$$ Shopping

Finally, Recycle EVERYTHING!!!  You can recycle all glass, plastic, paper, electronics, appliances, and even some old food (if you compost).  Look up your nearest recycling center for guidelines.  Contact your cell phone or utility providers for the electronics and appliances.  Check out my composting section if you are interested in starting.

I'm sure I will add more to this article or make a part 2 since there is so much you can do to save your family money AND the planet!  (Its 11pm and I'm too tired to come up with anymore ideas that we use here)