15 Ways to Become an Eco-Friendly Cheapskate

We all know that economic times are tough! These days are being compared to the Depression of the 1930's. It stands to reason, then, that most of us need to tighten our purses strings and do a little sacrificing.

Many of us, however, are also concerned with our diminishing natural resources and are trying to be environmentally responsible when making lifestyle choices.

As the creator of the Green ABC's for Kids, I have been lucky enough to talk to people from all over the '˜green' spectrum. These are people who are down and dirty, using bikes to get to work, making better public transit systems, installing community gardens, and building Community Supported Agriculture ( CSA's). They are also cleaning up our rivers, educating people about clean air, and trying to find new and more efficient ways to recycle, reuse, and restore, while saving energy all at the same time.

While all of this is going on, though, naysayers spout that it just costs too much to '˜go green'

We also have examples to look at like this quote I was able to glean from a recent survey I did on green living, Also, eco-friendly and organic foods are more costly. Many of us know that in the long run there will be a $$ savings, but for many it is hard to bear that upfront cost. Also, I think that our community hasn't gotten fully on-board with green-living and it is harder to find green products.

Our recent governor election featured a person who rode around on a RV to see the region. Why didn't they use eco-friendly hybrid cars or stay in our hotels and support the economy. Until our government and leaders get on board, it will be difficult to get everyone involved.

All of this is true and the debate rages on: can green living really be good old-fashioned frugal living?

Here are fifteen ways to become an eco-friendly cheapskate. You owe it to yourself to try some of these methods and more than that, you owe it to those who will come after you.

1) Get rid of all gym memberships- there is no need to go to the gym when you can take a walk, ride your bike or do a little dancing.
2) Buy local foods, and eat in season. Right now is tomato and apple time in Indiana- just think of all the great foods you can make with those two wonderful foods.
3) Make friends with grocery store managers and find our when markdown times are. You will save money and be able to buy better foods.
4) Never ride in a car when you can walk or bike. My father always said, "Walking ain't crowded!" He was right!
5) Shop for groceries only once a week- you will save money and you will not use as much fuel if you drive to the store.
6) Use a list for your weekly shopping.
7) Keep tires inflated-if you own a car. This is just an added bit of information, but did you know that the average American spends around $8,000 a year on a car! Wouldn't it be great if we could become a car-less society?
8) Go to Plant Swaps.
9) Reuse and buy used when you can.
10) Boycott fast food- it costs too much, it is terrible for you, the packaging is clogging our landfills, and getting that food from farm to fork is a cost inflating nightmare!
11) Pay your bills online
12) Stop sending greeting cards.
13) If you are in college, stop buying new textbooks, buy used or borrow the textbook needed from your local or university library.
14) Begin a local thrift shop
15) Live simply- Give yourself room to breathe!

I added this last one about living simply after talking to a young mother I know who has become financially strapped. She is stressed out, and always worried about money. Nothing is worse than being under the gun when it comes to being debt-ridden. I have lived this way and it is no fun. In fact, it is devastating. Many of us have had no control over the lifestyles we find ourselves having to deal with today.

That's why we all have to pull together and find all kinds of cool new ways to become an eco-friendly cheapskate!