Five Concepts To Save Money and Help the Environment

America has changed over the last few months and years. Specifically, people's habits have changed as a result of greater environmental awareness and the country's current economic recession. Many families and individuals are attempting to be eco-friendly, as well as frugal. However, it can be difficult to keep hundreds of specific money-saving or eco-friendly tips in mind on a day-to-day basis. In this article, I am going to describe five general concepts that are common to both the green and frugal lifestyles.

Green Frugality Concept #1 - Minimize Waste
A perfect example of where green and frugal philosophies overlap is driving. By driving less, an individual reduces harmful emissions and saves money on gas. The same effect can be had by carpooling. Another example is limiting the number of electricity-hungry appliances that are plugged on at any given moment. Less electricity is wasted and money is saved on the electricity bill. Rechargeable batteries could be considered in the same way. By using them, fewer batteries are thrown away and less money must be spent on them. Minimizing waste is a concept that is important to both the green and frugal lifestyles.

Green Frugality Concept #2 - Take Care of What You Own
This concept is very similar to that of minimizing waste. Often, maintaining an item is cheaper than replacing it, and getting more use or more efficient use out of an item can also be greener. Returning to driving, a well-maintained car can get better gas mileage than a car that just barely passes inspection. Getting even five more miles per gallon does less damage to the environment and saves you money. Another example of this would be disposable razors. If an individual takes care of one of these razors by cleaning it and wiping it dry after use, the razor can be used for much longer than it would be otherwise. Taking care of items maximizes the use that an individual can get out of them and reduces waste and cost.

Green Frugality Concept #3 - Reuse and Repurpose Items
Rather than throwing used items away, try to find new uses for them. This combines the green philosophy of creating less waste with the frugal philosophy of saving money. There are numerous uses for plastic soda bottles and peanut butter jars, and you can even repurpose uneaten food by composting it and using it to fertilize a home garden, another green and frugal project. A large amount of clothing and furniture can be found used.

Green Frugality Concept #4 - Work with Others
Being green and frugal is easier if you can work with others. Carpooling is an example of a way to be green and frugal. If three or four people can take shifts driving each other to a common work area, money can be saved and emissions can be reduced. Likewise, being green and frugal cannot be an individual task in a household. Each family member needs to be aware of the effort and needs to do his or her part.

Green Frugality Concept #5 - Pay Attention
It's easy to slip in an attempt to be green or frugal by simply not thinking or not paying attention. For a long time, you will need to make a conscious efforts to change your spending and lifestyle habits. However, in the long run your efforts will pay off by saving you money and being more eco-friendly.

If you are trying to be green, frugal, or green and frugal, know that there are lots of simple things you can do to be more environmentally friendly and save money. Keep the above concepts in mind and you'll be well on your way to being greener and more frugal. If you have any other suggestions for people wishing to be green or frugal, please leave your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!