For Earth Day 2011, Think About Your Pocketbook

Most people think of being green as hugging trees. For me, however, being green is about saving money. Don't get me wrong; saving the planet has many benefits. Long before the current economic crisis, however, I was trimming expenses from my budget, cutting coupons, and composting in my backyard. You don't have to go overboard and try to save the planet this Earth Day, but maybe you can try out five different ways to celebrate, and help your wallet, too.

Make Earth Week a Fiscal Fast
You can make a considerable dent in your expenses by taking a day as a commitment to not spending anything for an entire day, or preferably, an entire week. Every few weeks or so, our family takes a break from all money spent and tries to use up the things that we have. If we need something, we either make due or we make creative uses. If we feel like we need to buy it, it goes on a list for consideration. It's amazing how many free things that you can find if you force yourself not to spend.

Pick Up a Habit For the New Year
Make your "New Year's Resolution" on Earth Day, but this time make your resolution a habit to be more frugal. Don't go overboard, because that's how you fail your resolutions. Instead, pick one small habit that you can change. For instance, if you go out to eat everyday during lunch, then make a promise to brown bag it once a week. Or if you buy coffee each morning on your way to work, then swear to brew it at home on Monday.

Do a Green House Check
Today is the day to gather the crew and make sure your house is in tip top shape. Save money and save the planet by fixing leaky windows, cleaning out air vents, adding insulation, replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones, installing an automatic thermometer, or putting all of the electronics on power saving strips that can be shut off at night. Last year, our family installed plastic heating covers to redirect the air flow towards the center of the house (and the central thermometer).

Start Your Garden
In most areas of the United States, you can start the seedlings to a garden. This is the day that my heirloom tomato and basil seeds get put into newspaper pots. Don't have space for a garden? Then plant a container herb garden, instead. Remember, anything that you grow can later trim dollars off of your grocery bill, so even if you only grow basil by the window, then you can save money.

Find a New Way to Eat and Make it For Your Neighbor, Too
Families eat in all different ways. Some go out to eat everyday. Others throw in freezer food. Some cook a sit down meal every night. On Earth Day, make a pact to eat differently. Some suggestions would be to eat vegetarian, eat fresh (non cooked), or use the grill or a sun cooker. While you are at it, cook a meal for another family, too, and save double the energy.