Tips for Saving Money in an Environmentally Friendly Way

In this disturbing economy many people are looking to save money in any way they can. With the costs of transportation, health care and groceries rising while salaries are not, often times we have to make decisions, and "rob Peter to pay Paul."

If you looking to save some of your hard earned cash every month, I hope some of these suggestions are of assistance to you in your quest.

First let's consider your utility expenses. The obvious is your electric bill, if you are not in a room, turn off any lights, radios or televisions that are on in that room. If you have DVD players, vcrs, or video game systems plugged in and you rarely turn them on, unplug them. Do you really need an electric air freshener in a room you enter once a week? Is your refrigerator turned on the coldest setting? Making some minor adjustments on your appliances settings can make a difference in your total electric bill. Adjust the temperature on your central air conditioner. On the hottest day, you can get by with setting the thermostat at 74 degrees, and it will be cool inside. In the winter wear a sweater, socks or whatever and decrease your heat to 66 degrees, it will be an adjustment to your instincts but you will reduce your electric expenses. You can replace your light bulbs with a more energy efficient model, and despite the initial cost of the bulbs, you will save a good amount of money each year on your electric bill. Do you turn off the water when you brush your teeth?

If you are looking to take it a step further: When you are in the shower, get wet and turn off the water. From there you can apply your shampoo, and get to cleaning yourself. Turn the water back on when you are ready to rinse. You won't be rushing to save water, and this will add up to possibly ten dollars or more a month.

You should also consider your trash bill. It is about twenty dollars a month, right? You could shop around for smaller pick up. Where I live I get a 2 bag pick up once a week, at a fraction of the price of regular pick up. I break down any boxes, and recycle all glass and plastic, as well as newspapers. This greatly reduces what I am sending to the landfill, and it saves me a good amount of money on my trash bill. If you are friendly with your neighbors, suggest you share service or get a community dumpster if you have enough neighbors. Do the math and determine how much it will cost each neighbor and compare that to what they spend on their individual refuse bill.

To cut back on your transportation expenses, get a tune up for better gas mileage. Start car pooling with a co worker, or take the bus. It is not as glamorous as driving yourself, but it only costs like one dollar a ride. You will also have time to read, or even work while you are on the bus. Chances are you miss being stuck in traffic...

All of these suggestions are environmentally friendly, and as we all know "Green" is so hot.