50 ways you can save the Earth and save money

By JILL KELLEY
Cox News Service

Friday, April 24, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio -- Did you know that "going green" will not only help the planet, but could net you more green in your wallet as well? To help you dovetail these two high priorities most efficiently, here are 50 ways you can save the Earth and save money at the same time:

1. Turn off the lights. Use natural daylight whenever possible. 2. Stop buying bottled water.

3. Buy in bulk. Avoid excessive packaging.

4. Line dry.

5. Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

6. Drive less: Carpool, ride a bike, take the bus, walk.

7. Donate goods you don't use to charity.

8. Buy quality items -- they will last longer and be cheaper in the long run.

9. Turn off your computer when it is not in use.

10. Open windows and use fans instead of using the air conditioner.

11. Keep your refrigerator away from sunlight, the stove and the dishwasher.

12. Ask yourself what new technological device you can do without.

13. Replace old, inefficient electronics with Energy Star alternatives.

14. Use energy-efficient light bulbs.

15. Buy less junk.

16. Get a home energy audit.

17. Get an office energy audit.

18. Put on a sweater or get a blanket instead of turning up the heat.

19. Turn off and unplug electronic devices or appliances not in use.

20. Get a geothermal heat pump.

21. Plant trees. They provide oxygen and shade.

22. Use trees and/or shrubs around your home as windbreaks to help reduce heating costs.

23. Properly insulate and seal your house.

24. Adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

25. Install a programmable thermostat.

26. Wash clothing with cold water.

27. Get a front-loading washing machine. Front-loaders use less water and 60 percent less energy than top-loaders.

28. Go toxin-free with cleaning supplies, paints.

29. Stop using paper towels.

30. Don't use disposable cups, plates or plasticware.

31. Borrow, rent or buy used.

32. Invest in reusable shopping bags.

33. Go fluorescent.

34. Buy local produce.

35. Learn to knit.

36. Pay bills online.

37. Go on an energy diet. See what you can cut down on or live without.

38. Wear vintage. Frequent thrift and consignment stores.

39. Skip the meat. Cook more vegetarian meals.

40. Don't buy hairspray (or anything) with chlorofluorocarbons.

41. Make your next car a hybrid.

42. Don't drive so fast; save gas.

43. Map out your errands.

44. Look into the cost benefits of solar heating.

45. Patronize companies working to save the environment.

46. Turn down your water heater thermostat. For each 10 degrees you reduce, you'll save 3 to 5 percent in energy costs.

47. Keep digital files and address book.

48. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

49. Grow your own food.

50. And, of course, the mother of all nature savers: RECYCLE.

The U.S. Department of Energy, Planet Green Mother Earth News, Hawaii Business, Get Rich Slowly, Market Watch, CNN Money, LJWorld.com, CBS News, Times Colonist, The News Democrat, TheDMonline.com, Marie Claire and MSNBC contributed to this report.

Jill Kelley writes for the Dayton Daily News. E-mail: jikelley(at)DaytonDailyNews.com.