7 Everyday Things You Can Do To Go Green

Earth Day 2009 has arrived! And there are number of things you can do to go green every day. Some of these items can even save you money in the long run. These are relatively simple things that you can do to increase your energy efficiency around the house, or to save the Earth in other ways:

1. Use power strip surge protectors for your electronics. Plug things like TVs, printers and computers into power strips with other similar items. Then, turn off the strip at night. It will help you stop electicity leaks when you aren’t using your electronics.
2. Open the curtains. Use natural lighting when possible to help cut back on your electricity bill.
3. Program your thermostat. That way, your heating/cooling system won’t be working to keep the house comfortable for people who aren’t there.
4. Take public transportation. If you have access to inexpensive public transportation, you can save money and the earth. Likewise, biking or walking when you can, instead of driving, can conserve resources, save you gas money and increase your health.
5. Reusable shopping bags. These cost a little bit up front, but you will be actively working to save the planet. Or, if you already have a stock of plastic grocery bags, bring those to the store and reuse them.
6. Buy less. When you buy less, you consume less, reducing the need for packaged goods. And, of course, you save money.
7. CFLs. These are dropping in price. And, since they last longer and use less electricity than regular lightbulbs, they pay for themselves in no time. Then you can start reaping the savings (even if they do seem a little small).

In addition, take a look at these great blogs offering Earth Day posts on going green:

• Cash Money Life
• Free Money Finance
• Yielding Wealth
• Personal Finance Corner
• Get Rich Slowly
• Moolanomy
• Money & Investing
• The Simple Dollar
• MomGrind (this is a bonus — beautiful pictures)

Can you think of ways to go a little bit greener?

image source: sxc.hu