It takes green to be green

This was the name of an article that appeared in our daily city paper few weeks ago and while it's partly true, I wanted to share some cheap ways to be "green".

Obviously, you can't afford a hybrid car or eat organic foods all the time if you have limited funds. Or if you don't have access to a laundry facility, cloth diapers wouldn't be the way to go for you! But there are so many other ways to be green on a dime!

Here are just a few:

1) RECYCLE It's easy and available in most cities/towns/counties. Sometimes you may have to collect items yourself and take them in, but the majority of places pick up weekly.
2) SHOP AT GOODWILL You can kill two birds with one stone here. Yes, Goodwill tends to have cheaper items and you're not creating more commercial waste in the world. Reusing what there is always a good thing!
3) BUY A FUEL EFFICIENT CAR While it may not be a hybrid at least your using less gas.
4) MAKE A RAIN BARREL FOR YOUR GARDEN Ah, here's another two for one. Rain barrels cut down on using the drinking water supply and save money. Plus, a garden will grow you all the organic veggies you need!
5) START A COMPOST PILE  (Especially if you have a garden) In the city you may have to build a bin for it, but it's doable and smart for fertilizer. Bins are usually 60 to 100 bucks tops and you may be able to create for yourself more cheaply.
6) WALK, RIDE A BIKE, TAKE PUBLIC TRANSIT Sure, this isn't possible all the time, especially if you live in the suburbs, but many times grocery stores are closer than we realize and wouldn't it be great to walk a mile every day!
7) CLOTH GROCERY BAGS I think this one is pretty self explanatory. No more plastic bags!
8) TURN OFF LIGHTS YOUR NOT USING Saves energy and cost.
9) QUIT USING PLASTIC SANDWICH BAGS Reusable containers make more sense.
10) BUY A LUNCH BOX No more paper bags.

Recently a friend of mine even made his own water bottle from a glass jar. When thinking green, be creative. Think of ways to conserve and not waste!