It IS easy being green

Last week I was plowing through the dairy section with my family when I ran into a friend of mine. Our children exchanged pleasantries, in their own little way, while I grabbed our usual bag of string cheese. Her daughter asked if she could also have a bag of string cheese to which my friend quickly responded… “That’s not good for the environment honey. It’s wrapped in a lot of plastic. I will get you cheese that isn’t packaged like that.” I walked away shamefully with my large plastic bag filled with 12 individually plastic wrapped cheese sticks. Knowing that this kind of plastic isn’t good for the environment or my children’s health, I chose simplicity over a green decision. Did I feel guilty? Yes. Will I continue to buy the string cheese? Probably. My point to this story is this… It IS easy being green when you don’t beat yourself up over the little things.


What’s the definition of being “green” anyway? Do we have an agency that approves a “green card”? Oh wait, we do have one of those…but I digress. I’m here to officially anoint you “green” if the only thing you do this year is switch out your toilet paper for the recycled version. Sure, going green is a noble thing to do, but let’s face it, saving the planet is not on peoples top priority list. Saving money, however, is. I read a fabulous book titled, “Going Green, Saving Green.” Although my family isn’t going to do everything the book suggests due to comfort reasons, there were simple things that could save us money and the environment. In fact, I calculated the simple things we were willing to do and it is estimated to save us $5,000 a year!

Below are a few simple things you can do to save money AND wear that green badge of honor. The cost savings are expected savings for one year. Start with one thing and start to add additional tips as you’re comfortable. Some of these might not seem very “green”, but the less stuff we buy, and how we buy it, can make a big difference to the environment. Before you know it, you’ll be calling yourself an environmentalist!

DON'T SPEED, OIL CHANGED, TIRE PRESSURE $634
BRING LUNCH FROM HOME $400
PURCHASE CLOTHES AT GOODWILL $500
GROW SUMMER VEGETABLES $300
TURN THERMOSTAT DOWN 3 DEGREES $200
TURN LIGHTS OFF WHEN LEAVING ROOM $40
TURN FRIDGE TO LOWEST SETTING $50
CLOSE FIREPLACE DAMPER WHEN NOT IN USE $100
SPENDING FREEZE ONE WEEK MONTH $600
BORROW MOVIES AND BOOKS FROM LIBRARY $160
BUY FOOD IN BULK $260
BAKE OWN BREAD $208

MEAT ONCE WEEK $624

SHOP WITH LIST STICK TO IT $26

DON'T THROW AWAY EDIBLE FOOD $600

BRING OWN BAGS TO STORE $20

PHOSPHAT FREE DISH DETERGENT

USE KITCHEN CLOTHS RATHER THAN PAPERTOWELS

USE MATCHES NOT LIGHTERS

BUY RECYCLED PRINTER PAPER

USE POWER STRIPS TO REALLY TURN OFF STUFF

WASH FURNICE FILTER

TURN WATER TO 120 DEGREES

UTILITY AUDIT BY PSE

MORE INDOOR PLANTS TO CLEAN POLLUTANTS