10 Ways to Save Green by Greening Your Home

Having come of age during The Depression and World War II, our grandparents' generation cultivated an appreciation for thrift and conservation. Now, as we face our own economic and environmental challenges, many of us are rediscovering these common-sense values as we strive to save money and so much more. While green architecture and solar panels are still beyond the budgets of most Americans, eco-friendlier dwellings can be had by all. The trick is to harness the energy-efficient power of cutting-edge technologies while incorporating sensible habits — closing the front door, turning off the lights and putting on a sweater when we're cold — back into our daily routines.

1. A Little Give and Tech

Upgrading, laptops, televisions, ipods and other ever-evolving gadgets can be pricey for you, and dicey for the environment as the machines' harmful chemicals collect in landfills. But donating used devices to charities or returning them to stores can win you tax deductions and trade-in discounts (like $58 for a Mac laptop). 

2. Exorcize Your Phantom Load

Microwaves, toasters, televisions and battery chargers sip electricity from outlets even when not in use. Decrease your electric bill dramatically by plugging appliances into a surge protector and switching it off when not needed. (Warning: leave the fridge out of this!) But turning the temperature up a degree and filling the freezer with containers of ice will help lower energy use and play the hero for frozen veggie burgers during a power outage.

3. Reap What You Flow

Your initial investments of programmable thermostats, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, dimmers and compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you and the planet big in the long run. Remember to dispose of mercury-containing CFL bulbs correctly, or give the even less power hungry and longer lasting LED bulbs a try.

4. Number One? Two? But Never Tree

Treat pristine forests with wonder and respect, don't wipe your bums with them. See how cushy your TP is to the Earth on NRDC's Guide to Home Tissue Products. While some eco-friendly toilet papers are expensive per wipe, name brands like Marcal and CVS are chlorine-free and made with 100% recycled paper. All this and they roll out 1000 sheets per buck.

5. The Earth is Sponge Worthy

Cheap brands of recycled paper towels also exist, but washable, sponge-like towels like these $4 euro cloths are a colorful solution to your messes. Repurposing your ex's abandoned t-shirts as dusting rags is also a great way to clean out the cobwebs in your life.