Five tips to save cash this summer

Rising temperatures are a reminder that summer is just around the corner. It's true that the costs of travel, hosting backyard barbecues, and staying cool can all add up. But you don't have to spend a fortune to get out and have some summer fun.

Just keep these cash-saving tips in mind as you make your plans. And in this case, there's an added bonus because what's good for your wallet is also good for the planet.

Travel at off-peak times. Flying at less crowded times is not only a great way to save money on a plane ticket, but it can be less of a hassle, according to a new Union of Concerned Scientists' travel guide, which is chock full of many useful tips. Chances are you won't hit traffic going to the airport (so you'll save money on gas), and you'll experience fewer delays (which can waste fuel and produce even more carbon pollution).

Off-peak also applies to car travel, says Aaron Huertas, at UCS. With less traffic on the road, you can maximize your miles-per-gallon by avoiding traffic jams.

Shop at the local farmer's market. There's a long list of reasons why it's a good idea to eat local foods that are in season. They are fresher, taste better, and don't need to travel as far as the produce in a typical grocery store. Buying directly from a local farmer often costs less. And replacing packaged foods with fruits and veggies is also better for your pocketbook, your health, and the planet's. Find nearby farmers' markets at LocalHarvest. Find out what's in season where you live right now, and get more tips for cutting your food bill.

Find creative ways to stay cool. Movies are a common escape when temperatures rise because of the allure of free air-conditioning. But the price of movie tickets (and snacks) can add up quickly. Consider spending some time at the library reading your favorite magazines and books (for free) while soaking up the cool air. Or find out when nearby museums offer free or reduced admission. Turn your AC up to 78 degrees when you're at home and raise it even more when you're out or sleeping.

Line dry clothes. Summer is the perfect time to give your dryer a break. It's better for your clothing (which will likely last longer if you're not constantly over-drying it) and your wallet (since you'll save around $43.60 by air dying your clothes for the entire season).

Visit yard sales instead of going to the mall. It's cheaper to buy used stuff, and it's better for the environment since it keeps perfectly good things out of landfills and resources aren't needed to make new products from scratch. Better yet, turn your trash into a treasure by hosting your own garage sale. It's a great way to earn extra cash for even more fun summer activities and get rid of all the clutter you've accumulated.

 

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.