Living Green - All about saving energy, money, and the planet

Saving money

Where to start:

Save on gas by walking, biking, carpooling, or taking public transit.
Ditch expensive bottled water and drink tap water.
Substitute at least one vegetarian meal for meat each week.
Fix leaky faucets to save on your water bill.
Get a home-energy audit to see where you can reduce your power bill.
Start an organic garden to grow your own veggies and fruits.
Find books, CDs, and DVDs at your local library for free entertainment.
Borrow and swap for new-to-you things, and reuse stuff instead of shopping.

More about: Saving money

Going green can save you green — cash, that is. When you cut energy and water use around the house, your utility bills go down. Driving less is good for the environment and good for your wallet, especially in the age of $4 gas. Get creative and see what you can reduce and reuse to go green and save money.

10 smart ways to reuse stale bread

No need to throw out bread that's past it's prime. Check out these tasty alternatives.

Save over 50% on food by eating healthy

People often think that “healthy” foods can be expensive, but the truth is that some of the most nutritious foods can also be the cheapest -- and the most delicious. ...

Five ways to save $500 a month

Here are some things you can start doing today that will have a real impact on your personal finances as well as the health of the environment.

Three family getaways for under $500

Enjoy the outdoors, explore local history, or experience life in different city without spending a bundle or leaving a huge impact.

Eight surprising uses for olive oil

Olive oil has many valuable uses beyond cooking, from personal care to home improvement to natural remedies and beyond.

Price of printing extra pages

Extra printed pages are more than just an annoyance. They also waste a staggering amount of money. How much?

Six upsides of the down economy

The recession may have a silver lining in the form of better quality of life. Learn how to save money and live well.

The seven rules of budget travel

How to save money, and protect the environment, when you're on vacation.

Five tips to save cash this summer

Summer is right around the corner. Consider these cash saving tips as you make your summer plans.

How to find even more free stuff

A growing number of websites are dedicated to connecting you to communities where you can swap what you no longer need, locate stuff others want to unload, and even borrow things from your neighbors.

Fives ways to save time and money on your lawn

Already tired of cutting the grass? These green tips can help.

Five lessons from Mom

Many of the smart things mom has always done to save money and time are especially relevant today. Here is some of her most practical advice.

The $0 tomato: Discover "No-Cost Gardening"

Smart strategies for cutting costs in your garden.

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day

The gifts that many moms will truly appreciate are light on the budget and the planet (and heavy on gratitude).

A greener -- and cheaper -- way to read books (no not the Kindle)

Save money and still expand your horizons by borrowing books from the library and using the Internet to trade books you no longer want for those you do.

Why living green isn't to blame for hurting the U.S. economy

Some in the media say that Americans have to spend our way out of the current economic crisis. The Green Cheapskate begs to differ.

Common money wasters

Here are six types of things you can easily drop from your shopping list or replace with less-expensive alternatives. You won't miss them, you'll save some cash, and you'll reduce waste.

Give up credit cards for one week, and see how much you'll save

Studies show that we'll pay 30 percent more for an item if we pay by credit card. Try going without plastic to see how much less stuff you accumulate.

When to switch off your lights

Does switching the lights on and off use more energy than leaving them on? The answer is no, despite common misperceptions.

Find the best filter for your tap water

Worried about reports of pharmaceuticals and other unwanted chemicals in drinking water? Here's buying advice for finding the best filter to meet your needs.