Easy Ways to Save Money by Going Green

If you aren’t ready to throw some solar panels on the roof and ditch your power company, but would like to save some money by living a greener life, here are 20 tips to help you get started.

Around the house:

1. Buy food, including spices and flour, in bulk. You’ll save money and reduce the amount of packaging that goes in the trash. Costco in Marlboro Township offers bulk food options, and investing in a food vacuum sealer may be a great option for those leftovers and freezer items.

2. Make sure your thermostat is set properly. Lowering the default settings during the summer and at night could save you almost $200 a year, according to Energy Star. More tips at energystar.gov.

3. Insulate your hot water heater. To see if you need to insulate, touch your heater. If it is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation. You will lower your water heating costs with this single step.

Get active:

4. Cut down on car trips and run your errands on your bike or on foot. Nervous about traveling on the road in two wheels? Take a "Fix a Flat and More Workshop" from the Monmouth County Parks System at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center on April 17. Or stop by Wally's Bicycle Hub to make sure your bicycle is ready for spring.

5. Rip up some lawn and plant a vegetable and flower garden. You will save a ton of money on food, and delight your children as they watch things grow over the summer. Need some inspiration? Visit Dearborn Market in Holmdel on March 10 for tips about starting an edible garden.

Get creative:

6. Expand your hand-me-down circle. Organize a clothing swap for your co-op, preschool or a group of friends. Have everyone bring gently used and clean kids’ clothes to your garage; parents can take as many items as they donate. The rest can go to consignment and thirft stores such as One Green Shoe in Freehold and The Second Hand Rose in Freehold.

7. Have your kids make their friends’ birthday cards and wrapping paper. Paper bags are easily transformed with pastel crayons or markers, and kids love getting a handmade card—as do adults.

8. Organize a Halloween costume swap in September. This can be a great service project for a Scout troop. Reserve a room at the Marlboro Library or the Colts Neck Library and tack up signs the local pre-schools. 

9. Check out Swap.com, a “valet service” that collects your unwanted clothes, gear, media, toys and décor and sells them on its site. You set the prices and you can take your windfall in cash or stuff.

10. Use cloth napkins whenever possible, even in school lunches. You can find great cloth napkins at affordable prices at Costco. (Don't forget your coupon!)

Conserve:

11. When stuck in line at the bank drive-through or school pickup line, turn off your engine. Get other driving tips for tree huggers on the Car Talk website.

12. Ditch those dreaded sandwich bags and get some washable containers or bags. I love ReUsies, washable cloth sandwich and snack bags made in Seattle.

13. Save up to 30 percent on your monthly heating bills by having a home energy audit done by a professional. Ask if your local utility will cover some of the cost.

14. Give and accept hand-me-downs. 

Replace: 

15. Replace your old light bulbs with LED bulbs. They last 15 times longer and use 75 percent less energy. Find stores with bulbs at energystar.gov.

16. Got an older house? Install double pane windows and you’ll see immediate savings on your heating bill.

17. Ditch the dryer and use a clothesline when the weather permits. You can purchase a clothesline at

18. Dump your bottled water costs. Buy snazzy metal water bottles for everyone in the family and a personal filter for your kitchen faucet, and you could save hundreds of dollars a year.

19. Replace your shower heads with low-flow models. Low-flow shower heads can save you up to 15 percent of water heating costs. Ask at General Plumbing Supply, at Route 36 and Atlantic Avenue in North Middletown. 

TELL US: How did you go green?