It surprises me how many people forget about Earth Day! Even more surprising is the number of those who don't participate! While there are several ways to help better Mother Earth and "do your part", often times these Go Green tips don't fit into a Frugal lifestyle. Below you will find 10 tips to help you Go Green for Earth Day, but in a budget-friendly frugal way! Plus you can use these tips to "Go Green" any time of the year and live a much more frugal life!
1.) Shop online!
A study by Carnegie Melon’s Green Institute says that shopping online reduces carbon emissions by 35 percent. Shopping online is more popular than ever, and even better it's a great way to Go Green! Pair with free coupons to use when shopping online (Some that cant be used in store) and you've got a great frugal way to be more green!
2.) Use e-Gift Cards and e-Certificates whenever possible
e-Gift Cards and Certificates are very convenient and work the same as cash for the most part when out shopping. By opting to purchase Online Gift Cards you will be using less plastic resources, thus living more green. If an e-card isn’t available consider recycling someone else unwanted gift cards. Check out Cardpool, they offer discount gift cards (previously owned but unused) at up to 35% off face value! Plus, at Cardpool you can sell your own unwanted gift cards to them and make some extra cash! Cardpool offers Free Shipping and a 100-Day Purchase Guarantee!
3.) Use Reusable Shopping Bags
As Lifeasmom.com points out, using Reusable Shopping Bags is a great way to Go Green! Not only is it great for the environment to not use Plastic Bags but Reusable Bags instead but stores like Target offer up savings just for using the bags in the first place! My local Target gives me 5 cents off my total for using my reusable bags. Average 5 trips a week and you're saving yourself $13 in the year just for using the bag instead.
Click the "Continue Reading" link below to see 7 more Ways to Go Green, in a frugal way! 
4.) Recycle Old Socks
Before you say yuck, hear me out! If you have old socks that are no longer usable you can recycle them to your benefit and provide added use to the sock. Cut each sock off right above the ankle. The left over foot portion can be used in place of dusting mittens! Trust me when I say you will never buy them again..
5.) Power Down Electronics
Did you know that shutting off your cable box when not in use can save you almost $50 annually in electricity bills? Reduce your energy cost by powering down electronic devices when they are not in use, and be sure to unplug unused electronics as well! You would be surprised how much you can save just by unplugging your cell phone charger when not being used. Better yet – if you can sacrifice the cable all together you can opt into programs like Netflix and Hulu which offers unlimited streaming via your Computer or Mobile Device for a low monthly cost.
6.) Get on the National "Do Not Call" Registry!
I hate receiving solicited calls, but even worse I hate receiving spam MAIL from these solicitors & telemarketers! Reduce the need for paper and for cutting down trees and get yourself on the National "Do Not Call" Registry. Eliminating spam mail like credit card offers will help you do you part in being more Green!
7.) Shut the Blinds
On warmer days when leaving your home be sure to shut your blinds before heading out. Reduce the need to cool your home to an optimal living temperature and the air conditioner running while you're out to save more on your energy bill and go more green for Earth Day.
8.) Find another use for Plastic Bags
I am guilty of not remembering to bring my Reusable Totes to the store and ending up opting for plastic. In the event you do take home plastic, put those plastic bags to a second use! I use plastic bags from grocery stores to line my small trash can in my bathroom and bedroom. Another option would be to use these bags for picking up after your dog! Either way, putting your plastic to another use will help you live more green and save you some money!
9.) Walk or Bike it
Gas prices are slowly declining, but at nearly $4 a gallon, this can burn a huge hole in your wallet – and your health! Walking and Biking are good for your health and for the environment. When you can opt to not drive and walk or bike instead. Public transportation is another option as well, but walk to the bus stop!
10.) Go Paperless
Whenever possible, opt to Go Paperless. Traveling? Check in online on your mobile device to reduce the need for printing a boarding pass. Almost every bank offers paperless statements and you should be opting for this instead of the usual paper statements. Lifehacker.com has a great guide on how to go paperless that you can check out for more ideas!
Do you have a tip you would like to share about Going Green, but in a Frugal Way? Please feel free to share in the comments below – I love and encourage comments!
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