6 Earth Day Tips for Cleaner (and Cheaper) Living

Today is Earth Day, as well as Good Friday. Even if you aren’t super environmentally-conscious, these 6 tips can still help you live a cleaner life and maybe save a bit of money.

Try Different Transportation

Walk, carpool, bike or work from home.  The EPA (www.epa.gov) reports that leaving your car at home 2 days a week can save a ton in emissions and, now that gas is approaching $4 and $5 in some places, it can save you some money too.

Greener Cleaning

Using “green” products for home cleaning are not only cheaper and easier on the environment; they are historic! The original sponsors of Earth Day back in 1970 were Church & Dwight, the makers of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Baking soda is one of the best home cleaning products. You can clean counters and grills with it. You can freshen your carpet with it and you can refresh your trash can, recycle bin and diaper pail with a sprinkle too. Check out more tips at http://www.armandhammer.com.

Recycle Electronic Products

If you have an old computer, DVD player or other electronic product you’re no longer using, recycle it. This saves space in landfills and can help reduce pollution from the heavy metals contained in them such as lead and chromium that can seep into ground water. Check out places to recycle at www.earth911.com.

 Use Your Washer Wisely

If you can, wait until you have full loads to run your washer and if you need a new washer, consider the High Efficiency (HE) models that use 28 gallons per full load versus 40.9 gallons per load of regular machines.

Plant Things

Even if you live in an apartment, you can plant in a pot. If you live in a house, consider a garden or at least a new tree.  Shade from trees can reduce cooling bills and perennial flowers save money because you don’t have to buy new flowers each year.

Green Yourself

For a natural facial scrub, mix water and baking soda in your palm to make a paste and rub on your face in a circular motion.  Also adding baking soda to your shampoo helps reduce residue in your hair and leaves it squeakier.  Both ideas are much cheaper than a fancy scrub or shampoo and make you look even better!