How to Live Green Without Being Hip (Spending Money)

Sorry, being green isn't about buying forks and spoons made out of potatoes -- I saw Sandra Bullock recommend her spud utensils on a TV show for Earth Day. All celebrity nitwits come out of the woodwork when "green" is mentioned. Julia Roberts tried to demonstrate her pricey compost on Oprah but she, her compost lady and Oprah were all attacked by worms instead.
The key to being green is not buying things. Ask any person on a budget. They'll tell you how to be green.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nothing

1. Don't believe that the latest sunglasses being worn by the latest celeb is going to help you with your cool factor. Either your cool or your not. That goes for handbags and the rest of it.

2. Keep your refrigerator and food cabinets organized so you don't waste food.

3. Buy a small, used car if you need one, or if you must, buy a small, new car.

4. Live near where you work if possible.

5. Save and invest more of your money.

6. Unplug things that aren't in use.

7. Here's one "green" thing that is useful: eco-friendly cleaning products. They work just as well and they're priced about the same as chemical-laden products.

8. Don't buy a new house. Buy a small, reasonable sized house that already exists. No matter how "green" you make your mansion, you'll never be as green as the family who has the small house, who hasn't tricked out their home in a "green" manner (funky toilets, fancy heating and cooling systems...)

9. Don't buy your kids all those plastic toys. You'd be surprised at how many ordinary things they can play with. It's better for their imagination too. There is also an online toy rental business (www.babyplays.com), where you can rent age appropriate toys and send them back when you're done.

10. Consider having fewer children. The more people we add to the planet, the more stress on resources.

11. If you have children, put them in cloth diapers. It will save you money, save the landfills and your baby will avoid diaper rash.

12. Use things completely before throwing them out. That means the toothpaste, the shampoo... It's all about using less.

13. Buy more fresh foods - it doesn't have to be organic. You'll help save the planet by not buying a lot of products wrapped in plastic. You'll support local farmers.

14. Build your character. Repeat after me: "I am not my things." By living without, you'll find you can work less, save more and be green all at the same time.

Resources

• Rent Baby Toys

[dzagotti]

on 3/30/2009 Great green tips!

[heatherschulte]

on 7/1/2008 Oh, please comment on my article "How to Compost," when you have time. I'd love your feedback.
Worms are cool.

[heatherschulte]

on 7/1/2008 This is one of the best eHow articles I have read. When green and organic became trendy, it took a lot away from the true meaning. ;) Thanks for the great article!