How to Save Money and Lose Weight by Going Green

There are ways you can save money. There are ways you can lose weight. There are ways you can go green. But all three at once? Yes, you can kill three birds with one stone: go green and in the process also save money and lose weight!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• time
• effort

1. 
    

   When circumstances allow, walk or ride a bike to places that are within a couple miles, such as the library, post office, or elementary school. You will lose weight from walking or biking, save money on gas, and lessen bad chemicals in the air. You will also get to enjoy the outdoors: the sights and sounds of nature, the beautiful sun and clouds-even in the city!

2. 
    

   Once a week, with family or friends, pick up trash along a busy road or highway. You will not only make the road cleaner and the soil healthier, but you will probably get a mini workout as well from all the walking, bending, and hauling. And you may be able to make some pocket change by taking cans and bottles to a recycling center.

3. 
    

   Plant an organic garden. Eating fresh, clean produce will make your body healthier and help you lose more weight. Also, gardening is a great way to burn calories and include the whole family in hard labor. Plus you'll save money by growing your own produce instead of buying expensive fruits and vegetables, especially organic ones.

4. 
    

   Use eco-friendly cleaning products when you clean your house. To save money, make your own eco-friendly cleaning products instead of buying them from the store (there are many ehow articles on how to do this). Clean to some upbeat music for a fun and productive exercise.

5. 
    

   Get your family involved in free or inexpensive outdoor activities-such as hiking, bird watching, or picnicking at a park-instead of going to the movies and consuming a ton of buttery popcorn and sugary soda. Being outdoors promotes exercise and play, saves money, and helps you appreciate nature more.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to be outside and use your body. Exercise can be fun and free!
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

Resources

• eHow Health & Fitness Guide
• How to Make Exercise Go By Quickly
• How to Have Better Emotional Health
• How to Exercise and Lose Weight at Home
• How to Save Money While Shopping at Thrift Stores

[CCrock]

on 4/30/2009 Great ideas! I just told my husband the other day i want to start taking a bag with us when we go on our family walks to pick up the litter...it's so ugly and annoying to see when you are in a beautiful park.

[librarylady]

on 4/30/2009 Excellent! Great advice. Thank you.

[smilesatme1]

on 4/30/2009 I like your article and it is helpful too. Thanks!

[kmorton2]

on 4/30/2009 Awesome! 5*

[kohuether]

on 4/30/2009 These are such fun hints and tips! My favorite is to plant an organic garden. It is so rewarding when the fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready for picking!