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"Going green" has quickly become a trend these days - it is a trend that is easy to follow and it helps the environment. For me, going green has almost become an addiction. I ask myself daily, what can I do to help the environment, all the while saving money for myself in the end? The following are just a few of the many ways we can help our environment, depending on your level of interest, there are more drastic ways to go green as well.

1. Invest in reusable lunch bags. There are all sorts of reusable lunch bags these days. I invested in a brand of lunch bags that keeps my food and drinks cold and hot. They can easily be wiped down in case of a spill. Not only will this save on the number of brown bags you purchase, but it will also save hundreds of dollars a year.

2. Invest in reusable shopping bags. Much like reusable lunch bags, reusable shopping bags will cut down on the number of brown and plastic bags needed by grocery stores. They will also reduce the clutter of bags in your your house.

3. RECYCLE. While this may seem an obvious avenue to take when going green, many people still do not take the time to recycle. Many cities and counties offer curbside recycling as well. There is really no excuse. Check with your county to see what options are available for you, and store the recycle bin next to your trash can for a no-brainer way to go green.

4. Invest in a hybrid. For those who are willing to pay the cost up front, and save down the road, purchasing a hybrid car is a great choice. Hybrid cars get many more miles to the gallon, and also include most of the luxurious features we enjoy in our other cars.

5. Keep your tires properly inflated. Keeping your tires properly inflated will save on the amount of gas you need to keep your car running.

6. Keep blinds and curtains closed. Keeping the sunlight and cold breezes out will save large sums of money on your electric bill annually. During the summer, your home will stay cool, and during the winter, it will be much harder for the cold air to seep through the windows.

7. Stash buttons and thread from new clothes. Many people don't realize buttons that come with new blouses and pants can come in handy. Keeping those items in a safe place and actually using them when you lose a button will prevent you from throwing clothes away and purchasing new clothing items.

8. Invest in a water filter. Purchasing a water filter either for your sink or to fill for the refrigerator will cut down on the number of water bottles you need to purchase. Again, not only will this help protect our environment for the long haul, but it will also cut down on your costs as well.

9. Buy locally. Buying fruits and vegetables from local markets saves on gas emmissions from transporting goods to your locality from other regions.

10. Unplug unused electrical appliances and electronics. Unplugging unused items throughout your home will save on electricity, again saving on your costs as well.

While these are just a few of the ways to go green, it's definitely a good start for those of you who have not attempted this quick and easy lifestyle change. As you notice, many of them are also good ways to save money as well. I hope this helps you find new ways to save the environment, and fill your wallet in the mean while!

Learn more about this author, Dawn Crystal.
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