by Sheba Hayward

Created on: September 17, 2010   Last Updated: September 18, 2010

Thankfully for our planet, we all seem to be jumping on the "Green" bandwagon from the president right on down to the manufacturers of household cleaning products (that have been poisoning our indoor and outdoor environments for years, but that's another article). Here's a list of 10 ways to go green and save money:

1. Filtered water - Brita, a filtering system, an attachment on your refrigerator, anything that avoids buying plastic water bottles. It's safer, you can more easily find out what's in the water and test it, you'll be putting less plastic in landfills and not buying something that may have just come out of who knows what faucet anyway.

2. Concentrated cleaners and detergents - although it may seem to be more money out of your pocket, you'll use less, buy less often and throw out fewer containers. This also saves shipping fuel and costs.

3. Read labels and use products that contain more natural less toxic ingredients. Look for Citrus Solvents, white vinegar, Green or Castile Soap, essential oils, herbs. Chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant. Problem is, it kills everything. Chlorine gas was originally invented as a weapon in World War I and II. There are effective, non-toxic alternatives to what you typically find in the grocery store, search them out. I shop with Melaleuca, been able to turn my home completely green and in some cases get a better price than the Dollar Store. The products are also more effective.

4. Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic containers for storage whenever possible. You can get glass at a secondhand store. Although much of it is not microwave safe, when reheating, use a microwave safe plate or dish. One friend uses Mason jars instead of a plastic water bottle. You will eventually throw any plastic bottle or container away or recycle it. Jars are available inexpensively at any grocery store.

5. Use the coffee at the bottom of your pot for plant fertilizer. Seriously, I thought this was crazy but it works! Just add some water to the pot and water your indoor or outdoor plants. The grounds also make good mulch for small plants and this saves you buying a chemical.

6. Buy local - from farmers' markets and local farmers if available. If you're in NYC or during the winter this may be more difficult, consider a window herb or veggie garden. You can get a great price, again saves shipping, helps your neighbor and you can inquire personally about their pesticide and spray practices.

7. Use leaves, grass clippings,

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