How to save money and the planet as well.

Of course we all want to save money, but especially now we are finding it a lot harder because of the economy. It is sometimes harder or easier depending on the situation. Here are some tips that could save you a lot of money in the long run as well as the short run. Of course these are environment friendly as well.

1. Eat fast food? Even if it is healthy fast food it can get expensive if you eat out everyday or every other. If you really must have it hit the dollar menu or the menu with the deals. This is common sense of course , but another thing you might not of thought of is the napkins. Save the napkins instead of throwing them away (the unused ones that is). Ask for napkins as well if you need to. This will save you from going to the store to buy them. Also you can save the unused ketchup, mustard and mayo. If you ever find a time where you run out and/or can’t buy more these can come in handy.

2. Many people dust, wipe off the table, and clean with paper towels. Although it is not the worst thing it is wasting money and trees. A better solution is to cut up old shirts that you don’t wear or any cotton like material. You can use these as rags to wipe stuff up with instead of paper towels. These little rags can do wonders! Anything other than cotton doesn’t seem to clean as well.

3. Need cleaning solution but can’t afford it? No problem. If you need a multi-surface cleaner use ½ vinegar and ½ water in a spray bottle. Geranium oil when added to this mixture also is suppose to have a anti-viral effect on surfaces. You can also use vinegar and baking soda. If you would like to add a little bit of dish soap that would be ok as well. If you want a good and safe window cleaner you can use club soda. The vinegar mixture can clean anything in your house as well as disinfect it.

4. If you have a clogged drain I have found the best solution from my neighbor. Poor salt down the drain and it should come unclogged if not pour vinegar down the drain. This normally works 9 out of 10 times. I have found it to be the quickest and best solution for a clogged drain. This will work wonders and not cost you much of anything compared to a cleaning product.

5. Sales sometimes aren’t sales. For example compare 2 small cans of coffee and see what they equal when their prices are combined together. Also look at their weight. If two small cans of coffee are 16 ounces and both equal 4.50 then compare. If the large can is on sale for 5 dollars and say it is 15 ounces then buy two small ones. Although it is just 50 cents you can save a lot more than that. This was just an example. You may also be getting more of something, but paying less.

6. Coupons. Taking the time to sit and cut coupons will save you money. They normally come in the Sunday newspaper and you can find some online.

7. If you still use plastic bags from the grocery store don’t throw them out. Reuse them. Instead of buying tiny garbage bags you can reuse the plastic bags as trash can liners. You can also put lunches in them, use them as a “head cover” if you are caught in rain with out an umbrella. Store unwanted things in them, and anything you may want to use them for.

Stay tuned for the next post for more money saving tips!

Not only is this a good way to help our environment these ways also save you money. Since food is not taxed it is good to try to cancel out the things that are taxed; such as paper towels, garbage bags, and cleaners. A ignorant person's trash is a smart person's treasure. Making just the smallest difference can help out the world and save you money!