Here are 10 Simple ways to save a bit of cash while also helping the environment. Most of these might be repeats from other posts but still worth the mention for new readers and Earth Day is this weekend: April 22, 2012

10 Easy Ways to Save Cash While Helping the Environment

1. Use Vinegar as a Rinse: Use vinegar in your dishwasher’s rinse-aid compartment and 1/2 cup per laundry load. I haven’t used JetDry in a long time. I don’t notice a difference. It also deodorizes the dishwasher. Also great for clothing, they won’t end up smelling so don’t worry about that! Vinegar makes your clothes soft too.

2. Use Soapnuts for Laundry: I used these a few years ago and am going back to them. Not only are they ridiculously inexpensive, but you can do roughly 6-7 loads with a bag of 4-5 of these Soapnuts. No need for fabric softener either. Amazing. Perfect for travel too if you want to do laundry while away. You can find them here: Canada OR USA. Your local health food store should have them too. If you make SoapNuts Liquid with a bag of nuts that will cost you $5 (roughly 3o-35 soapnuts), you can get 160 washes out of it. For real.

3. Line Dry your clothes: Many of my clothes do not go in the dryer. Even in the winter, I hang most of my clothes to dry. I may use the dryer for towels, socks/underwear & sheets in the winter. But once the warmth arrives, it all goes outside on the clothes line. A dryer is expensive to run, so avoid it when possible. Not drying your clothes in a dryer will also make them last longer.

4. Use DIY Cleaners: There are so many recipes for homemade cleaners out there, all of them inexpensive and natural. Here is a great website with a lot of great non-toxic cleaners for your home. So easy to make, better for the environment and it will save you a lot of cash.

5. Use Public Transportation / Bike/Walk/ Car Share or Pooling: The rise of oil prices shouldn’t be the incentive to be smart about transportation! I get so angry when I see people driving SUV’s, Trucks and big cars. There is no excuse to own these. None. These vehicles pollute our earth!! I use public transportation and haven’t had a driver’s license since 1993 (I gave it up willingly!!). Cars are useful but when people rely on them too much, it’s a problem. Not only will you save money taking public transportation but you will help the earth. If you cycle or walk, you will stay fit and help the earth! And if you must get in a car, please pack your vehicle with people if possible. Did you also know that you can claim bus passes on your tax return? (In Canada)

6. Use a Portable Coffee Mug: Take your thermal coffee/tea mug with you when you go out. Not only will you be saving some cups from being chucked in the garbage, but you’ll also get a discount from establishments. Most coffee places give you a discount for bringing in your own mug. If they don’t, go somewhere that will. Support companies that support your green efforts!

7. Have an Earth Day Hour once a Week: During Earth Hour, we were all asked to turn everything off for one hour. People do this once a year but I think we can practice it weekly! At least once a week, turn everything off (lights/computers/tv/radio) and make it your earth hour day. Play a board game by candlelight, read to one another or play cards. We often have everything turned off aside from our computers. Our power bill (for a 2400sq foot house) is currently $120 every two months. Even in winter. I don’t feel deprived but we also don’t have televisions to watch and we don’t waste power. Turning everything off also forces you to do other things aside from being on the computer or watching TV.

8.Save Water – Use Water Saving Devices: This has been mentioned a lot on this blog. I am a huge fan of the High Sierra shower head ($29) which I reviewed here. Many people bought one after I reviewed it and I’ve heard some amazing feedback. If you can’t invest in a dual flush toilet, try getting a water diverter. It’s only $5. I reviewed it here. Install washers in all your taps. With summer coming up, investing in a rain barrel to water your garden is the best investment! They are roughly $100 but will save you a lot of water.

9. Use your Slow Cooker or Toaster Oven to cook meals: Cook your meals in your slow cooker or toaster oven. We rarely use our oven these days. Many toaster ovens come in larger sizes so you can cook bigger things in there. Slow cookers are great for busy people! Check out Vegan Recipes for Slow Cookers. If you eat a lot of raw foods, you’re good. I try to eat as much raw produce as possible and lots of fresh salads in the summer. I only use my oven a handful of times a year!

10. Buy Thrift/ Second Hand: Not only will you save cash by purchasing thrift items, but you’ll keep things out of the landfill. Most of my clothes are thrift as we have excellent thrift stores here. Also check out Craigslist, Kijiji or even yard sales for items you are looking for. At this stage, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing second-hand bed mattresses and if you purchase a sofa, make sure you see the house/dwelling it came from. These days, it’s much harder to buy these items thrift due to bug infestation & bed bug issues. But you can purchase most items thrift, look for second-hand before you buy new.

HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?