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Simply Thrifty

32 Things you can do to save the earth…and money!

by Deborah Ng on August 4th, 2007

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I like to think I’m a bit green. While there are still many things I need to learn and many steps I need to take, I do believe there are small things we can all do to help make the earth a little greener, and save some money in the process. Most of these things require very little effort, and barely a lifestyle change.


  1. Use reuseable water bottles.
  2. Install a water filter and drink tap water instead of bottled water.
  3. Dry your clothes on a clothesline.
  4. Pack lunches in containers rather than plastic and paper bags.
  5. Use your own canvas shopping bags.
  6. Wash with cold water whenever possible.
  7. Conserve water by turning off the faucets when shaving or brushing teeth.
  8. Ditto washing the dishes. First soap them up, then rinse them off. Don’t leave the water running.
  9. Grow your own organic vegetables.
  10. Use rechargeable batteries.
  11. Use air conditioning only when absolutely necessary.
  12. Turn off the television and enjoy the evening reading, playing games or sitting outside talking.
  13. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
  14. If you can walk or ride your bike to school or shops, or anywhere, do it.
  15. Use your everyday dishes and glasses over paper plates and cups.
  16. Use energy efficient light bulbs.
  17. Drive a fuel efficient car.
  18. Request to stop receiving junk mail.
  19. Double up in the shower.
  20. Plant trees around your house for cooling shade.
  21. Read your newspapers online.
  22. Clean with inexpensive natural products such as vinegar.
  23. Avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
  24. Recycle.
  25. Carpool to work, school or other events.
  26. Throw on a sweater and turn down your heat.
  27. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
  28. Collect rainwater or gray water to use to water plants, clean garden furniture and other backyard projects.
  29. Compost kitchen and garden waste.
  30. Drive slower.
  31. Make your own whenever you can.
  32. Freecycle.
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POSTED IN: Crafty Solutions, Doing it Yourself, Eco Simplicity, Finances, General, Reusing and Recycling, Simple Pleasures, Simpler Thinking

14 opinions for 32 Things you can do to save the earth…and money!

  • Miriam Guzzman
    Aug 4, 2007 at 11:55 am

    Tap water put in plastic bottles and living in hot climat,,, how long is good for use

  • Jennifer
    Aug 4, 2007 at 3:55 pm

    What a great list! I especially like “double up in the shower” — funny. But true. Unless you’re like my sis, she doubles up in the shower — but her and her boyfriend are in there an awful long time??? Have you read the Tightwad Gazette? Of course you probably have. My favorite money saving tip ever in that book was the quote about, “Turning off the lights and using candles won’t save you much money if the end result is twins.” The author had twins and I loved that. Way too cute.

  • Maine Mama
    Aug 4, 2007 at 8:30 pm

    Recently, I’ve been thinking about plastic wrap. I used to use quite a bit to cover small dishes for the microwave. Now I top with a plate instead. I know it’s a pretty small impact, but I figure I’m saving 2 or three rolls of plastic wrap a year. Good for the earth and good for reducing our oil dependence.

  • judy
    Aug 5, 2007 at 5:46 am

    Well, I so like the idea of doubling up in the shower hubby and I have been conserving water like that since we were married and to think my son always said ewwwwwwwwwwww. Now I can tell him were conserving water.
    Great Idea!!
    Thanks ,
    Judy

  • Deborah Ng
    Aug 5, 2007 at 5:46 am

    Jennifer - the double up in the shower part is only a half joke - My parents always recommended (MARRIED!) couples share the shower to save on water. There are six kids in my family and after all of us, our spouses and kids showered, there’d be no hot water.

    The Tightwad Gazette was (and still is a great resource.) The editor/writer/owner has a wonderful sense of humor.

  • naught101
    Aug 5, 2007 at 4:45 pm

    heh, funny that. I just posted a piece on my blog yesterday (before I noticed this), and it’s pretty much what I would say in reponse anyway, check it out: http://eco101.wordpress.com/2007/08/04/top-ways-to-save-money-and-go-green/

    Oh, and in response to the comment above, I like to shower with my girlfriend (when I shower, which is not very often), and we’re not married. Get your religion off my back!

  • Birney Summers
    Aug 5, 2007 at 5:32 pm

    Excellent List of was to save money. All of then are EZ and cost little to do.

    It is great to save cash and help the environment at the same time.

    Birney Summers
    http://energyboomer.com

  • Deborah Ng
    Aug 5, 2007 at 5:48 pm

    Birney - that was the plan. I wanted to list doable suggestions that don’t take much effort or much money. These are all little things every family can do.

  • Deborah Ng
    Aug 6, 2007 at 6:35 am

    Ah….Naught….I think you’re reading this wrong. I don’t care who showers together….My Mom was the one who suggested married couples shower together. There’s no way she’d encourage me to shower with a boyfriend, and really, that’s her job as a mom, you know?

    I don’t think it has to do with religion.

  • naught101
    Aug 6, 2007 at 7:34 pm

    Sorry Deborah! Guess some things just don’t communicate well through written media.

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  • Angela
    Aug 11, 2007 at 9:32 pm

    A lot of bottled water is just tap anyway! Definitely get a filter and skip the plastic bottles. I would also add to cut down on sodas. Not only will you be cutting down on the use of cans and bottles but water is much healthier.

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