If you’ve been paying attention to the news for the last few years, it’s likely that you’ve heard about this little trend about “going green”. This painfully ubiquitous term refers to modifying your lifestyle to be more in line with what’s mutually beneficial for you and the planet. In short, adjusting your habits to be more Earth-friendly. The bummer (other than having to hearing the words “going green” all the time) is that most people associate this movement with spending money; expensive hybrid cars, installing solar panels, etc.

But the other side of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle involves saving or even making money! Seriously. Check out these ways to get green all over – including your wallet:

1. Eat green, go green, save green

Making the switch to eating fresh fruits and vegetables can be the a big foundational change for the better to your diet. I know that’s a pretty broad statement, but think about it: you know you should be eating more of them for your health anyway. What you may not have realized is that, for your money, you really can’t strike it any cheaper. Vegetables, especially if you do your homework and buy in season, are proportionately much less expensive than pre-packaged, fast food, or dining out.

Go the extra mile with your eco-impact and buy locally grown produce at farmers’ markets or co-operative grocery stores. You’ll be helping your community, supporting small businesses, and aiding the environment (locally grown means less transportation!).

2. Turn off the lights

I have this love/hate relationship with my mailbox: I love getting some mail – like party invitations and checks – whereas I hate the fact that it’s full of utility bills. Fortunately, this is one of those problems that’s another easy fix. If you want to stop dreading your bills so much (and learning to love your mailbox again!), make changes to how you consume energy and resources in your home. Simply remembering to do little things like making sure all your lights are turned off when you leave or go to sleep make a big difference. In warm months, turn the thermostat up a few degrees when you leave; down a few degrees in winter.

Another planet/wallet saving boost: swap out your regular light bulbs for energy efficient, low-wattage bulbs. At the end of the months, these small things add up in ways that will have you hating your mailman a little less.

3. Reconsider your transportation

The world would be all sunshine and ponies if we could all afford a Prius. But, clearly, that isn’t the case. In fact, more of us are making less money than we are making more money. It’s a bummer that too many people think that greening out their ride means spending, rather than saving. There are other options like riding a bike or taking public transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation ridership reached it’s highest level in 52 years in 2009.

Busses are chic again!

4. Watch water use

A lot of people don’t consider their water usage when formulating how to cut down on their monthly bills. Unless you’re going totally crazy, your water bill isn’t usually one of the hefty monthly expenses. But when you think about the fact that much of the water you use is hot water, then it’s another story. The electrical power required to heat water can be substantial. If you try taking shorter showers and doing laundry with cold water instead of hot, you’ll not only see smaller numbers on your water bill, but on your power bill too.

5. Recycle your electronics for cash

For many people, the word “recycling” brings to mind antiquated connotations about gross and tedious sorting and sifting, and bulky bins – not pleasant. But bottles and cans are not what we’re talking about here (although recycling those is also a good idea!). You know those drawers and closets full of old cell phones, iPods, printers and other electronics that you don’t use anymore? Places like E-cycler Gazelle, Second Rotation, EcoNew, and BuyMyTronics will actually pay you money for these discarded relics, which they then refurbish and sell. Easy money. And good for the environment.

What Do You Do?

“Greening” our lives is a relatively new and ever-evolving movement. The next great idea to become more resource-efficient and eco-conscious is always just around the corner. So sharing tips among each other is a wonderful way to get new ideas – and make going green a fun group effort! What do you do to help the environment? What other tips do you have for savings money while saving the world?