Green and Frugal

Happy Earth Day. I find it interesting to see the intersection among household habits that are healthier and more ecologically sustainable, and save money as well.  Yesterday, in my post entitled Frugal and Green, I talked about practices that I’ve adopted primarily for the environmental factors that are easy on the wallet, including: online banking, canvass bags, energy saving appliances and Cfl lightbulbs.  There are also a number of habits that I’ve adopted primarily for health, convenience, or cost reasons that happen to be green:

Eating less meat — The UN estimates that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Curiously, ruminants, particularly cows, emit methane, which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than carbon dioxide.  Although I am still an omnivore, I often serve vegetarian or vegan meals and also serve almost meatless meals often.

Signing up for less junk mail — I have opted out of a number of mailings and reduced the junk mail load considerably.  And to be honest, I haven’t missed those 300 credit card offerings.

Turning the thermostat down in winter and up in summer — according to my utility provider, last year, I used less electricity than the year before which resulted in cost savings and a rebate.

Using more natural cleaning products — In an effort to reduce the exposure to all of these harsh chemicals, I’ve tried switching to some more natural products.  Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, two low cost items, are part of this.  Some great readers left suggestions on natural cleaners in the comments section when I posed this question previously.

What about you, any more suggestions that are both green and frugal?

see more hints at Works for Me Wednesday