How to Save the Earth and Some Money at the Same Time

Turn yourself into a tree hugger and you might save a few twigs of dough. Branch out and be an earth lover. Or just follow some of these suggestions. At the very least you'll feel better about yourself without losing weight, buying new clothes or volunteering to help endangered prairie chickens. Not that there's anything wrong with those things - prairie chickens need our love too.

*If you shop online, save the delivery boxes and reuse them the next time you need to ship something. Just add a new label. Reusing takes less energy than recycling, and you don't have to pay for a box. Buying boxes does feel square, doesn't it?

*Take your own mug with you to get coffee. You will not only save a paper cup, but some coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own cup. Plus, the hippie behind the counter will be impressed with you.

*Buy a mesh coffee filter, otherwise known as a permanent coffee filter. You'll never run out of coffee filters again. And they look cute, like chicken hats.

*If you recycle, you'll be amazed at how much less trash you have to take out. That means you use fewer trash bags. Recycling plastic shopping bags (or avoiding them altogether by taking your own reusable bags) is a great way to save room in the trash. It's kind of silly to throw bags into bags anyway, right?

*Unplugging your phone charger after use actually saves you money as chargers continue to use electricity when plugged in. Also, you don't want your cat to chew on it and get a charge.

*Since most newspapers are now online, why not just read them online instead of subscribing to paper versions? Just remember to put your computer to sleep when not using. Or stop by the library and read the newspaper there. You can also check out many magazines at the library.