If you are broke like us but still want to do well unto Mother Earth, have no fear. There is a way to live a green without spending your precious green. Because your favorite local coffee house down the street loves your business but not your IOU’s.

1. Open up those shades. Keep your curtains open and shades up, this lets that sun to do the heating for you. Especially during the upcoming winter season.

2. Reuse gift wrap. That doesn’t mean you like your friends and family any less (they’ll never know, really). Keep those gift bags you receive folded carefully. For wrapping, use newspaper print, tear out cool pages in magazines, or even use the recycled brown paper bags (from when you went to the grocery store last and totally forgot your eco-bag) and be creative, draw a picture or design and just have fun with it. They will find it creative and very thoughtful of you. You can thank us later.

3. Ride with friends. Carpool to work, class, a friends house. Not only does it help reduce gas emissions, but it helps when you split the gas cost. Also, it gives you and your friends time to brush up on those “slug bug” skills. Yes, it’s still cool.

4. Find a second use for those plastic bags. If you have a ton, recycle. If you have a few, why not use them for picking up after the pup or cleaning the littler box.

5. Visit your library. Libraries is so underrated, they really do have everything. Why buy the newest reads or latest movies, when you can just check them out? It’s free! Just make sure you’re not one of those who commonly forget to return them, only to find out you now owe the price of the item. You know who you are.

6. Just plain recycle. Admit it, crushing cans really helps relieve the stress of your day. Go to your local recycling facility and recycle your aluminum cans, bottles, cardboard, plastic bottles, bags, etc. You can get enough cash for lunch for the week. Some cities actually have this as a part of the weekly trash pickup as they provide you with bins.

7. Shop at the Farmer’s Market. Not only are farmer’s markets a fun place to go with friends and family, but its a great way to buy local for less.

8. Unplug. It really is the simplest thing you can do. Unplug your computer, microwave, toaster, anything you don’t use as often at night or while you are away. Even easier if you use a power strip, then its a simple push of a button. Also helps with that electric bill each month.

9. Turn off the tap. Quit the habit of letting fresh water run while you brush your teeth, wash your hands or doing dishes. Only use what you need.

10. Grandma was onto something there. Don’t be a snob to what grandma used to tell you growing up. Old housekeeping customs are still valid today and were always intended to be effective and cost effective. Like, hanging your clothes out to dry on a line. Not only is it less harsh on your clothing, but they dry smelling of real fresh air. Make your own cleaning products out of baking soda. There are many harsh chemicals in our everyday household cleaners. There are also some items in your fridge you never knew could help you in cleaning. Just to name a few: lemon freshens up a garbage disposal, onions clean the top of a grill and vodka removes mildew. Now that just sounds like fun!