Saving Money

Joining today’s “Green Movement” may be great for the environment, but did you know your pocketbook can benefit, as well? Here are a few ideas to stretch your 2010 budget while reducing the waste stream and protecting precious natural resources.

1. Need some NEW old things to replace your OLD old things? Visit Freecycle.org, where you’ll find a network of residents trading their goods to keep reusable “stuff” out of our landfills. Save money on furniture, clothing, landscaping décor and more. You may even find a hidden treasure worth more than you bargained for!


2. Find household uses for those pesky plastic bags. Bathroom trashcan liners, pet clean-up and muddy shoe covers are just some of the ways you can breathe new life into old grocery bags.


3. This year, keep in touch with family and friends using recycled postcards. By cutting the front off of greeting cards you receive, you’ll save money on both cards and postage. Remember, USPS postcard size guidelines are as follows:
   
   
   
   • Minimum size: 3.5 inches tall by 5 inches long
   
   
   • Maximum size: 4.25 inches tall by 6 inches long
   
   

It’s a great year to think green. When you look around your home and discover items that can be reused, you’ll be saving not only the environment—but your hard-earned cash, as well. And in this economy—that’s good news.