10 Ways that Going Green Can Help You Through the Recession

By Josh PetersonLos Angeles, CA, USA Wed Mar 11 13:30:00 EDT 2009

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READ MORE ABOUT:Get Recession-Ready Green On A Budget Less Is More Penny Pinching
Our economy is in a tight spot. The unemployment numbers are growing. Businesses are dissolving like wet paper dolls. The Dow Jones looks like an amusement park ride. These are uncertain times. Our country has ridden out worse, and I'm hopeful about the future. But until that hopeful future, we are going to have to grin and bear it.
A lot of people complain that going green is for the wealthy. That's because the most obvious green upgrades, solar panels, hybrids, wind generators and the like, are very expensive. No one really notices when you sew up a sweater or lower your thermostat. Going green is actually quite thrifty and those who aren‘t making a ton of dough are the ones who will benefit most.
Make RepairsWhy throw away something that costs $50 dollars when you can repair it for $15? Fix-it shops which have long been on the brink of extinction are seeing a resurgence. Repairing your gear is a lot greener than replacing it, because it uses fewer resources. You'll also save a bundle of money, especially if you take the time to repair things yourself.
Energy-EfficiencyYou don't have to buy solar panels to reduce your electric bills. Doing small things, like using CFL light bulbs, putting padded drapes, insulated blinds, plastic, or bubble wrap over the windows, turning off lights, putting appliances on power-saver mode, sewing draft snakesM and a host of other cheap solutions will save you a few hundred dollars a year.
Water ConservationThe water that flows to you home comes at a price. Reducing the amount of water you use, will reduce the amount of money you spend.
Gas MileageSimple things like keeping your tires inflated, taking heavy objects out of the car and not letting your car idle are all eco-friendly ways to reduce emissions. They will also save you money.
Renting/Borrowing/Buying UsedDo you really need a brand-new copy of 50 First Dates? I mean, how many times do you need to watch it to make it worth $24.99? A movie ticket doesn't even cost that much? You can watch movies online through NetFlix or you can find them used for a fraction of the price. You can also just borrow a copy from a friend and spend no money.
Make Your OwnWhy buy it when you can make your own? You can make your own shampoo, your own chair or just about anything if you put your mind to it.
ReuseWhy throw it in the trash bin if you can put it to practical use? You can reuse almost anything from old mittens to fingernail clippings.
Home-Cooked MealsYou can make a meal from scratch rather than buying a prepackaged one. Most meals are cheap if you make them out of their base materials, and you will be able to make more for less. It's also healthier than buying a lot of that processed junk.
Drink Tap WaterA filter on your tap is a relatively cheap investment. It reduces waste significantly. And if you're drinking five or so bottles of water a day, it will yield significant savings. You can also just drink straight from the tap with no filter, and you'll probably be fine. I mean, if there is a health problem with your water, your water provider is legally obligated to inform you.
Alternative TravelTraveling by plane is expensive, it's also not that great for the environment. Not vacationing, vacationing locally or taking the Greyhound and in some cases the train are all less expensive and eco-friendly ways to travel.
You don't have to buy anything to go green. You just have to put in a little effort.
More on Getting Recession Ready:Essential Money Skills for a bad economyHelp Out Those Who Have Fallen Victim to the RecessionGreen Ways to Use Your Home & Property to Avoid Foreclosure6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Make Extra Money During the RecessionKelly Rossiter's Top 10 Economical Dinner Recipes of 2008