Creative Eco-Friendly Tips and Ideas to Go Green In and Out of the Home

Ever since I got pregnant with my first child I was more motivated to go green. It saves our planet and is easier on the budget. It's much easier and accessible to be green nowadays with all the environmentally cautious products on the market and businesses that are willing to participate in the green initiative.

Here are some simple ways to practice being green in and out of the home:

1. Use reusable bags instead of plastic/paper bags when shopping.

2. If you still have plastic bags, use them as trash bags. I like to bring some in the diaper bag for trash and wet/dirty clothes for my kids in case of accidents. I keep plastic bags in the car for trash, too.

3. Reuse jars for storage, leftovers, holding items like loose change, candy, buttons and art/craft supplies . I even use jars for house décor like using them to hold photos, flowers and candles.

4. Make creative vases reusing wine/beer bottles.

5. Reuse scrap paper for arts/crafts. Let your kids paint and draw on them. If the scraps are small enough, have your kids draw/paint on them and use them as book markers. I print out coupons on the back side of scrap paper, too.

6. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.

7. Reuse plastic bottles as storage containers. Large plastic bottles like juice and Gatorade bottles work great to pour out dry food like cereal. .

8. Use cloth diapers at least sometimes if you can't do it full-time.

9. Reuse old fabric if you have any lying around for gift wrapping or place the gift in a pretty box without wrapping it. The box doubles as part of the gift. They can reuse the box for photos, keepsakes or storage.

10. Turn off and unplug lights, fans, appliances, computers and chargers when not in use.

11. Plant some herbs, vegetables and fruit.

12. Use cold water when doing laundry and only wash full loads.

13. Reuse cardboard and boxes. Make play houses out of boxes for kids. Use cardboard to make a picture collage.

14. Change light bulbs to CFL - compact fluorescent lamp.

15. Use natural light during the day.

16. Save gas; walk if you can and carpool.

17. Stop receiving paper mail for bills/statements.

18. Use old shirts as rags to clean with.

19. If you don't really need something brand new, shop at consignment stores, thrift stores, craigslist and antique stores. Resell and donate your old things, too.

20. Collect rainwater to water your plants.

21. Reuse old newspapers to place in the refrigerator crisper to keep moisture away from vegetables/fruits.

23. Repaint old bookcases and furniture. Reupholster furniture.

24. Fix leaky faucets.

25. Reuse old clothes to make other wearable items like things for your baby.

26. Dye old clothes to make them look fresh or to cover up stains so that you can still wear them.

27. Turn off the water when brushing and flossing your teeth. Take quicker showers. Turn off the water in the shower while scrubbing down, shaving and applying shampoo. Shower with your spouse or significant other.

28. Line dry clothes or use a drying rack.

29. Recycle as much as possible including ink cartridges and electronic devices.

30. Teach your kids the importance of being green to continue the cycle!

©BNadyn 2013