Annual Earth Day "Frugal Green" Post

Last year I first published a list of "green" practices that both preserve the earth and save you money.  I think these types of habits are important to remember.  Too often we think of being environmentally responsible as being pressured to buy expensive products that are marketed as "green."  However, in reality, most often the the types of things that are best for the earth are also best for our pocketbooks, like things that reduce waste and recycle old items.

So for the second year in a row, here is my list of green and frugal ideas, updated and expanded.  Feel free to add your own in the comments section

Turning off lights and unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use

Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs

Using rechargeable batteries

Keeping the heat and air conditioning a little lower and using clothing and other methods to stay comfortable

Carpooling or walking or biking to your destination

Growing your own organic produce

Avoiding wasting food by using up leftovers and cooking with what you have

Composting your food scraps

Using reusable grocery bags

Reusing plastic grocery bags - e.g. as trash bags for small trashcans

Buying used items - clothes, baby equipment, furniture, etc.

Buying energy-efficient appliances when you have to replace what you have

Breastfeeding

Using cloth diapers

Using resuable food containers and water bottles instead of disposable wraps and bottles

Avoiding paper plates and napkins and using regular dishes and cloth napkins

Cooking and baking from scratch (saves on packaging and energy to produce prepared products and eliminates additives from your food)

What are other "green" practices that also save money?