Going Green: A Penny Saved, a Penny Earned

[eneves]

Happy Green Tuesday!  From eating out less to cutting back cable channels, we are all looking for ways to save a little extra green—so why not save Green and go Green, too?

Check out these four eco-friendly AND money-saving tips:

1. Carpool.  According to AAA, the average American commutes 16 miles to work each way.  With the average vehicle achieving less than 23 miles per gallon, the typical consumer uses around seven gallons of gasoline per week.  I’ll save you from doing the math—that’s nearly $1,300 a year!  Carpooling with Coworkers or participating in online carpool groups like Southwest's Commuter Benefits Program or Divide the Ride can not only save you tons of cash, but also cut down on your car’s release of auto emissions.  Also, check out public transportation in your area.
2. Recycle Your Old Electronics.  We all have that one drawer in our home filled with unwanted old cell phones, chargers, and batteries.  Don’t just throw them away and pollute our landfills—recycle them for cash!  Web sites like Gazelle.com and YouTradeIn.com allow you to trade-in your old rinky-dinks for some spare bucks!  
3. Use Power Strips. Whether it is an unused cell phone charger constantly plugged into the wall or your computer always in standby mode, a lot of energy and money is wasted while these plugs draw power for nothing.  In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, these “phantom loads” cost the average household $150 a year.  So, be sure to plug your idle electronics into one power strip and turn the strip off when the various plugs are not needed.
4. Participate in Paperless Billing. Bills will always be a headache, but these days many billers offer small discounts to Customers who sign up for paperless billing in order to cut down on their own costs.  With today’s stamp prices, it’s even easier to save some cash and avoid the line at the post office.

Have more ideas on how to save money while protecting the Planet at the SAME time?  Let us know by commenting below or by e-mailing us at green@wnco.com.  DING!  You are now free to be Green!