As we feel the pinch of the global recession, we don’t always remember our good intentions towards the environment.  We’re looking at ways to save money, and that can sometimes be at the expense of the environment.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  There are numerous ways to go green that will also save you money.  Here are some ideas for saving money and achieving a greener lifestyle.

Stop using paper towel in the kitchen, opting instead for reusable cloths.  Even better if the cloths are cut or torn from old towels or clothing that have seen better days.

Stop buying expensive and potentially toxic household cleaners and switch to eco-friendly and very effective bicarbonate of soda for cleaning baths, sinks and surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

Be more conscious of how much toilet paper you are using.

Get the very last bit out of bottles of shampoo and shower gel by swirling a little water around in the bottle.

Walk more, leave the car at home.

Dry your washing on the line, or on a clothes horse or travel clothes line indoors in bad weather.

Use junk mail envelopes and paper that’s only been printed on one side as note paper.  Clip it all together with a bulldog clip and keep it at the phone.

Grab a jumper or shawl before thinking about turning up your thermostat.

Little changes will make all the difference to your pocket, and to the planet.  Don’t stop making the little changes.