Going green, or being a better steward to the environment, is nothing new. We know we should be working towards something we celebrate every April for Earth Day. Most of us, by now, probably are pretty green, maybe more than the average American, or maybe just more than we were in the past. And with so many options and so much information, it is hard to know if you are doing too much or too little.

There are so many factors that go into going green, and some are out of our personal control. Doing our best to be good to the Earth is the most important thing that we can do. Luckily, most of the options for being environmentally friendly also happen to be financially friendly options!

While there are many ways to go green and save money, these are some of the easiest ways to get started:

Go meatless at least one meal per day.

Farmed meat uses a lot of resources. From clearing fields for cattle to the water intake used to care for the animals plus the food they need to eat tends to make this industry have a very high carbon footprint. And while everyone is welcome to make their own choices, cutting out meat for 1 of your 3 daily meals is an excellent way to significantly lower your impact! The cost of meat is much more than the cost of vegetables and grains. Your wallet will thank you!

Invest in reusable items and packing things from home.

While the upfront cost of a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and lunch ware seems like a big investment, it is nothing compared to the cost of buying bottled water, coffee/tea, lunch out, and snacks throughout your workday or a day on the town. A few dollars here and there never seem like a big deal, but they add up much quicker than a $20 water bottle that you will have for years to come. Switching from a throw-away culture of eating on the go can be difficult at first, but you will become hooked once you see the savings.

Switch to energy-efficient appliances and devices.

Again, another upfront cost, but with savings in the long run! Of course, it is not energy-efficient to buy all new appliances, lightbulbs, electronics, etc., after reading this. But as items wear down and break, it is wise to replace them with greener products. These types of products last longer and cut down your monthly expenses, both money-saving tactics.

Buy local.

Buying everything you can afford local is one of the most important ways to go green. It can also be a great way to save some money and give back to your community. Be sure to look to a local vendor for gifts and shop at the farmers’ market for in-season vegetables.

Go green can be easy and efficient when done correctly. It also can be a great way to save money both immediately and in the long run. And there is no better time than right now to start your journey towards saving money the green way!