Today many of us are looking for practical ways to save money and reduce waste. Making thoughtful choices about what we consume is an important part of living more sustainably.
I’m not a professional in “green living,” but adopting simple, common-sense habits to be frugal and reduce waste at home is a great place to begin. Small changes—using less, saving more, and finding creative ways to repurpose what we already have—help us be better stewards of our resources.
SunChips is sponsoring a $100 giveaway to one reader who shares a green living tip. It’s a fun incentive to share ideas—check out the suggestions below, then add your own tip in the comments for a chance to win. One commenter will receive $100! {GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED}
Practical frugal and green tips:
- Shop at a local Rebuilding Center to find reusable materials for home projects: light fixtures, sinks, cabinets, tubs and more. Many older fixtures can be refinished to look like new.
- Refinish and reuse existing kitchen cabinet boxes with paint and new doors instead of replacing everything. Updating cabinet fronts and adding new drawers can transform a kitchen without the cost and waste of full replacement.
- Rather than buying new furniture, refresh pieces you already own or thrift-store finds with paint, new hardware, or slipcovers.
- Decorate with natural elements—fruit, plants, moss, bamboo, twigs or nests—to create a simple, eco-friendly aesthetic while using what nature provides.
- Share and reclaim items through Freecycle, Craigslist, or local thrift stores. Donating usable items when you move or remodel gives them a second life and reduces landfill waste.
- Consider downsizing or remodeling to a “not so big house” to save money, reduce energy use, and make more efficient use of your space.
- Harvest rainwater with rain chains and barrels instead of redirecting it all to storm drains. Collected rainwater can be used for watering plants, washing pets, or other outdoor chores.
- Choose hardy native plants for landscaping to lower water use and maintenance. In cooler, wetter climates, plants like moss, ferns, rhododendrons and azaleas thrive with less care.
- Start home composting to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich soil for gardens. Composting is straightforward, reduces landfill contributions, and benefits your garden’s health. SunChips, the sponsor of this giveaway, has introduced packaging made of 33% renewable materials and plans to move toward fully compostable bags—an example of a small change that can have a larger environmental impact.
What small green steps have you taken at home?
Share a tip this week to be entered to win $100!
PS. A friend is also hosting a giveaway—after you share your green tip here, feel free to check out other opportunities to exchange ideas and win prizes.
Top photo: HGTV’s 2009 Green Home highlights inspiring indoor and outdoor ideas.
THE $100 GIVEAWAY CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. CONTEST ENDED APRIL 18 9PM PST