Being green and being frugal often times go hand in hand. They’re both usually great for your wallets and the environment. For example, using less gas will easily help you spend less money and will also prevent some pollution from filtering through the air. Using less energy is a great step toward being greener and will help reduce your energy bills. And Earth Day (April 22nd) is a great day to be frugal!

Earth Day, which was started over 40 years ago, is a day that is set aside to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. While many would argue that every day should be Earth Day, April 22nd is a great opportunity to reassess your energy usage and green efforts. If you’ve been meaning to make some changes around your home, Earth Day is a great excuse to do just that!

Here are some ways that you can celebrate Earth Day, save some money and, most importantly, make a difference:

Make Your Own Green Pledge:

You can start celebrating Earth Day by making your own green pledge to yourself and to the world. All you have to do is head over to Act.EarthDay.org to submit your act of green. You can choose from any of their ready-made pledges such as eating more local food or changing out your light bulbs, or you can make your own unique pledge. Join over 100,000,000 people who have already taken the pledge and know that you are certainly not alone in your green efforts!

Attend a Local Event:

Earth Day events will be happening all over the country. You can head over to the Earth Day site to search for events happening in your area or you can even organize your own event if you have the time. You can also check out the EPA’s website to find local events.

Do Your Part in Your Own Home:

If you have already performed all of the items on the “checklist” below, that’s wonderful. If not, Earth Day is as good a day as any other to make some green changes in your home. Most of these changes save you a great deal of money as well, so start making a difference!

1. Change a Light: replace your 5 most frequently used lights with Energy Star qualified efficient lights. You could easily save $60 each year just by making this easy change!
2. Turn Your Trash to Cash: make some money off of your potential recyclables by turning them into cash. There’s little that’s better than getting paid to recycle. Everyone wins!
3. Find Recycling Centers Near You: not sure where your local recycling centers are? Try searching Earth911’s database to find them.
4. Power Down Your Electronics: even when switched “off,” electronics like computers are still energy vampires while they’re plugged in. Plug as many of your electronics into one power strip that you can completely turn off when you go to bed (or when you’re done working). Also, remember to unplug battery chargers and power adapters once you’re done using them.
5. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances: look for the Energy Star logo when buying things like appliances, electronics, ceiling fans and other home products. For additional money savings, check with your local utility company about rebates or use Energy Star’s special offers finder.
6. Print Double-Sided When Possible: as a matter of fact, there are a lot of ways that you can save money on ink and reduce waste.
7. Give Your Car a Break: if rising gas prices aren’t enough to scare you, try giving your car a break whenever possible for the good of the Earth. When running errands, try combining your trips. Use mass transportation, walk or bike when you can. According to Energy Star, “leaving your car at home just 2 days a week will save 1,590 lbs. of emissions each year!”

Earth Day Activities

Here are some ways that you can make Earth Day fun and celebrate with your whole family:

• Visit a Farmers’ Market: your local farmers’ market is a great place to learn about food that grows in your area. In the words of Green Homes Consultant:
  

  So many of us live completely separated from and unaware of where our food comes from. Reconnecting to the natural foods available to us and getting our kids to realize that good food does not necessarily come in brightly colored boxes on a store shelf can be a worthwhile endeavor.

• Plant Your Own Food: even if you don’t have space for a garden, you can easily grow something fresh on a balcony or a windowsill. Try your hand at growing your own indoor edible garden or focus your efforts on one or two herbs or vegetables.
• Plant a Tree: according to the US Department of Energy, “a 6-foot to 8-foot deciduous tree planted near your home will begin shading windows the first year. Depending on the species and the home, the tree will shade the roof in 5-10 years.” Try planting a tree on the south side of your home so that you can reap the benefits later.
• Earth Day Activities for Kids: Earth Day is a great day to emphasize the importance of taking care of our Earth to children. You can read books, listen to songs and/or try some Earth Day-related arts and crafts. It’s a great time to make the famous pine cone bird feeder, for example.

Celebrate With Free Stuff on Earth Day

Earth Day wouldn’t be complete if you couldn’t enjoy some free stuff that’s good for the environment! Here are some of the freebies you can enjoy on April 22nd:

• Get a free coffee from Starbucks when you bring in your own reusable travel mug.
• Receive a free organic shake from EVOS.
• Get a free tree from Lowes on April 23rd, the day after Earth Day.
• Snag a free reusable bag from Disney Stores with any purchase.
• Take any empty cosmetics to any Origins store and receive a free skin care sample.
• Download Planet Earth for free on iTunes.
• Celebrate the Earth with free admission to any National Park.

How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day this year? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for being a Tip Hero!

Sources: Sayvings.com, EnergyStar.gov, EarthDay.org, GreenHomesConsultant.com

Photo credit: FlyingSinger