Here are simple ways you can save yourself money and go green. Though some of them may take money to get started, the long term savings will pay back your initial outlay and you’ll see the savings in the form of reduced bills.

1. Buy in Bulk. Buy larger containers of non-perishable foods and non-food household items. In the case of food, transfer smaller amounts to your own containers from the larger ones you bought, for easy access when needed. Items such as powdered drinks, cocoa, spices, pasta, oatmeal, rice, and flour are only a few examples of foods that have a long shelf life. Buying food already packaged in single serving pouches is the most expensive. You are paying dearly for the convenience. Non-food items such as, laundry detergent, soap, trash bags, window cleaner, and other household needs are less expensive in larger containers. Window cleaner, for example, can be purchased in larger containers (without the spray nozzle) to refill your empty sprayer for less than the smaller bottle with a sprayer attachment.

3. Get a Programmable Thermostat. A Honeywell Programmable Thermostat can be set to heat or cool a home when needed and will adjust the temperature automatically at night. More advanced thermostats can even “learn” your habits and will ultimately adjust their settings to mimic your manual input over a period of time. These “smart” thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or tablet, allowing you to begin heating or cooling your home before you arrive back from a vacation.

4. Insulate Your Hot Water Heater and Pipes. To see if you need to insulate, touch your heater. If it is warm to the touch, it could use a hot water heater blanket. In addition to the blanket on your heater, you should wrap your hot water piping in your basement with foam type pipe insulation, from the heater to where the piping enters the flooring of your home. This results in hot water being delivered faster to your faucets and reducing the amount of heat loss through conduction.

5. Replace Your Incandescent Light Bulbs With CFL Bulbs. Incandescent bulbs won’t be available for much longer anyway. You’ll save 75% of what it’s costing you to light your home when you switch to CFL bulbs. For more info, see our other article HERE.

6. Plant a Garden. Even a 10’x10′ garden can produce enough vegetables to save you hundreds of dollars each year in tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and all the rest. And none of it will taste like cardboard. It may take work the first year, but you’ll love the taste and the low grocery bills.

7. Turn Off The Dryer. Use an Outdoor Clothes Dryer when the weather permits. Whether you use a gas dryer, or electric, you can’t beat the free cost of running a “solar” dryer.