‘Going Green’ is all the rage at the moment and while most people think this means Woolworths Free-range Organic food and the Old Biscuit Mill organic market, going green does not have to cost you a fortune. There are a few simple things you can do and the best part is that it will all cost you very little or nothing at all.

Here are five tips you can use to go green and save the environment as well as some cash in the process.

Recycle

This is the easiest one and it won’t cost you anything. All you need to do is set up three bins at home one for glass, one for paper and cardboard and another one for plastic. Make sure you put everything you want to throw away in the relevant container and, once a week, take your containers to your recycling depot.

Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a popular initiative which preaches that Mondays should be filled meals that are meat free. You don’t have to do it on a Monday, just eating less meat in general is not only cheaper but it also reduces your carbon footprint rather significantly.

Grow your own vegetables

People think that growing your vegetables is difficult and it requires a lot of effort, it definitely doesn’t. if you have a patch of soil or space to incorporate a patch of soil, you are right on your way to starting your on veggie patch! The quality of the food will not only be much better than the stuff you find in the store but you can also get the whole family involved. Make it a regular weekend exercise to spend some time in the garden this will teach your children the value of nurturing and seeing the fruits of their labour pay off.

Lift club or even walking or cycling to work

Starting a lift club will save you petrol and help the environment, there are many websites out there that allow for you to find people to share rides with in your area. If you live close to work, then you can walk too. Walking or cycling to work is great exercise and you will definitely save some cash.

Save electricity

This is another going green tip that will save you cash and help the environment. Simple things like switching off lights, switching off your geyser during the day, unplugging plugs that aren’t being used as well as making sure you have adequate insulation in place and switching from an electric to a gas stove are all small tricks that will help you save money and the environment.