There are many green living ideas that we can put into practice without any trouble at all - many will even save us money and using them helps to remove poisonous side effects from our homes that we may not have been aware of. For instance, some products we use contain skin irritants, while others such as air-fresheners and sprays can cause shortness of breath. So to get healthier and save money put some of these ideas into practice.

1. Walk short distances instead of driving the car.
2. Cycle where possible if it’s too far to walk.
3. Car-pooling will save time and money.
4. Buy green groceries from growers markets. It’s cheaper and healthier.
5. Buy children’s ‘knock-about’ clothing from the op-shop.
6. Re-cycle all good, outgrown clothing by giving it away or sending it to the op-shop.
7. Buy and sell school uniforms from the school clothing pool.
8. Grow some of your own vegetables if possible.
9. Plant a fruit tree - citrus is easy to care for.
10. Learn to make your own relish, jams and marmalade - from your own tree or garden, or from specials at the supermarket.
11. Choose natural fabrics for your home rather than plastics - e.g. a sofa with wooden arms and covered in wool or cotton, rather than a vinyl one.
12. Use ‘green’ products in the home wherever possible, especially cleaners.
13. Research green cleaning products; vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice all do a good job of cleaning and are better on surfaces than more poisonous products.
14. Open the window instead of using air-fresheners.
15. Air-fresheners or insect sprays that constantly release fine mist spray into the air are wasteful and dangerous. With some types the plastic container gets really hot, melts and causes fire.
16. Don a cardigan on a cool evening before switching on the heater.
17. Wear cotton clothing in the summer to keep cooler.
18. Use a fan before switching on the air-conditioner.
19. Use rubber backed curtains on the hot or cold side of the house for extra insulation.
20. Make sure all the doors and windows are sealed properly to keep in warmth or cool air in season.
21. Maintain tap washers and toilet cisterns so they don’t leak and waste water.
22. Teach the children to clean their teeth with a cup of water instead of running the tap.
23. Have shorter showers. This will save you time as well as water.
24. If outer clothing is not visibly dirty, wear it for another day to save water and washing powder.
25. Use those washing balls filled with little clay balls instead of washing detergent. There are many different types, so make sure you get the right ones.

There are many other ideas for living ‘green’ and once you start to think along these lines, you’ll probably be able to think of many more.

Mel C writes about Green Living Ideas, sustainable living and renewable energy http://www.greenbeings.com.au/.