Believe it or not, going “green” isn’t just good for the environment; it is great for your wallet as well. We’ve all heard about how we need to stop using so much gas, shrink our carbon footprints and a dozen other environmentally striking “buzz phrases.” While saving the environment one person at a time is certainly noble, have you ever looked into the money you would save by going green?

Here are some very popular “green” hints that also save you money:

1. Reuse tinfoil and Ziploc bags. Most generic sandwich bags sell for around two dollars per box. A two person household probably goes through a box per month. Even if you buy generic brand bags, by rinsing them out and reusing them, you are saving around twenty dollars a year. Tinfoil is even more expensive (especially if you use the heavy duty variety) and a single roll usually sells for around three dollars. If you reuse your tinfoil, you can save as much as $36 per year.

2. Use napkins instead of paper towels and Kleenex. Paper towels and tissues range in price, but napkins are close to free, especially if you know how to sew. Old clothing can be cut up and used for cleaning rags. If you are an adept sewer, you can probably turn old clothing into cloth napkins for fancy dinners as well! Cleaning them is a breeze; all you have to do is toss them in with your regular laundry loads.

3. Get crafty with your trash. Soup cans can be cleaned out and used as pen cups, toothbrush holders and small vases. They look fine plain but also work well when painted or decorated. Butter/margarine tubs, oatmeal cans, coffee cans, etc can all be washed out and used to store other dried goods. Cool whip and butter/margarine tubs also work well as containers for leftovers and as cereal bowls when you have company.

4. Whenever possible, buy in bulk. Not only does buying on bulk cut down on the amount of packaging that will get thrown away, but it is often cheaper. Instead of spending six or seven dollars per bottle on spices, buy your spices for a few cents an ounce from the bulk bin. Cereals, spices, baking products—these are all cheaper when bought in bulk—and you can store them in your washed out food containers!

5. I would be remiss if I didn’t take at least one hint to talk about saving money on gas. Gas prices are expected to reach four dollars per gallon this summer. With the weather getting nicer, wouldn’t it be better to walk to the grocery store or local market when you run out of something?

These are just five hints to help you save money (and the environment). I’m sure you can think of plenty that I haven’t mentioned. If you have your own hint or tip, please leave it in the comments section. This is something we would all appreciate learning more about.