10 Green Changes You Can Make for $15 or Less

Green doesn’t have to be costly. In fact, green done right is usually less expensive both up front (i.e. buying less junk) and in the long run (i.e energy saving appliances). However, green often gets a bad rap budget wise. People assume that green changes can cost a bundle. With that in mind, here are 10 easy green changes you can make for $15 or less.

1. Switch to a reusable water bottle. right now Gaiam is offering FREE standard shipping on new and pretty water bottles. COST: $10.38 (plus all that money you’ll save on bottled water).
2. Compost on the cheap: if you snag some free reclaimed wood and wire (or even buy the wire) a homemade compost bin can come in at well under $15. COST: Varies, but with smart planning, under $15.
3. Clean your refrigerator coils: the coils on your fridge can easily get covered with dust and grime which means they have to work harder to cool. Clean them with a long brush. You can find them under or behind your fridge (check your fridge manual). COST: $ Negative – If you already have the cleaning brush, this will actually save you money on your electric bill.
4. Hang a clothesline: this is a super cheap and earth-friendly way to hang clothing. COST: about $10 – A decent clothesline and about 50 clothespins will cost you under $15 in almost all cases (in most cases under $5). Note that you’ll also save money on electricity.
5. Build a rain barrel: a rain barrel will save you cash on your water bills and help you conserve an important resource. COST: about $15 if you’ve got the right plans.
6. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators: these babies can reduce both your water use and water costs by 50% and anyone can install one on their own. COST: You can get fancy shower heads, but there are some for $15 or under. Faucet aerators can always be had for under $5.
7. Clean green: for about $15 you can gather up reusable spray bottles, lemons, baking soda, and some other gear needed to make your own homemade green cleaners. COST: Depends, but if you go bare basics under $15. Learn to make your own homemade green cleaners.
8. Get a PVC-free shower curtain: this is an easy way to avoid dangers of PVC and of course takes almost no effort on your part. COST: about $12.
9. Grow some plants: growing plants indoors can cut your indoor air pollution considerably and it’s way cheaper than a air purifier. COST: Depends on the plant, but if you look for nursery sales or try mail order, you should be able to find air cleaning plants for under $15.
10. Quit buying new planters: especially quit buying plastic planters, but overall you can make all your own planters out of found objects. My favorite EASY homemade recycled planter idea is shown below – a beautiful painted planters. COST: nothing for found planters; about $15 if you need to buy some pretty zero VOC paint. If you’ve got old paint around this project is free.

[image via Sprig]

Share your ideas for inexpensive green changes you can make in the comments…