Today, I get to share a guest post from Dorinda at Raising Green Kids – 5 Tips for Being “GREEN” on a Budget:

Here we are with another new year and new resolutions. Is one of your resolutions to be more eco-friendly but you are not sure what to do on a limited budget? Making eco-friendly changes to your home does not have to be expensive or time consuming. I have 5 easy tips that cost very little or are free.

1. Do you want to reduce your drying time by 10-25%? Use wool dryer balls. They are eco-friendly, you don’t need to use chemical dryer sheets, they cost as little as $4 a ball and last for years.

2. Second Hand Magic. Purchase items from local second hand stores. There are many in the Richmond area including the Habitat for Humanity Restore. There are also many seasonal consignment sales and second hand book stores in the area.

3. Seal and insulate leaky cracks and joints. Go to your local home improvement store and spend a couple dollars on caulk or spray foam. We recently had an energy audit for our home and one of the biggest things that came up in the report was leaking air gaps. The auditor suggested to caulk everything; around windows, attic area, around outlets and baseboards etc. Another suggestion is to spend a couple of dollars on pre-made insulation covers for switches and outlets.

4. Your refrigerator is estimated to use about 15% of your home’s power. How do you reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses? Clean the coils underneath or behind your refrigerator every 6 months. If they are covered in dust and grunge they can’t release heat when they need to and your fridge will run longer and more often. Get a long brush or buy one at your local home improvement store.

5. Buy indoor plants. House plants can dramatically increase your indoor air quality by acting as natural indoor air purifiers. They increase the amount of available oxygen and filter the air of various pollutants found in the home.

About Raising Green Kids:

My name is Dorinda and I am a mom and the owner of Raising Green Kids, a Richmond based online retail store. Raising Green Kids was established in 2011 in my quest to offer other families eco-friendly choices and a healthier lifestyle. The store carries national brands like Green Toys, Bambu, Preserve, and Lunchskins along with my own products such as Wool Dryer Balls and Flaxseed Boo Boo Bags. I am committed to raising green children and I hope to inspire others to do the same. I often write about my adventures in green living on my blog www.RaisingGreenRichmondKids.com If you are interested in receiving updates and specials from Raising Green Kids please “like” our facebook page. Twitter:@RaisingGrnKids