So you’d like to make an eco New Year’s resolution! If you think going green requires startup capital you don’t have, rest assured that many environmentally-friendly habits require no extra money from you. In fact, they can save you money! Here are five resolutions that’ll take little time from you and also put some cash back into your pocket:

1. Clean your fridge coils. Every six months, you should clean the coils at the back of your fridge to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Just follow the simple directions from eHow!** All you’ll need to complete the task is a screwdriver, vacuum cleaner and attachments, warm soapy water, and the will to shrink your electricty bill.

2. BYO bag or mug. Many chain and independent supermarkets, grocery stores, and coffee shops will give you between a nickel to a quarter back for toting your own bag or mug instead of taking a disposable one. Reduce your trash and save money while you’re at it!

3. Unplug! If you leave your cell phone charger plugged in all the time, you’re basically signing up to slowly drain your wallet for no good purpose. Adapters — and pretty much everything you plug into an electric socket that gets warm or has a light — will suck energy even when they’re not actually charging or powering a device! So unplug those chargers and adapters when you’re not using them and save money on your electricity bill every month!

4. Green clean your carpet. If you’re cleaning house for the new year, save yourself some money to clean the carpet eco-style instead of hiring a costly cleaner. You can rent a steam cleaner from Home Depot for about $24 a day — and a green shampoo like SafeChoice Carpet Shampoo** by AFM Safecoat will keep your home from smelling like weird chemicals.

5. Unclog your sink. Don’t spend your hard-earned money on toxic Drano. Go green and use a combo of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water instead by following these directions at Re-Nest.**

Good luck with your new green resolutions!

Photo by Timothy Smith**

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