Saving Money by Going Green: 19 Tips That Can Save Hundreds

We did the math, so you can save the cash. These tips aren't only good for the Earth, they will actually save you real money — $20 at least, thousands at most. By Dan Shapley

Use a Reusable Coffee Mug

Cost Savings: $36 or (much) more

Using a ceramic mug at home, and a stainless steel reusable mug on the go, can prevent a lot of waste. The daily paper or polystrene (Styrofoam) cup can add up to nearly 23 pounds of waste per year, per person, according to one estimate.

If you have a once-a-day coffee habit, and buy your coffee out, some coffee shops, like Starbucks, will discount your purchase by 10 cents a cup if you bring your own mug. Over the course of a year, that adds up to $36.50.

Of course, personal finance experts point out that buying coffee outside of the home is one of the easiest ways to waste money. Make the habit of brewing your coffee at home, or -- less likely -- break the caffeine habit altogether, and you could save $358 every year -- $14,000 over the course of your career, according to a recent Forbes estimate.

Carry a safe reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water, and you can save another few hundred a year, along with a huge pile of plastic waste.