I love that being Green has a double meaning in that it also means saving money. I have found that the small things add up and that if I am smart, I can save a good few hundred dollars a month.

Here are 20 Green and simple actions you can take to save over $350.00 dollars this month:

1. Eat in: Eating at home will save you a ton of cash this month.

2. Cook from scratch: Avoid processed/convenience/pre-prepared food this month: you can cook a meal, using good quality ingredients for less than half the price.

3. Eat less meat: Meat tends to be the most expensive item we put into our shopping carts, especially if you are buying organic meat, so cut down to eating it once or twice a week and look for cheaper cuts. (Chicken thighs are way less expensive than chicken breasts).

4. Clean out your freezer: Eat your way through everything in your freezer – you’ll be surprised to see what’s lurking in the back.

5. Make your own cleaning products: Watch our how-to videos (GG TV) or turn to page 144 in my book, to find the recipes.

6. Use cloth napkins: All these small savings add up!

7. Use rags instead of paper towels: Paper towels can be expensive – it just makes sense for your pocket book and the environment to stop wasting your money.

8. Stop buying plastic water bottles: Pricey for you and the environment.

9. Air dry your clothes: It will save your clothes, your money and the environment.

10. Take shorter showers: Come on – no excuses on this one and water is getting super-expensive!

11. Turn down your thermostats: Turn down the A/C thermostat just a couple of degrees to make a difference and especially on your fridge, which is one of the biggest energy guzzlers inthe kitchen.

12. Buy anything you suddenly need from a thrift store or Craig’s list: If you suddenly need anything – from a book to a bicycle – you’ll find it for cheap and it feels great to give something a second use.

13. Rent a DVD from On Demand or Netflix, instead of going out: Huge savings here, especially for a large family. Make some organic popcorn too.

14. Take your own lunch to work: Instead of going to the deli or a restaurant, BYO in reusable containers – don’t forget to pack a cloth napkin and real flatware.

15. Avoid the coffee shop: This is where you’ll drop a load of cash, which really adds up. Make your own fair-trade, organic coffee or tea, take a reusable mug with you and you’ll be helping environment too.

16. Drive at the speed limit: The biggest way you can save on gas is to drop your speed down.

17. Enjoy the heat: Think twice before flicking the A/C on in your car – it increases your gas usage.

18. Tire Check: It’ll take you 5 minutes to check your tires are pumped up to the recommended pressure. You can’t afford not to take all these little gas-saving measures.

19. Air-dry your hair: Out of all the small appliances you use daily, the hairdryer is right up there with the top 3 in terms of energy-guzzling – so give it a rest this month – its summer!

20. Fine everyone in the house for leaving anything switched on: This can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a large family and it provides a great incentive for everyone to stay on their phantom-load toes.