Green Money Savers -- Reusables

Every little bit counts in a strained household budget. This week's tips offer ways to go green while reducing costs.

Tip #1: Cut back on disposable paper products and food containers

If a four-person household relies on paper napkins at every meal, it can cost more than $130 annually. Add throwaway sandwich bags for weekday lunches, and you could have another $85 a year heading straight for the trash. Of course, single-use products also weigh heavily on the environment. With green cleaning habits, reusable cloth napkins and durable food containers offer affordable ways to save energy and resources. Not ready to pay $40 for a lunchbox system? You can assemble your own kit from fabric scraps and thrift store finds.

Share your tips: Have you cut back on disposable products? What alternatives have you found?