Leonardo DeCaprio, Brad Pitt, Jay-Z and even Miley Cyrus are actively involved in environmental causes. It's clearly cool to be kind to the planet. However, the Earth's forests aren't the only green you'll save by being environmentally responsible. Ways you can save cash while saving the planet include:
• Wearing more layers in that drafty student house instead of turning up the thermostat
• Using compact fluorescent light bulbs whenever possible
• Taking timed showers – hot water heating uses one-third of the energy in a home. A shower schedule also prevents the battle for the bathroom with housemates.
9. Picture your purchases, then spend the scratch
Have your eye on a new computer? Thinking about a reading week holiday to the Bahamas? Want to graduate without a government loan? It's easier to save money for a purchase when you're constantly reminded about it. Download photos of what you're saving for and put them on your cell phone, day planner or on your computer's desktop. This technique will also help you avoid impulse buys that typically get charged to a credit card – you'll save the money and have lots of time to contemplate if you really want it.
10. Spend the evening in
A glamorous night on the town seems like a perfect way to spend time with a special someone or blow off some steam after an exam. But the next morning, all you'll be left with is a headache from the house music and a back pocket full of bar change that used to be a back pocket full of bills. Staying in is an economical yet equally fun alternative to going out (think high school house party). It won't solve the headache, but at least you'll know the pain in the brain isn't stress because you're concerned about making rent.
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