By Gerri Gaitan

Earth Day arrives on April 22, and there's no better time to commit to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Of course, you don't have to install solar panels and take on other pricey projects to make a difference. In fact, there are plenty of ways that savvy Aunties can go green and save a little money in the process. In order to leave the world a better place for your nieces and nephews - and positively impact your personal finances at the same time - read on for some tips.

1. Install CFL Light Bulbs
Switching to CFL light bulbs in your home requires an upfront investment - they're about $1 apiece - but the long-term cost benefit is well worth it. According to Consumer Reports, you save as much as $57 over the life of each bulb. Added up throughout an entire house, that's a pretty healthy savings.

2. Get Your Home Audited for Energy Savings
The majority of energy providers offer in-home audits, and some do so for free. Schedule an appointment and a representative can come inspect your home inside and out looking for ways to improve your energy efficiency. You end up spending less on your bills and you reduce your carbon footprint by consuming less energy.

3. Manage Your Thermostat
There are two ways to go about this - one, install a programmable thermostat and set your home's temperature according to your work and sleep schedule. Get one that's wi-fi compatible and controllable from your mobile device. Or two, go the old school route and commit to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. Adjust the clothes you wear around the house accordingly by trimming down during the warmer months and beefing it up in the colder ones.

4. Unplug Stuff
Got a spare bedroom you just don't go into often? How about a food processor you only use sparingly? Take a quick run through of your home and unplug anything that isn't used on a regular basis. Believe it or not, these appliances consume energy even when they're not turned on. You won't break the bank by doing this, but you can certainly do the environment a small favor.

5. Reduce Your Cleaning Product Needs
Take a look inside your cleaning cabinet and see how many products you've got. The result may shock you, especially since you can basically eliminate them all and go with just one - pure castile soap.

It can be diluted and used for just about any home cleaning need, including dish detergent, laundry detergent, surface and glass cleaner, and much more. You can get a 32 oz. bottle from Amazon (my preferred manufacturer is Dr. Bronner's) for about $11 and it lasts a long time. Check the Internet for dilution instructions - it's a very concentrated product.

6. Recycle
If you're not recycling your paper, plastic, and glass waste, you are doing a serious disservice to the environment. All of these items can be reused and many waste collection companies conveniently have programs in place. If you're lucky enough to live in an area where you're paid for your recyclables, you can cash in as well. In addition to receptacles, you can get money back for recycling your old electronics and empty printer cartridges at a variety of websites and retail establishments.

7. Go Paperless
Sign up for paperless billing for all your monthly bills and you're going to help conserve a lot of trees. Plus, many companies give you a nominal gift card if you make the switch. Just be sure to stay on top of things as you transition - be on alert for email notifications when your bills are due since you won't be getting statements in the mail anymore.

And don't forget to take advantage of some of the freebies and cheap deals handed out on Earth Day. Caribou Coffee has offered free cups of joe in the past on Earth Day, as long as you bring your own cup. Plan a trip to a national park with your nieces and nephews the weekend before Earth Day for free entrance, and check to see if Walgreens runs its $1 printer ink cartridge refill program this year, as well. Adopting a greener lifestyle is important, but if you can do it in a financially beneficial way it's that much better.

What habits do you plan to change to honor this year's Earth Day?

Gerri Gaitan lives in Atlanta and writes about event planning, personal finance, and frugal living.

Photo: zirconicusso
Published: April 9, 2014