By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore

Who said "it's not easy being green?" More than ever before, we are presented with opportunities to make eco-friendly changes in our lifestyles, and for good reason! Not only will these smart decisions help make the earth a better place, but they are also sure to benefit our families and our wallets — so it's really a win-all situation! If you want to start doing your part, but need a few thought starters, let us help you go green with these tips and ideas.

Drive less.
Being eco-friendly doesn't always require drastic changes in your day-to-day life. Sure, it would be great if everyone could trade in their inefficient gas guzzlers for hybrid cars, but there are also lots of little changes we can make that are sure to have major impacts. If you can skip a car ride, do so. After all, it's a lot more fun taking my daughter for a bike ride than it is to get her into her car seat!

Fly greener.
We all know that the emissions created by airline travel play a major part in global warming. But unfortunately, not everyone can curb the time they spend cramped up in planes, no matter how much they may want to! So, every time I hit the skies, I make sure to purchase a TerraPass along with my ticket. This nonprofit organization calculates the emissions created by your travel and goes to "neutralize" the damage done by funding renewable energy sources — and all for less than the cost of most in-flight meals. A TerraPass can be purchased on the website or when you book through expedia.com, because good deeds and good deals should always go hand in hand.

Spend wisely.
A great first step in going green is to become a proactive shopper. So, next time you are at the food store, try to choose products that use recycled materials such as plastics and cardboards. Once you get home, keep the trend going and make sure to recycle them yourself. Also, while you're in the produce aisle, try to purchase fruits and veggies that forgo insecticides. It's definitely a healthier alternative for both the earth and your family.

Teach them well.
We all want the best for our children, and teaching them good environmental habits is a great way to ensure a better future. By getting them into simple habits such as turning off lights when they leave a room, making sure to turn off running water, and the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle), you'll be sure to instill values that will benefit your kids and the environment for years to come.

Home green home.
Despite our good intentions, it's often easy to overlook a major step in becoming eco-friendly — our homes! Luckily, there are tons of ways to green-proof our abodes that are also friendly on our wallets. One simple trick is to use less energy to heat your home in the winter. Chances are you won't notice if you lower your thermostat one degree, but by doing so, you'll save energy and up to 10 percent on your heating bill. Another trick is to keep your freezer as packed as possible, as it takes more electricity to freeze the open air. Finally, a real excuse to stock up on Ben & Jerry's!

The writers are cofounders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stressed women get themselves organized.

Related Links:
All About Green Living
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The Scoop on Fair Trade Coffee
Throw A Green Party
Dry Clean Minus the Toxins