Here is part 2 in my 2 part series on how to save money and help the environment at the same time. Here are some more items that you should avoid using if you want to be eco-friendly.

• Light bulbs. Switch all your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s). By doing so, you’ll save money on your electricity bill. According to Energy Star (at energystar.gov) a CFL can save you $40+ in electricity costs over its lifetime. These bulbs use less energy and produce less heat than its costlier counterpart, all while lasting up to 10 times as long.
• Batteries. Instead of continually buying batteries and throwing them away, get rechargeable batteries instead. This will save you money in the long run. Batteries also contain harmful chemicals so the less of them that are created the better. You could also choose to buy recyclable batteries instead.
• Paper and plastic cups and plates. If your job has a water cooler with paper cups, bring your own container from home and fill that up. If you’re hosting a party opt for plastic plates, utensils and cups rather than paper. The plastic ones can be reused after being washed while paper plates and cups cannot. If you’re at home, it’s a no-brainer, just use regular plates instead of disposable ones. Another tip to add is to not get new chopsticks every time you eat Chinese food. Get the free ones and save them for next time.
• Bottled water. What a waste of plastic bottled waters are. It’s just filtered water after all. You are mostly paying for the plastic that you’re throwing away anyway. Buy a filter and bottle your own water from your home.
• Individually packed snacks. Many retailers are packaging their items in single packs. They can then say they’re each 100 calorie pack snacks. These items are more expensive and waste more plastic than a regular sized bag.