Save the Earth (Plus a Few Bucks)

Most people would like to help the environment and save money but believe doing so would require a lot of time and energy on their part.

While this might be the case in some instances, there are many quick and easy environmentally friendly steps you can take. Here are 10 things that take less than a minute each that you can do to help the Earth -- while saving money at the same time.

1. Use half (0 seconds): Commercials for products such as washing detergent, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste and cleaning supplies aim to make you believe that you need to use much more than you actually do. The reason for this is simple: If you use more of the product, you will have to buy it again more quickly, meaning the company makes more money.

The truth is that you can probably use half the amount that you are currently using and still get the results that you want. You might have to adjust a small bit up or down, but you will use much less than you have been. That effectively cuts the price you pay for certain products in half, which equates to several hundred dollars in your pocket. This also means fewer chemicals being released into the air and water supply, plus less packaging going into landfills.

2. Switch from hot to cold (under 5 seconds): Simply switch the setting on your washing machine so that it will wash your clothes in a cold/cold cycle (both the wash and rinse are in cold water). This simple turn of a knob will save you about $100 a year, since most energy -- and cost -- for each wash comes from heating the water. Even in cold, your clothes should get plenty clean due to the improved qualities of washing detergents.