CREDIT: VIZIMAC.COM
A fresh coat of paint can really brighten up an old piece of furniture, keeping more junk out of the landfill.

Having a green home always seems to sound really expensive... what student really has the cash to buy these energy- and water-saving appliances that cost thousands of dollars? Probably not too many of us!

Not to worry, though — making your student home into an eco-friendly space is a lot easier and cheaper than you thought!

While being students, we can still play our parts into having a green home without having to pay a pretty penny! The easiest way to start being more environmentally friendly is to purchase LED or CFL light bulbs for your light fixtures. Both types of light bulbs conserve energy use and last longer than regular incandescent light bulbs (which keeps more junk out of our landfills). These types of bulbs cost a few dollars more than regular light bulbs but are certainly well worth the price in the end. This small adjustment to your life will have a huge impact on the environment in the long run.

If you're finishing school this year or you're simply de-cluttering, you might have a whole bunch of un-needed furniture. Giving your unwanted furniture and home accessories to second-hand stores is a great way to keep garbage out of the dump. Like they say, one person's trash is another person's treasure.

Buying furniture from secondhand stores is another way to stay environmentally conscious. Anything that was once in style and beautiful can be made beautiful again with a quick paint job! Re-finishing old furniture is green friendly in many ways; it keeps the furniture out of our land fill and you can use zero VOC paint. Zero VOC paint does not have the toxic components that will harm our environment and the people who live in it. There is never a reason for old furniture to be thrown out when you can always re-use it and make it trendy again!

Making small changes in your life right now to have a positive impact on our environment is easy and inexpensive for us students. Nothing is impossible, even with a small student budget!

Remember to always think green when it comes to your living space.