A healthy and strong earth is a great gift to leave for our grandchildren and their grandchildren.  Are you a frugal family?  Here are some money saving tips that allow you to keep some green while keeping our earth green.

1.  The Big Blue Can

Deal:   Message from the City of Atlanta:  The City of Atlanta is excited to present the ReCART (Rewards for Collecting All Recyclables Together) Curbside Recycling Pilot Project! This pilot project has been made possible by a partnership between Coca Cola Recycling, Rehrig Pacific, RecycleBank and the City of Atlanta.

In the ReCART pilot project, participating households will earn RecycleBank Reward Points for all accepted recyclables placed in the new 95 gallon carts. Collection will continue to occur on your normal collection day. You must activate your RecycleBank account at www.recyclebank.comin order to start earning your RecycleBank Points and redeeming rewards. If you don't have access to a computer call the toll-free number 1-866-563-0114 to get started.

Fine Print:  Ongoing. Must register bin in order to earn rewards.

2. The Green Half: Stay green while you keep some green

Deal:  From their website: "The Green Half is Atlanta’s eco-matchmaker. If you want to go green, save green and support green, this is your one-stop roadmap. We only present offers from restaurants, shops, salons and other businesses committed to becoming green. And to sweeten the deal, we donate 10 percent of net certificate sales to local nonprofits making environmental impacts in our community."  Their insider calendar on the website also contains a great listing of eco-friendly family activities and dates for local farmers markets.

Fine Print:  Recent deals include The Shed in Glenwood and The Sound Table in Old Fourth Ward.

3. Free Tree from Lowes

Deal:  In honor of Earth Day, our local Lowes on Camp Creek is giving away free trees!  Visit the store on April 23rd and according their website, you will leave with a free tree! 

Fine Print:  A million trees will be given away. Free trees only available on April 23rd.

4. Re-Use Your Bag and Earn Cash

Deal:  Your local CVS and Target stores all have programs that reward you for bringing in your own shopping bags during your visit!  The programs vary, some allowing you to save five cents per bag you bring in to carry out your items, or earning cash towards your next purchase. 

CVS - Green Bag Tag Program - Earn $1.00 every 4 times you use your own bags

Target - Receive 5 cents off for every re-usable bag you use.

Fine Print:  Ongoing. Make sure your checker is aware of the program.  Whole Foods offers a similar program.

5.   Free Mulch

Beautify your neighborhood with free mulch.

Arbor-Nomics Tree Service will deliver free mulch to your home.  

R&R Tree and Landscaping will also deliver free mulch to your home, church or school.

Fine Print:  Ongoing. Pay attention to the amount of mulch that will be delivered to your home and make sure it's not too much!