No matter where I turn, I'm overwhelmed by "green." The other day I came across what a manufacturer assured me was a "greener" brand of toothpaste. (This did not appeal to me.)

To many manufacturers, green only means charging consumers more money for items that, well, really are inexpensive. "Natural" cleaners are growing in popularity; a recent research company reported annual sales last year hit $105 million, up 23 percent from the previous year.

We all can be friendly to Mother Earth without digging deep into our pockets. In fact, there are ways to save money by going green.

Compact fluorescents

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, use 70 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.

The Environmental Protection Agency says replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL — each provides the same amount of light — can save at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Savings can grow during hot, humid summers, when air conditioners are in use because CFLs reduce energy costs linked to home cooling.

Related: When replacing lamps or light fixtures, look for the Energy Star label. Fixtures made to the Energy Star standards use 75 percent less energy and generate 75 percent less heat than conventional lighting fixtures.

To learn more: www.energystar.gov

Cleaning solutions

White vinegar, baking soda and borax are among the natural products our grandparents used to clean windows, counter tops, sinks and even clothes. They save money and eliminate toxic emissions indoors.

Another way to save is to use smaller amounts of traditional cleaners. For example, most manufacturers of liquid laundry detergents suggest using a quarter-cup of detergent for cleaning a medium-size load. Often, consumers use twice the amount suggested.

Related: Liquid laundry soap is easy to concoct, using various amounts of grated hand soap, borax, washing soda and water. Check online for recipes.

To learn more: Care2.com is a Web site dedicated to green-living recipes for nontoxic cleaning and pest control.

Energy Star appliances

These more efficient appliances can use 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. While Energy Star appliances cost more up front, money saved on utility bills can pay for the difference over time.

Studies say Americans average about $1,900 in household energy costs annually. Replacing all appliances with Energy Star models will cut energy costs by about 5 percent. Of course, it wouldn't be cost-effective to replace every appliance, but when buying new, buy smart.

Related: Need a new fridge? A new Energy Star model uses about 40 percent less energy than one manufactured before 1993 and 15 percent less than one built in 2001.

To learn more: www.energystar.gov

Thermostats

A model that controls heating and central air conditioning can run a little more than $100. But the payback is fast, less than a year in most cases.

Research shows that programming heating and cooling systems to coincide with the coming and going of occupants can save $150 to $180 in as little as seven months.

Related: Consider "setback" temperatures (down in winter, up in summer) when you leave home for more than an hour or so. Many critics say setback practices waste energy, because it takes lots of energy to restore indoor temperatures. But Department of Energy studies say that a setback of 10 degrees to 15 degrees over eight hours reduces total heating costs from 5 percent to 15 percent.

To learn more: www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/heating_cooling.html.

Reduce water use

Old aerators, faucets and shower heads waste water. Newer, more efficient models — many of which cost less than $40 — dispense water at a rate of 1.5 gallons a minute and use 30 percent to 50 percent less water than standard models.

According to the EPA, the average home, retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, can save 30,000 gallons annually.

Related: When replacing an old toilet, consider new lines of dual flush toilets, designed to use less water for disposing liquid waste.

To learn more: The EPA's WaterSense program is comparable to the Energy Star program. Products manufactured under WaterSense standards use less water than traditional products. As warm weather nears, remember outdoor irrigation uses tons of water. Find ways to reduce usage at www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/index.htm.

Rechargeable batteries

Common alkaline batteries last a few years; they lose 8 percent to 20 percent of their charge annually, even when kept in original packaging. But rechargeable batteries can be reused as many as 500 times and are extremely effective in remote-control devices for household electronics, such as televisions, audio systems and DVD players, digital cameras and small flashlights. They are also more environmentally friendly because they reduce the amount of toxins released in landfills.

Related: Recycle old rechargeable batteries, those found in cordless power tools, cellphones and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras and remote-control toys. Visit www.rbrc.org for information.

To learn more: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a fact sheet on household batteries at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8819.html.

Buy recycled products

Making a ton of paper from recycled material can save as many as 17 trees and will use 50 percent less water than making paper from virgin fiber, the EPA says.

So the next time you purchase white office paper, look for the recycled brand. But beware of false labels. The EPA has guidelines on the content of all types of recycled products at www.epa.gov/cpg/products.htm.

Related: Paper is the country's No. 1 disposable material. For every 100 pounds of household trash, 35 pounds are paper. Separate old newspapers and office paper for recycling in your community's trash collection.

To learn more: Energy Information Association at www.eia.doe.gov.

Paper mulch

Shredded white paper and newspaper can be used in gardens and plant beds for mulch. Place shredded material around plants as you'd use wood mulch. To cover the white, place a thin layer of wood mulch over the paper mulch. And don't worry about ink: Most ink used in newspapers and white paper is soy-based and nontoxic.

Related: Studies seem to show that incorporating shredded paper in compost piles is the best way to use paper mulch. Adding it directly to the base of some plants can affect soil fertility.

To learn more: To read a report on paper mulch from North Dakota State University, visit www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/oakes/1996Report/npms96.htm.

Battery-powered tools

Replacing old, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment with new, cordless tools reduces airborne pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Black & Decker, Toro and Homelite are among the manufacturers of battery-powered yard tools, from edgers to blowers to line trimmers.

Related: The American Lawn Mower Co., www.reelin.com, of Shelbyville, Ind., is the largest producer of push-reel mowers in the United States.

To learn more: A new emission control standard for small-engine equipment should be in place by 2011 or 2012. Information: www.epa.gov/oms/equip-ld.htm.

Switch fertilizers

Instead of spreading synthetic fertilizers, often made from petroleum and sewage sludge, go organic. Organic lawn fertilizers made from kelp and bone meal are high in nitrogen.

Seaweed-based products provide "vitamins" and nutrients to lawns and plants. Bone meal is high in phosphorus. Corn meal gluten naturally prevents weeds and crabgrass. Most of these products are available at landscape supplies in various forms.

Related: Mowing the lawn taller reduces the need for water during dry periods and prevents the growth of crab grass.