Green Money-Saving Tips: Cheap Ways To Be Environmentally Friendly

Last year, the median annual wage for an American was just over $26,000, the lowest number since 1999. With a slow-growing economy, plummeting incomes, and increasing national debt, environmental concerns are often put on the backburner.

Going green has frequently been stereotyped as expensive: Specialty produce at overpriced shops, expensive hybrid cars and top-of-the-line energy saving appliances are often not in the budget for the average American. Organic and all-natural foods can be more expensive than regular varieties, and hybrid cars can cost thousands of dollars more upfront than their gas-guzzling counterparts, says National Geographic.

But the truth is, going green can actually save money. The focus of the movement is on "reduce, reuse and recycle," as opposed to generating more expensive and complex products. Check out the list below for 10 ways you can actually save money while going green.

Have any other cost-cutting green tips? Let us know in the comments below, and share your thoughts on the costs and benefits of being eco-friendly.

HuffPost Live will be taking a comprehensive look at the persistence of poverty in America Sept. 5 from 12-4 p.m. EDT and 6-10 p.m. EDT. Click here to check it out -- and join the conversation.