New babies come with lots of new expenses, both short term (food, clothing, health care) and long term (college, cars, prom dresses). It can be scary to think about finances when a little one is on the way. Many new parents think that going green is too expensive. But if you are on a budget, going green is a great way to save money.

There are tons of eco-friendly choices you can make that will save you money on your energy bill, your water bill, your trash removal bill, and even your shopping bills. It pays big, for both your wallet and the planet, to be a green shopper.

Think Green

The best way to save your green at the store is by thinking green. Shop with the environment in mind and ask yourself if you really need each purchase. Can you get by without it? Is it possible to rent, borrow, or swap with a friend instead? If you are looking for maternity wear or baby gear, check in with friends about items they may have available. Curb impulse buying to save money and protect the environment. Remember, even an item you buy on sale is a 100 percent waste of money and resources if you don't really need it.

Buy in Bulk

Save money and the planet by purchasing items in bulk whenever possible. Buying in bulk is cheaper than purchasing several smaller items, and it will minimize the amount of packaging that you need to toss. Need two cans of soup? Buy the larger can. Are you feeding a pet? Buy the largest bag of food you can afford. But be careful: If you cannot actually eat that whole five-pound bag of pretzels, then you are better off buying a smaller bag.

Look for the Stars

Look for the EPA's Energy Star label the next time you are shopping for items like appliances, electronics, or even doors and windows. Products that carry the Energy Star label will use less water and energy over their lifetime than similar models that don't. The EPA estimates that the typical American household can save over $600 each year using Energy Star appliances instead of less eco-efficient models.