Green is the new black. This is old news. By now, you're probably somewhat schooled on ways to be green. But what the heck does that even mean? And how can you accomplish it without overhauling your life?

Green Ain't Just the Color of Envy

Being green simply means makin' better and more informed choices. If you already own products that don't top the Enviro-Friendly list and are totally freaked, finish them up rather than throwing them out - that's the green thing to do.

It's tough, overwhelming, and expensive to replace all your products, and it's even more of a headache to find new eco-friendly and cruelty-free ones that you like. Here are 10 easy and (mostly) free ways to make your current beauty rituals more eco-friendly TODAY, without feeling too hippie-ish or trendy about it.

Recycle Your Empty Containers
Most companies wil gladly recycle them for you and some even have recycle-incentive programs in place: For every six empty containers you bring in MAC will give you a free lipstick. The Body Shop pays 5 cents per container, which may not seem like a lot, but hey, every penny counts, especially with parking meter prices going up this year! And Aveda will hook you up with free samples for bringing in bottle caps.

Skip the Lightbulbs
When I apply my make-up in the morning or during the day, I skip the vanity in the bathroom and sit in front of a window. Not only do I get an awesome view of the skyline and get to scope the weather while saving energy, I can better see where I need concealer and how much blush I'm REALLY putting on.

Air Dry and Unplug
Spend as little time with your hair dryer as possible. Soak up as much water with a towel as you can, then let hair air-dry for a bit while applying make-up (in front of a window). This means less time spent blowdrying. You might consider investing in a micro-fiber hair towel, which is especially designed to soak up more water. And if you can bear it, switch from hot rollers to velcro rollers (you can leave 'em in overnight for some awesome bounce!).  Fact: Even if they're turned off but plugged in, your hair appliances are still using up energy. True story. Pull those suckas out as soon as you're done with them, and you'll be green and worry-free.

Color Conscious
Your colorist can use recycled foils instead of virgin aluminum to give you gorgeous locks. All you have to do is ask.

Pump It
Aerosol cans can't be recycled. Bummer. Opt for a pump-spray product or one that has to be applied with your hands.

Face Time
Use make-up brushes (synthetic, preferably) instead of sponges and sponge applicators. Synthetic brushes are easier to clean and maintain and don't hold onto bacteria as well as animal-hair brushes can. If you prefer animal-hair brushes, opt for the companies that derive the hair in humane ways. But the bottom line is that brushes rule: they use up less product (totally green), they are cheaper as they aren't replaced as often, and they are better for your skin. Truth is, most women don't replace ever replace that sponge applicator in their compact, and swiping that thing over your skin for weeks at a time is like sleeping with makeup on for a week - uncalled for and totally gross.

Make Shower Sense
Shower in the coolest water you can deal with. It takes more energy to heat water, plus hot water can dry out skin. And hey, you should completely turn off the shower while you shave or exfoliate. You'll get better results, and save GALLONS upon GALLONS of water. In fact, see if you can cut down your shower time by even 3 minutes. Oh my, look how green you are!

Smooth Sailing
Don't use plastic razors, and buy one that requires you to replace only the blade. You'll get a better shave while saving money and plastic. If you wax your legs, use a tree-resin or honey based wax, or beeswax instead (as opposed to waxes made with paraffin). Some waxes even harden on your skin, so you don't have to use paper to pull it off. Even better: try sugaring or threading.

Bigger is Better
Buy the larger or economy sizes of your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and styling products if available. If you still like the ease of the smaller sizes, simply refill them from the larger bottles. Guess what? This saves 2 tons of plastic per year. No joke. And hey, you'll actually be saving money too. Legit!