By Jess Chamberlain, Sunset home & design writer

Deterred by the upfront cost of solar panels? Always wanted an eco-friendly natural-latex bed mattress, but can't get over the pricetag? Ever said something like: "If I only had an extra $600—or $1200—laying around I'd make some bigger, greener, lifestyle changes" ? Ever wished a seemingly random check showed up in your mailbox?

For some of us, that day has come. And though I heard a woman on the radio this morning say she's on her way to Las Vegas to party away that extra cash pool-side, some of us are enlightened to invest in greener values.

Here, associate editor Jennie Nunn has compiled a few cool ideas for making those green dollars work a little harder. Tell us your own ideas by clicking on the comments link below. Now, go get your green on.