Looking to save some money? Why not go green? And there are many ways you can save quite a bit of cash by making some simple changes in your lifestyle.
Going green doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. By making a few small changes to your lifestyle, you can save money and help the environment at the same time.
Embracing sustainability and going green can be tremendously helpful for the environment, but did you know it can also be great for your wallet? Most people don’t realize that many of the steps you can take to curb your ecological footprint will also result in significant savings in the long run.
Not convinced? Here are a few ways you can save quite a bit of cash by going green.
Try to Upcycle What You Can.
When we recycle, we send things to a facility to be broken down and transformed into something else. Upcycling, on the other hand, entails taking existing unneeded or unwanted items and finding a way to repurpose them into something more useful. With a little time and effort, you can transform coffee cans, cardboard boxes, pasta sauce jars, and more into useful containers and decor pieces for your home. A quick Google search or Pinterest skim will give you tons of inspiration!
Become More Energy Efficient.
Leaving the lights on, running water continuously, and forgetting to unplug televisions and other electronics can all negatively impact the environment and your bank account. Instead of burning energy needlessly and pushing your bill sky-high, try to be more conscious of these things. Use sticky notes, phone reminders, or whatever other memory-jogging tools you need to establish better energy habits.
Drive Less.
One of the best ways to save money and help the environment is to drive less. If you can, walk or ride your bike instead of driving. Or, take public transportation when possible. Not only will you save money on gas, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint. So, next time you need to run errands, leave the car at home and explore your other options instead.
Consider Carpooling.
If you do need to drive, carpooling is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas, and get to know your community better. If you live in a city or town with decent public transportation, this may not be necessary. But if you live in a more rural area or have to commute long distances for work, carpooling can be a real lifesaver, both financially and ecologically speaking. If you’re in an urban area, you may even benefit from carpooling by being able to use the HOV lane.
Grow Your Own Vegetables.
Growing your own private garden can be a great way to save money, help the environment, and nourish your family. If you’ve never gardened before, read up on the basics and pick up some seeds to plant during the spring. Growing fruits and veggies isn’t as difficult as many make it out to be, and you’ll be able to eat fresh produce from your backyard instead of having it shipped across the country—or around the world—to get to your dinner table. While gardening does require a bit of work, it’s well worth the savings and satisfaction that come from growing your own food.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products.
Commercial cleaning products are expensive and often contain harmful chemicals. But did you know that you can make your own cleaning products at home for a fraction of the cost? Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are all great natural alternatives to commercial cleaners. Plus, they’re just as effective, if not more so! So, next time you need to restock your cleaning supplies, ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own instead.
Make Your Own Baby/Cleaning Wipes.
Disposable baby wipes and cleaning wipes are some of the worst offenders when it comes to polluting the environment. These single-use products often end up in landfills, where they take years to break down, if they ever do. Instead of using disposable wipes, make your own out of old rags or scraps of fabric. This is an easy sewing project that anyone can do, even if you don’t have much experience with a needle and thread. Not only will you save money by making your own wipes, but you’ll also be doing your part to keep them out of the landfill.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing items in bulk not only saves you money in the long run, but it also helps to reduce packaging waste. When you buy things like paper towels, toilet paper, and other household staples in bulk, you cut down on the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills. And, since you’re buying more at once, you’re able to take advantage of bulk discounts offered by many stores. Win-win!
Cut Down on Water Waste.
Similar to saving energy, conserving water is good for both your wallet and the planet. Did you know that the average person uses 80–100 gallons of water per day? That’s a lot of water! Water bills can be expensive, so it’s in your best interest to use water wisely. Turn the faucet off while you brush your teeth, take shorter showers, and water your plants during the cooler hours of the day to minimize evaporation. By making a few small changes in your daily routine, you can save quite a bit of money on your water bill and help preserve this valuable resource.
Compost Your Food Scraps.
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and enrich the soil in your garden. Food scraps that end up in landfills release methane gas, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Instead of throwing away apple cores, eggshells, and other organic waste, add it to your compost pile. Not only will you be doing your part to reduce methane emissions, but you’ll also end up with nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Install Solar Panels.
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and lower your energy bills. While the initial investment can be costly, solar panels will eventually pay for themselves through the money you save on your energy bills. And, as an added bonus, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels can be sold back to the grid. So, not only will you save money, but you may even make some!
Switch to LED Light Bulbs.
LED light bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means they’ll save you money on your energy bill. They also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often. And, since they don’t contain any harmful chemicals, they’re better for the environment. It’s a win-win!
Ditch Disposable Cups and Plates.
While disposable cups and plates are convenient, they’re not exactly good for the environment. In fact, it takes 500 years for a disposable cup to decompose in a landfill. That’s why it’s much better to use reusable dishes—they’re better for the planet, and they save you money in the long run. So, next time you have a party or get-together, forego the disposables and use your own dishes instead. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
Buy Secondhand.
One of the best ways to save money and reduce waste is to buy secondhand items instead of new ones. Clothing, furniture, and other household items can all be found at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay. Not only will you save money by shopping secondhand, but you’ll also be keeping these items out of landfills. It’s a win-win!
While there are seemingly endless ways to make your home—and your life—a bit more environmentally friendly, these tips are some of the best to follow if you’re looking to both help the planet and protect your bank account. So, what are you waiting for? Start saving money (and the planet) today!
