In our current terrible economy, saving money is a Big Deal for all of us. And if we can do good for our planet and save money at the same time, then hallelujah! Our guest author today writes about five ways to do just that.
Here are five ways to go green this fall, saving you money whilst reducing your environmental impact!
1. Save Money On Water
It’s astounding how much money is wasted on water every year. With a few very simple changes, the average homeowner can save up to $86 a year! Here’s how:
Whilst you should by no means rush (no one wants you to slip!), try to take quicker showers. This can save money on heating as well as water
* Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth or shaving
* Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car rather than a hosepipe
* Repair dripping taps
* Install a low-flow showerhead
Feel free to share any simple water saving tips you might have in the comments section!
2. Save Money on Electricity
As with water, electricity bills can be significantly reduced by making some simple but effective changes around the house:
* Fit your lights with energy saving bulbs
* Turn off unused electrical appliances at the socket
* Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of machine dryers
* Only charge portable devices when you need to. Many people leave their devices on charge even when full, not only wasting energy but causing damage to the battery!
* Turn the light off when leaving the room
It is also worth considering the more eco-friendly ways to power the home. Some companies now offer free solar panels to homeowners wishing to source their own energy!
3. Save Money on Gasoline
Cutting down on gas will benefit the environment whilst saving you money and providing you health benefits:
* Set the thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer
* If within a reasonable distance, why not walk or bike to work? You’ll be spending less on gas/parking/public transport costs whilst improving your cardiovascular health
If driving is a necessity:
* Ensure tyres are correctly inflated
* Don’t leave heavy items in the car that you don’t need
* Reduce your speed!
As we’re all too aware, fumes from car exhausts have a devastating effect on the environment so it’s important that we all do what we can to cut down these emissions.
4. Save Money While Shopping
Many of the items on our shopping list are kinder to the environment than others, such as:
* Water filters. Not only is bottled water pricier, it generates a huge amount of container and packaging waste
* Locally sourced, organic food. Local produce is transported far less and uses less packaging whilst benefiting your local economy
* Second hand items. Better those items of furniture and other appliances find a new home than end up as garbage!
* Libraries. Borrowing from the local library will save money as well as the paper and ink used to manufacture new books and movies
* Energy saving products. Programmable thermostats, faucet aerators, appliance timers and rechargeable batteries are all cheap and can make a huge difference to the environment.
5. Save Money By Recycling
Recycling waste products requires minimal effort and is one of the key ways to battle climate change. Five common materials that everyone should recycle are:
* Plastics
* Cardboard/paper
* Glass
* Batteries
* Cell phones
Household materials such as plastic and glass can be taken to recycling points, or in many states put into home recycling bins for collection through curbside recycling programs. To ensure biodegradable waste doesn’t end up as landfill, try keeping two separate bins in the house – one for general waste and one for recyclables. Some states even carry a container deposit law for the recycling of glass, offering money back for each glass container recycled.
The company Call2Recycle makes battery recycling very simple, providing businesses with prepaid shipping containers while consumers can take expired batteries to their nearest collection centre. There are also many ways to recycle your old cell phone – online being the most convenient. Most websites will send a prepaid envelope for the consumer to drop their phone in and return, where the parts will be recycled for additional use. Most companies will also offer a cash incentive for doing so!
Whilst there are endless ways to live a greener lifestyle, these changes are arguably the most effortless and easily adaptable, so you can start reducing your carbon footprint as well as reap the savings!
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