The trend towards creating an environmentally sustainable society continues to grow. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is a common phrase and adapting to make our footprints on the earth as light as possible isn’t difficult. The bonus of going green at home and at work is that you can save money at the same time. Going green also has the added bonus of a creating a healthier and happier life.
Here are some simple ways to go green and save money:
Go green with energy
1. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
2. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when incandescent bulbs burn out.
3. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off.
4. Wash clothes in cold water, they’ll be just as clean as warm water when washing with today’s detergents.
5. Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of machine drying.
Go green with water
1. Take shorter showers to reduce water use, and lower your water and heating bills.
2. Install a low-flow shower-head.
3. Have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
4. Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.
5. Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water.
6. Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably not plastic, with you when travelling or at work.
Go green and save gas
1. Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs and improves your health.
2. Consider working from home if you can. Share lifts to work with colleagues.
3. Lobby your local government to increase spending on side-walks and bike lanes.
Go green and eat smart
1. If you eat meat, eat one meat-free meal a week.
2. Buy locally raised, humane and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can.
Go green and think before you buy
1. Ask first if you really need what you’re hoping to buy.
2. Go online to find new or gently used second-hand goods.
3. Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for goods you need.
Go green and borrow instead of buying
1. Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies.
2. Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors at the same time..
Go green and buy smart
1. Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
2. Wear clothes that don’t need dry-cleaning to save money and reduce toxic chemical use.
3. Invest in high-quality products that won’t need replacing so often, so less waste.
Go green and keep electronics out of the trash
1. Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
2. Donate or recycle electronics responsibly when the time comes to keep mercury and other toxics from creating environmental problems.
Go green and make it yourself
You can make very effective green, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Good for your purse your health and the environment.