Many people believe being kind to the planet is expensive. The truth it – it does not have to be. There are people everywhere learning how to cut costs while living a sustainable life.
Simple daily adjustments can help you live eco-friendly while putting dollars back in your pocket. In this article we will cover some of the most talked about ways to save money – while living eco-friendly.
1. Cultivate a Personal Garden
Cultivating your own garden provides more than just the joy of gardening—it’s a significant stride toward sustainability and frugality. An organic garden at home brings fresh produce just steps away from the kitchen; it doesn’t get more local.
Engaging in this practice can also lead to cost savings. A bountiful harvest often means there’s enough to share, fostering connections with neighbors through the exchange of fresh fruits and vegetables. The benefit of “no pesticides” is an added bonus.
2. Downsize to One Car
Try to limit your car ownership to one vehicle. Yes, for many this might be tough, but with creative planning it can work. Opting for a bicycle or learning to work out a schedule where one car works can be a huge money-saving option. Minimizing non-essential travel becomes essential to make this work.
In my own home we actually have one car. I work from home, my husband does two days a week. We work together to ensure I have the car when it is needed.
3. Embrace Collective Travel
Carpooling and public transit are both great options to save money and do good for the world. If your area does not have a good public transit system, get involved and see if you can help make change.
4. Reuse and Recycle
Engaging in the exchange of unwanted goods not only sidesteps contributing to landfill accumulation but also aids in conserving funds. Online communities such as FreeCycle facilitate the transfer of items between individuals seeking to unload or acquire various household goods without monetary exchange.
A participant could effortlessly furnish their home with a complete dining set or upgrade to a high-quality juicer, while also passing on outgrown children’s clothing. This circular economy showcases how secondhand items can have continued value and utility, underlining the importance of reusability.
5. Stop Energy Waste
Here’s how one can curtail needless power consumption:
- Unplug when idle: Toasters, lamps, and chargers siphon off energy even when not in use.
- Energy-efficient habit: Removing devices from outlets when not needed cuts down on utility expenses.
6. Harness the Sun
Solar panels do have an upfront cost, but in time the savings could be very good. Of course, the energy savings is a huge plus for the planet.
7. Composting
Composting can help minimize garbage collection costs. It is also a natural fertilizer for your gardens that can greatly improve their health and vibrancy
8. Replace Disposables
One sustainable switch is to stop buying paper towels and opt for reusable cloths instead. Reusable rags can effectively clean and absorb spills and are easy to clean for repeated use. With many paper towels not truly biodegradable, this action can place a huge impact on our environment too.
This simple change reduces waste and offers cost savings, as it eliminates the need to continually purchase disposable towels. It’s a straightforward step that can have a notable impact on household waste and budget.
Do the same with paper plates, cups and any other disposable item you are wasting money on.
9. Go Homemade
Embracing sustainability can start with simple homemade solutions. For instance, one can create all-natural laundry detergent that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. There are so many items we use everyday that can be made at home instead of bought in a store. This will save you money and remove nasty chemicals from your lives.
10. Smarter Food Choices
Reducing food waste can be a large budget saver. Every week we hit the food store and hope we do not throw any food out in the future. With better planning and creative solutions, the chance of food waste could be greatly reduced. Here are a few ideas:
- Cutting Carbon Footprint: By opting for a plant-based diet, individuals can reduce their carbon impact significantly. We also have eco-friendly vegan tips if you choose that lifestyle and want to live a more sustainable life.
- Cost Savings: Meals centered around beans and legumes tend to be more budget-friendly compared to those with meat. These items are also great for making vegan foods like non-dairy cheeses! No need to buy expensive vegan cheese at the store.
- Home Gardening: Growing one’s herbs and vegetables paves the way for further savings.
- Bartering Harvest: One can offer to harvest for friends in exchange for a share of the fruits, fostering community sharing.
- Preservation: To utilize produce seasonally, preserving in glass jars extends their usability and adds variety to the diet.
11. Host Green Celebrations
In the spirit of eco-conscious festivity, couples are embracing environmentally friendly wedding and event practices.
People are implementing the following into their events:
- Sustainable Attire: Choosing second-hand gowns and fair trade clothing for the wedding party supports sustainability and encourages future use.
- Travel Minimization: Guests are encouraged to share rides, reducing emissions and costs.
- Eco-Friendly Invites: Plantable invitations offer a bloom of wildflowers, symbolizing the growth of love.
- Resourceful Planning: Utilizing hand-me-down wedding decor avoids waste.
- Floral Considerations: Purchasing organic flowers from local markets supports community agriculture and reduces transportation emissions.