Expense is one of the most common reasons that people avoid taking steps to be more green. In today’s economic climate, it’s understandable that you may not be eager to learn more about protecting the environment if you think it will cost you more money each month. Even if you do care about the environment, long-term effects can easily be put on the back burner in the face of immediate financial crisis.
Being environmentally responsible doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, conserving and protecting natural resources can often save you money. Check out these tips for cheap ways to go green.
3 Cheap Ways to Go Green
1. Use less water in your home.
Unless you have your own well, you’re paying for every drop of water that you use, which is a great motivator for learning more about water conservation. Low flow faucets and toilets can help, but you can reduce the amount of water you use without a single trip to the hardware store. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and when doing dishes. Take quick showers instead of long baths, and consider turning off the water while you soap up. Check out the EPA’s Water Sense site for more tips for conserving water at home.
2. Use a smaller garbage can.
The less you throw away, the less you add to the landfill. But perhaps a better reason for throwing away less is to reduce the resources need to make new stuff. If you’re finding ways to reuse items instead of throwing them away, you eliminate the need for replacement items to be made, which can cut down on the production of plastics. Make a family challenge to slowly cut down on how much garbage you set out by the curb each week; you’ll be amazed at the creative ideas you come up with for reusing what you already have!
3. Enact a shopping ban.
Another way to get the creative juices flowing and immediately improve your household budget is to announce an embargo on shopping. You’ll still need groceries, of course, but see how long your family can go without hitting up the local big box market. Consider setting a goal and rewarding yourself with a special activity if you can go 30, 60, or 90 days without shopping.
These three small changes won’t cost you a dime and can help you save money and resources for future generations.
