Often the thought of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is alarming as people assume it’s not only inconvenient but also costly. The image is reinforced by items such as hybrid cars, celebrity-endorsed products, and organic food. But as our collective awareness of the planet’s plight increases, more people want to make changes for a greener lifestyle. The good news is you don’t have to splurge or dramatically change your life to go greener. Here seven simple and economical ways to be more eco-conscious that might even save you money.
1. MONITOR POWER WASTAGE
An effortless way to be eco-friendlier and save money is to unplug or switch off appliances when not in use. Many people don’t realise that leaving their devices, like lamps and phone chargers, plugged in continuously, uses up energy even when not in actual use. A handy solution is a power strip, which can be easily turned on or off.
2. INVESTEMENT IN SMART THERMOSTATS
While the initial cost might be higher, a smart thermostat can save you more in the long run. There’s no need to keep your home at your comfort temperature when you’re not there, consuming unnecessary energy. A smart thermostat can adjust to a more energy-efficient temperature automatically when you’re out.
3. CONSIDER ALTERNATE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
Using your own car might be convenient, but it’s harmful to the environment and constantly drains your money. If you can do without a car, there are many less harmful and cheaper travel options. Using public transport, walking, or biking are good substitutes, if practical. Carpooling is another excellent choice if giving up a car completely is not an option.
4. CONSUME LESS MEAT
Reducing your meat consumption not only saves you money but also reduces carbon emissions involved in its production. You don’t have to entirely give up meat; simply include more meat-free dishes in your diet.
5. PRACTICE MINIMALISM TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT
The philosophy of minimalism promotes living with fewer items. By selling, recycling or donating unwanted items and buying only what’s necessary, not only do you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but also create a more organized living space.
6. CHOSE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Often, beauty and household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can damage the environment. Buying greener products can contribute to preserving the environment, and surprisingly, can also save you money.
7. REUSE AND RECYCLE OLD ITEMS
Instead of discarding items, consider selling them or donating to charity. Even old furniture can be repurposed or given to someone who can use it.
Remember, altering your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly doesn’t necessarily require a substantial investment or significant disruption. You may find that these small changes not only help the environment, but also save you money. Have you tried any of these yet? Did you notice a decrease in your expenses after making these changes?
