10 Ways to Live Greener and Save Money

This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of business credit. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com.

Going green is a popular trend right now and for good reason — have you measured your carbon footprint lately? Unfortunately, some eco-friendly measures are out of many people’s financial reach. Not everyone can opt for solar power, for instance. It you are looking to help the Earth, as well as save money, follow the advice below. Yes, you can be green and frugal at the same time!

  1. Carpool With Co-Workers – We are all feeling the pain at the gas pump lately and prices only continue to rise. By carpooling with co-workers, you can save money on fuel, as well as reduce pollution caused by your vehicle.
  1. Invest in a Bicycle – Carpooling helps to reduce costs and pollution, but not nearly as much as bicycling. If you are traveling a reasonable distance, why not take a bike ride? The exercise is just another added bonus to this lifestyle choice.
  1. Donate Used Goods – Did you know that you could actually receive tax deductions when you donate used items that are in good condition? This helps you to recycle helpful items for those who need them most. It also saves some money come tax time, which is always welcome.
  1. Reduce Your Meat Consumption – Is your diet mainly carnivorous? You could save a lot of money, as well as reduce your carbon footprint, by cutting back on the meat intake. Not everyone is prepared to go completely vegetarian and you shouldn’t feel pressured to. However, meat is extremely expensive when compared to some other high-protein foods.
  1. Use Low-Pressure Showerheads and Toilets – By taking measures to conserve your water, you will save money on your monthly bill and conserve much-needed water for the rest of the neighborhood. The latter is especially important during the summertime when there could actually be a local water shortage.
  1. Water the Lawn at Night – Some areas even have laws against watering during the heat of the day, as this wastes water through evaporation. Your lawn will benefit quicker by watering the grass at night and you will reduce your water bill.
  1. Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs – Yes, the price for these light bulbs is higher than the traditional kind. However, they last much longer (sometimes years) and will start saving money immediately on your energy bills.
  1. Weatherstrip Your Doors and Windows – Weatherstripping is very simple and you don’t have to be a handyman to finish this project. Also, the materials are very inexpensive and available at any hardware store. By doing this, you will reduce your household energy usage, thus saving money and helping the environment.
  1. Use Homemade Cleaning Products – Did you know that your mirrors and windows can be cleaned by really warm water rather than a toxic window cleaner? Likewise, there are natural alternatives to killing weeds and insects. Finding such alternatives will save money and decrease pollution.
  1. Stop Eating Out – Nothing contributes to food-related waste as much as eating in restaurants. Eating out is also one of the quickest ways to dwindle your hard-earned money.

By following the 10 tips above, you will help yourself and your planet. Not all of us can afford a hybrid car or an underground house, but we can all do our part to help the environment. Of course, saving money is also a great incentive for living a greener lifestyle.

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