By: Jen Schreiner/Updated on: /2 Comments
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Going green not only helps our environment. It also helps us save money. There are many small changes we can make to save more energy and waste less money.
When you hear the words“GO GREEN”and “FRUGAL”in the same sentence, what is the first thought that crosses your mind? I know you are probably thinking; Is that really possible?
People often think being eco-friendly costs more money, but really it can be extremely frugal.
When people ask me about making an effort to live greener to save more money; I always stress not to do it all at once. Take it slow. There is no real reason to make dramatic changes in your life all at once. Less stress, less worry and more money in your pocket are reasons enough to do one effort at a time.
WHY GO GREEN?
Through some helpful hints and tricks, and yes, alittle timeyou can start to go green and save money. Going “Green” has more advantagesthan you might initially think. Doing your part to save the environment is probably the best reason to go “Green.”
But it’s no longer the only reason. It’s also a great way for you to save money, both short-term and long-term.You might be surprised to find out what you can do to preserve the environment and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs, in your pocket.
Get Unplugged
Everything that is plugged-in, in your home is using electricity whether it’s “on” at the time or not.
By simply unplugging yourcell phones, computers, fans, televisions, and other appliances that aren’t being used, you will be surprised at the savings you’ll see on your electric bill.
One big energy suck is your Keurig coffee pot. Did you know by leaving it plugged in and on you are just wasting away electricity? Keurig coffee maker is known toutilize agood amount of power during initial startup. The warm-up time can take up to 3 minutes and use around 1500 watts.
If you are a regular coffee drinker and make five cups of coffee or more, it’s reasonable to keep your coffee maker on as it may spend only around 200-400 watts of power. If you are a one or two cups of coffee person (like myself), shut it down after you’re done using it.
Reduce WaterUse
There are many options available to help you save water. You can purchase low-flow showerheads to help the members of your household use less water when showering. Building or purchasing a rain barrel to capture rainwater is a great way to water your flower or vegetable garden.
Also, place a bucket in the shower while you wait for the shower to heat up. Collect the water and use the to water your plants, clean, or even drink.
Line Dry
Air drying your clean laundry is a great way to save energy and save money. If you live in an area where the climate isn’t favorable (Like Upstate New York, for example) in the winter when there are multiple choices available for you to hang them indoors.
Stop Eating Out
The typical U.S. family spends $4,000 on meals outside the home — whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, according to a statistic quoted inThe Cheapskate Next Door($9.23 onamazon.com) by our own Jeff Yeager, theGreen Cheapskate.
Yeager estimates that a family that commits to eating at home can save $3,000 and eat just as well.
That is incredible.
By making your own food, you’ll pay attention to the ingredients you use, how they were grown and how nutritious and wholesome that meal can be. It is also a greatopportunityto spend time with your family.
Rent, Borrow, and Freecycle
Reduce,Recycle, and Reuse. Borrowing what you need from others is FREE. Have you ever heard ofFreecycle? Thisis an example of reusing since it connects people getting rid of useable stuff to people who want that same stuff (it reminds me ofCraigslist“FREE” Category.
Think about it. Byreusing items, we make the best use of the resources used to create those products, whether it’s energy, wood, metals, or other raw materials that can be used for the same or different purposes.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can be very pricey and toxic. When you think of the range of cleaning products, we buy from dishwasher and laundry detergents to an all-purpose window, toilet bowl, and tile cleaners, you can see the bills adding up.
Most cleaners can be replaced with simple, cheap ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Make the switch, and you’ll save significant amounts on cleaning up.
Bonus: These simple ingredients are non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about the “hazard” labels that come on many household cleaners. I have started the change in my home.
Read more about making your own Dishwashing Detergent. Making your own laundry detergent saves you 85 percent of the cost it would have for you to buy it.
Use Paperless Billing
Bills, Bills, Bills. They love to cause a headache, but they don’t have to be cluttered, and they don’t have to cost as much as they do.
Many companies offer a discount for signing up for paperless billing. Just because it saves them significant printing and postage costs. So you can save and they can save the cost of a stamp.
Not to mention all that paper! It is also a lot quicker to pay them online, which means more time with your family. Now that you’ve learned that going “Green”. Now you understand a great way to save yourself money. You will be amazed at how much money you’ll save on your energy costs!
Other Great Frugal Living Articles
Reduce Food Waste in Your Home! – Save Your Family Money
Learning How to Menu Plan: Plus Get Free Menu Printables
Kitchen Tip: How to Clean Grapes – Protecting Your Fresh Produce
How Much Should I Be Spending On Groceries
