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Reducing your carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for your wallet too! Here are 10 simple ways you can help save the planet and some money in the process.
1. Use cloth bags when shopping. Plastic bags wind up in landfills and take thousands of years to biodegrade. Nowadays, many grocery stores also charge for plastic bags. Do your part to reduce waste, and save a few dollars, by remembering to bring re-usable cloth bags with you to the grocery store, pharmacy and on other shopping trips.
2. Become water efficient. Running water, or using too much of it unnecessarily, is not only bad for the environment but results in costly water bills. Don’t keep the tap running while you brush your teeth, and only run the washing machine or dishwasher when they are full. Also consider replacing your toilet with a dual-flush model and installing a low-flow shower head, both of which can significantly reduce your indoor water use.
3. Ditch the bottled water. Switch to a water filter jug and also get yourself a re-useable water bottle for when you’re on the go. This will help to eliminate the number of plastic bottles that are thrown away in the garbage only to wind up in landfills, and will be significantly less expensive than constantly purchasing bottled water.
4. Slow down on the road. While driving on the highway, avoid quickly accelerating and then suddenly braking. By doing so, you can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions—not to mention get better mileage on your car, which means lower fuel costs, too.
5. Park the car. Even better than driving more slowly is to take a break from it! Whenever possible, use alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, taking the bus or carpooling.
6. Make your own house cleaning products. Oftentimes, vinegar, lemon juice, and water are all the ingredients you need to clean many surfaces in the home. So while you may already be using eco-friendly cleaning products, which are better for the environment and your health, if you go the extra mile by making your own, you can also save yourself a tonne of cash.
7. Purchase items in bulk. For items you require a constant supply of—such as laundry detergent, shampoo, cereal, and rice—try to buy the largest size whenever possible. These bulk items use less packaging and the per unit price is almost always at its lowest.
8. Cook more efficiently. Cover pots with lids and avoid opening the oven door when it is in use. Both of these habits will help to reduce your energy bill costs since water boils faster in a lid-covered pot and heat won’t escape from the oven if you open the door less while it’s in use.
9. Get your heating under control. Install a programmable thermostat so that you can adjust the temperature in your home on a predetermined schedule. Programmable thermostats cost approximately $70 to $100, but the investment is well worth it, as it can save you up to 10% on your current heating bill.
10. Switch your light bulbs. Compared to a traditional incandescent bulb, a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb uses 75% less electricity and lasts up to ten times longer. Although CFL bulbs are slightly more expensive, they pay off in the long run since you don’t have to replace them as often.
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