Saving the planet may seem like a daunting task, but a few small changes can make a big difference and add up to savings for you too. From the laundry room to the grocery store to your own backyard, there are plenty of opportunities to save money and the environment every day.
Around the House
- Opt for reusable water bottles. Single-use water bottles add to your grocery bill and contribute to plastic waste. You can add a filter to your kitchen sink to eliminate contaminants and improve taste.
- Run the wash only when full. Conserving water reduces your monthly utility bills and protects our planet’s water supply. You can reduce your electricity bill by washing your clothes in cold water. Many detergents have enzymes that start to work in temperatures as low as 60 degrees.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Let your thermostat do the thinking for you while saving on your heating and cooling bill. Set the thermostat to automatically turn off when you aren’t home.
At the Grocery Store
- Eliminate food waste. Create a meal plan each week and use a shopping list to buy only what you will consume. Avoid impulse buys and don’t overestimate the amount of produce and other perishables you need.
- Skip the paper products. Using washable rags or kitchen towels instead of paper towels will save you a few dollars and reduce the amount of paper in our landfills. While paper plates, napkins and cups are handy, they can’t be reused or recycled.
- Buy in bulk. Visit your grocery store’s bulk section to buy nuts, seeds, flours and grains, pasta, legumes and snack foods. Buying by weight rather than individual packages saves money, cuts down on food waste and is a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
In the Back Yard
- Don’t let rainwater go to waste. Install a rain barrel near your downspouts to collect that water. One rainstorm can yield hundreds of gallons in some regions of the world. You can use the water you save to water your outdoor plants once the rain has gone away.
- Plant a tree (or three). Trees help absorb greenhouse gases in the air and provide shade that can reduce your cooling bills. Added bonus: trees add beauty to your yard.
- Light the way with solar. You can install solar lights, which charge all day and light up all night, to illuminate the path to your door.
