Living greener is not just a lifestyle choice in the modern world, but a moral imperative. At the same time, no one likes a lecture, which makes it difficult to spread word of the need for a more responsible mode of life. One good way to look at it is through the lens of reduced costs. Here are just some of the things you can do to live greener and cheaper at the same time.
Opt for Reusable Goods
Landfills overflow with disposable modern goods like napkins and paper plates. This waste, though not always the worst for the environment, adds up and must be dealt with by someone. You can do your part in reducing landfill waste by using towels and regular plates instead of their disposable counterparts. Of course, this is not always the most fun option; after a house party, no one wants to face a load of dishes and napkins needing a good clean. But it is the responsible thing to do.
Reduce Energy Use
Your carbon footprint is one of the most important ways you influence the environment. If you are using a lot of energy around the home, you are demanding more power from the grid, which in turn damages the environment as it extracts that power from natural resources. Make sure you turn off lights in rooms that no one is occupying. Shutting off the AC or heat as part of your natural “leaving the house” ritual is another great way to reduce power usage. In general, just think about the power used by your home and how to cut waste.
Try Alternative Energy
Of course, it is unlikely you will want to eliminate energy use in your household altogether. If you want to cut energy costs but don’t think you can reasonably reduce your energy usage any further, you can try using alternative energy sources. Solar panels get a lot of the headlines, but other sources, like geothermal energy, also make a difference. Geothermal is very reliable and has the added benefit of heating water at no extra expense. Of course, relying entirely on any one source is probably not the best strategy, but including things like geothermal in your mix is a great addition.
Grow Your Own Food
Buying organic and local is a great way to help the earth, but it is not necessarily cheap. High-end produce and meat, not to mention convenience foods, cost a pretty penny. You can supplement your grocery bill, however, by taking a trip to the most local farm of all — your backyard. Growing a small produce garden lets you make sure your food is healthy and properly raised without having to spend a lot of money. If your area is zoned for it, you can even consider an urban chicken or two.
Working as a family to make your life greener is a great way to come together. Spend some time strategizing with your loved ones on how to improve your lives. You will teach your kids important life skills, reduce your bills, and live more responsibly all at once.
