If you care about the environment but don't know where to start, or if you just want to save a little dough, here are the six easiest ways to do both! Even beginners can do their part!
1. Use Human Propulsion - Unless you live literally in the middle of nowhere, the easiest way to save some money, save some fuel and do something good for your body is to ditch the car. Instead of driving to the grocery store or a friends house, consider walking, jogging or biking. Not only will your wallet thank you, your body will too!
2. Turn Down the Thermostat - Sure, you might live in a cold zone, but do you really notice the difference between 68 degrees and 65? Turn down your thermostat during the day and wear more clothing. Stay busy...moving around will generate human-heat! At night, make sure you have a good set of organic comforters or blankets and stay cozy underneath. You won't need to heat the house if you're nice and warm in bed. In the summer, turn down the AC and enjoy a little natural breeze, or consider going shopping or to the movies where the climate is controlled for you! You'll save on cash, and you'll save the environment.
3. Unplug Your Appliances - Even appliances that are off, but still plugged in are drawing power. By unplugging them, you will save dozens to hundreds on your electricity bill. Turn off your lights when you're not using them! Ditch the old computers and go to tablets. Charging them regularly costs about half as much as the traditional desktop/laptop computers. Invest in EnergyStar approved appliances for even greater savings.
4. Shop Smart - Used to be that buying organic and sustainable products at the grocery store would cost you an arm and a leg. No more! Greener products are often just as cheap, if not more so, than their non-green counterparts, and they are only getting cheaper in comparison. Buy organic dairy, meats and produce, and environmentally friendly cleaning and pharmaceutical products. Bring your own re-usable shopping bag and carry your take home on your back instead of in your car.
5. Garden Smart - Plant an organic garden. It will bring you closer to the earth and encourage better, more sustainable practices in your every day life. Landscape your properties with native and drought tolerant plants to save on water and avoid the spread of invasive species. Landscape with edible plants...nothing better than having your own blackberry and raspberry bushes on site!
6. Read about Green Living Online: I recently posted a list of my 10 favorite Green Living blogs. You should check them out! Or, you could do some Googling to find ones that you like as well. You'll save on paper by not buying books, and the more you read about green and sustainable practices, the more likely you are think about them every day. Knowledge is power, and key to your living a greener life! Bonus Tip: Tell your friends, family and co-workers about the steps you are taking to improve your life and encourage others to do the same. The more you do so, the more you will find other like-minded people. You'll build a network, you'll get a ton of good ideas and you'll be doing your part to help us all live more sustainably!
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