What if I told you that living sustainably is not only the best option for the planet, but also for your wallet? There seems to be a stigma floating around that living sustainably is expensive. It definitely can be! When I started my sustainability journey, I was excited and functioned under the "buy all the swaps now" mentality. And, well, it ended up expensive.
Here's how sustainable living saves money.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Next time you're in the market to replace an appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners. These appliances use less energy and can significantly lower your electricity bill. Pro tip: The most environmentally friendly option is the thing you already have. Before going out to buy a new appliance, ask yourself the following questions: can this be repaired? Can I find this secondhand or refurbished?
LED Lighting: Swap out traditional bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Seal and Insulate: Check if your local energy provider offers free home energy assessments. Ours offers to seal off drafty doors & windows at no charge! Proper insulation in walls, attics, and windows can prevent heat loss in winter and keep your home cooler in summer, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Programmable Thermostats: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your home's temperature efficiently. You can set it to lower the heat or raise the AC when you're not at home or while you're sleeping, saving energy. The Nest Thermostat is a great option.
Unplug Devices: Many electronic devices continue to draw power when plugged in but not in use. Unplug chargers, electronics, and appliances when they're not needed to eliminate "phantom" energy consumption, which can account for nearly 10% of energy use!
Water Conservation: Implement water-saving measures, such as installing low-flow toilets and shower heads (check with your local energy provider if they offer a free energy-efficiency assessment. They often offer & install low-flow shower heads free of charge). Fix any leaks promptly, as even small drips can waste a significant amount of water over time. Use rainy days to water your indoor plants. Along the same vein, "nightstand water", pasta/rice water can be used to water plants. Toilets can be flushed using extra water collected during showers. There are truly so many ways to conserve water, that I wrote a whole post about it!
Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater using rain barrels to water your garden and outdoor plants. This reduces your reliance on municipal water for irrigation.
Landscape Design: Plan your landscaping strategically to reduce water usage. Use drought-resistant native plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation. Avoid traditional lawns that guzzle up way more water than they're worth
Shorter Showers: Did you know that a standard shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute? Take shorter showers and consider installing a low-flow shower head. Reducing your shower time can save both water and energy used to heat the water
Energy-Efficient Transportation: Consider walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation instead of driving alone. If possible, invest in an electric or hybrid vehicle to reduce fuel costs and emissions.
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle: Embrace the "Five R's" by refusing overconsumption, reducing waste, reusing items, repairing what you already have, and recycling materials at the end of their lifecycle.
Composting: No fancy equipment needed to start composting organic kitchen waste. This reduces the amount of trash you send to the landfill while providing nutrient-rich compost for your garden. See the composting 101 guide for all the details!
Meal Planning: Plan your meals to reduce food waste. Buy only what you need, store food properly, and consider composting food scraps.
DIY Cleaning Products: Make your own cleaning products using eco-friendly ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. This is not only cost-effective but also reduces the use of harsh chemicals and plastic packaging.
Remember, start slow. Every action you make for the Earth is huge. Sustainable living needs to not only be sustainable for the planet, but your lifestyle as well.
Xoxo,
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