This is a guest post from Meg at Frugal, Fun, and Fortune who is a fun blogger and dear friend!
So often when we think about living a more natural and “green” life, we immediately assume that it will cost us more money. That’s not necessarily true though.
Here are 10 great ways to be green AND thrifty:
1. Buy local produce. When you buy produce locally, you conserve all the extra energy that is used for transporting the food. It also provides a steady income to the farmers, which means they are able to keep their land. Less development + more land = better for the environment. Prices are often better, too, since you’re buying what’s in season and cutting out the middle man.
2. Give all-natural homemade cleaners a try! Many people use basic vinegar and baking soda for all types of home cleaners. Just Google “natural homemade cleaners” to get some great recipes. You’ll keep toxic chemicals out of your home and save money by not buying the brand name cleaners.
3. Re-use what you already have. We often forget just how much we have on-hand. Be creative! There is no need to spend money when you have something perfectly suitable at home. Use grocery plastic bags as lunch sacks, garbage can liners, and more. Turn old t-shirts into purses, reusable bags, and even cloth jewelry. Pinterest is full of great ideas like this!
4. Lights out. Keep your lights turned off when you’re not using them. Going along with that, unplug what you’re not using very often. You’ll save energy AND money by doing this.
5. Shop the thrift stores. Again, you’ll be saving tons of transportation energy costs by not shopping the major chains. You’ll also be “recycling” something, rather than letting it go to waste when it’s still in perfectly okay condition. Not to mention, you’ll save tons of money on clothes and be giving your money towards a great cause. Most thrift stores support women’s or homeless shelters.
6. Plant a garden. Another fabulous alternative for saving money on produce!
7. Recycle. It’s a simple way to make an environmental difference, and it costs nothing. Most communities offer recycling services free of charge. And while we’re on the subject of recycling…be sure to check out Recycle Bank for some hot coupons and rewards for going green!
8. Skip out on meat at least one day a week. Even if it’s just “Meatless Monday” for dinner, it’s a great idea. Meat production uses TONS of land and water. You save more water by not eating a pound of beef than you do by not showering for an entire year. One acre of land produces 17 times more vegetable protein than it does meat protein. You’d be surprised just how much of an environmental difference you can make by skipping out on meat every so often.
9. Combine your car trips. Leave early. Don’t be in such a rush. All of these tips save you money on gas, and reduce pollution from gas-powered vehicles.
10. Insulate your water heater. This is one of those upfront costs that is WELL worth it in the long-run. With the colder weather setting in, your water heater is one of the biggest opportunities for saving energy. And your wallet will thank your lowered energy bill.
Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!
I disclose : There may be affiliate links in this post.
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There’s a great email going around right now about buying local for Christmas to support local businesses rather than Chinese factories. Another benefit is that buying local for Christmas is green for the reasons you mentioned above.
Since I do everything on your list, I’ll have to pop over and check out your site, Meg! I love finding new sites to read.
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