You might have been wondering "how can I save money and go green?" Here are my top ten tips to save money while enjoying a greener lifestyle. My motto has always been: don't spend money to save money.
MY TOP #3
- Pack Waste Free School/Work Lunches: Waste free lunches are great for the environment and for your pocketbook. A typical lunch at a fast food restaurant can cost upwards of $5.00 each, and school lunches are not always the best choice for your children. In our school district they give children "gasp" greasy pizza, chips and soda! You will need a pvc free lunch bag or box, a cloth napkin, a BPA free water bottle, reusable containers, BPA free sandwich wraps, reusable utensils (fork spoon knife.*) *check with school district Don't blow your budget, just do your homework, all the above items can be found around your home or purchased inexpensively.
- Change your lightbulbs: If you haven't changed to using Compact Fluorescent bulbs consider it. If every household replaced just three 60-watt incandescent bulbs with CF bulbs, the pollution savings would be like taking 3.5 million vehicles off the road. On average a home will save about $47.00. CONCERNS> CF bulbs do contain trace amounts of mercury. But don't worry — there is far less mercury in CFs than in thermometers or even old thermostats. Years from now when they burn out and you can recycle them. Visit Recycleabulb to find your closest recycling location.
- Coupons: Yes couponing does take a little time but it can pay off!
- Make your own laundry soap and cleaning supplies: find links on side bar
- Don't buy bottled water, filter tap water and fill-up a reusable water bottle.
- Use real dishes and avoid disposable products such as plates, cups, napkins and cutlery.
- Defrost fridge and freezer: freezers work best when near capacity and fridge no more than 3/4 full also check seals and clean coils.
- Fix leaks a leaky sink that drips 1 drop per second wastes 3,000 gallons of water a year.. so fix it! Toilets can leak up to 200 gallons a day check toilet by adding cranberry juice to toilet wait 15 minutes if you see pink you have a leak then flush the toilet to avoid stains. Replacement parts are cheap, it is a EASY FIX!
- Use reusable towels and dishcloths in place of paper towels and disposable dish sponges.