Let’s talk about green living. What was once viewed as a trendy buzzword has become an important concept for modern sustainable lifestyles. Green living is often seen as investing in solar panels and hybrid cars, but the reality is that it’s so much more than this. Green living is about embracing everyday habits that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet – and when done right, they don’t have to break the bank.
If you’re one to skim over most of the green living advice you see, we want to ask you to reconsider. There is an incredible wealth of information available that prioritizes sustainability, resourcefulness, and efficiency, all while benefiting your wallet.
Here are a few of the top ways that following green living advice can put less stress on your budget and contribute to a healthier environment.
Saving Energy at Home
The first stop on this journey is home. It’s where most of us spend the majority of our time. Energy consumption is one of the biggest expenses for most households, and it has a significant environmental impact.
Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
One of the simplest steps anyone can take to embrace green living at home is switching to LED light bulbs. These lightbulbs use less energy and last significantly longer than traditional light bulbs, which means a double bonus for the wallet.
When it’s time to upgrade appliances, go for those that are rated as being energy-efficient. An Energy Star certification is a good indicator that an appliance meets energy-efficient criteria. Upgrading from a standard older-model appliance to a new energy-efficient option can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
Smart Home Technology
Smart technology has done wonders for simplifying life at home. When it comes to green living, investing in a smart thermostat is a way to optimize heating and cooling in your home. Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust the temperature in your home automatically. No more fussing with the thermostat, and no more wasted energy while you’re away from home.
Today, many utility companies are on board with supporting smart thermostats by offering rebates for homeowners who choose to install them.
Home Insulations and Sealing
It’s always smart to check doors and windows for draftiness, regardless of the climate you live in. Even the smallest gap can cause a spike in energy usage, especially during times when heating or cooling systems are running frequently.
Green Living in the Kitchen
While we’re looking at green living advice for the home, let’s take a detour to the kitchen. In many households, the kitchen is considered the heart of the home. It’s also a hotspot for waste generation.
Reduced Food Waste
Food waste is a concerning issue on a global scale. It’s estimated that 2.5 billion tons of food are wasted around the world every year. The United States alone is responsible for wasting as much as 60 million tons. While there is a great deal of industrial and commercial food waste, the amount that comes from our own kitchens is astounding.
Each of us can take steps to change this. For example, planning meals and using leftovers creatively, rather than throwing them away. Composting organic waste is another way to manage food waste, and it helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil rather than contributing to the load on landfills.
Energy-Efficient Cooking
Certain methods of cooking are more energy efficient than others. For example, appliances like slow cookers, pressure cookers, and convection ovens often consume less energy than traditional oven or stove top preparations. As mentioned above, investing in energy-efficient appliances also helps to reduce overall energy usage.
We can also become more creative when finding ways to save energy while cooking. For example, covering a pot or pan while cooking helps to prevent the heat from escaping and can speed up the cooking process. This might not work for a delicate or complex dish, but for simple foods, it’s a great way to conserve a little energy.
Reducing Water Usage All-Around
Water is a precious resource that many of us take for granted. Here are a few ways to reduce water usage both indoors and outdoors year-round.
Low-Flow Fixtures
Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads is a small investment that homeowners, and even renters, can make to significantly reduce their water usage over time. These types of fixtures are designed to reduce water flow, without compromising performance. Most people begin to see an immediate return on their investment with their first water bill.
Smart irrigation Systems
If you have a home garden, a smart irrigation system is an effective green living tool. Smart irrigation systems are capable of monitoring the moisture level of soil and weather conditions to water plants only as needed.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a simple green living habit that anyone can do, regardless of their available space. Homeowners can choose a more elaborate rainwater harvesting system, but even apartment dwellers with small patio or balcony space can take advantage of the water Mother Nature provides.
Collected rainwater can be used for many different purposes, from watering plants to washing cars.
The Transportation Dilemma: Saving Fuel and Reducing Emissions
Transportation is a significant contributor to outdoor pollution. This includes the burning of fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide into the air. While it would be impossible to eliminate all forms of modern transportation, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their greenhouse gas contributions, while saving money at the same time.
Carpooling & Public Transit
Consider if carpooling or public transit is an option for your daily transportation needs. Carpooling is often an appropriate option for work, school, or social events where multiple people are traveling to the same destination. For the average commute, carpooling can save the typical commuter as much as $500 or more in fuel costs each year.
Those who live in areas with good public transportation systems, consider using it for the majority of your transportation needs. This is a great way to lower fuel consumption and emissions – not to mention eliminating the stress of driving on crowded roadways.
Automobile Maintenance
Keeping your automobile in good working condition improves overall fuel efficiency. Regular engine tune-ups, oil changes, and tire inflation all improve fuel economy. For individuals who are unable to commit to carpooling, public transit, or biking/walking, automobile maintenance is to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
How Green Living Benefits the Planet
The financial benefits of following green living advice are easy to see. By adopting just a few green living habits, most people are able to experience the financial perks almost immediately. However, the benefits to the planet are less tangible and take longer to realize. However, they are not small benefits by any means.
For example, when we reduce our waste and conserve energy and water, we’re taking steps to protect the planet’s finite natural resources. This benefit may not always be seen in a single person’s lifetime, but it does significantly affect future generations.
Lower energy consumption, less waste, and fewer emissions also contribute to a reduced carbon footprint – both individuals and collectively. This is an important step for mitigating current and future climate change.
Making Green Living a Daily Habit
Adopting green living habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one or two small changes that fit easily into your lifestyle. From there, gradually make more changes that are both sustainable and economically beneficial. One by one, these cost- effective efforts add up and create a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable planet.
