Save Green by Going Green

Ask the right questions, and most people will agree that they’d like to do more to make a difference in the environment. Dwindling natural resources, toxic emissions, and finite fossil fuel sources are a big concern for a large number of American households. Unfortunately, many of those same families are also under the mistaken impression that it costs too much to make green changes in their everyday lives.
The reality is that wasted resources, be it on a global scale or in your own home, are tantamount to wasted money. Making simple, eco-conscious changes in your life today will not only cost little, (and in many cases are completely free) but can save your family a great deal of money over the course of the year. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to save some green by making greener choices:

Reuse, Reduce, Freecycle

One of the simplest ways to shave hundreds off your family’s budget is to take a look at the things you’re already throwing away or purchasing to see what can be repurposed, rented, borrowed, or freecycled instead.

Before tackling your next home improvement project, consider renting or borrowing power tools instead of buying – especially if it’s something you don’t see yourself using again very often. If you’ve already got a garage full of power tools collecting dust, don’t feel bad about putting them up for sale or even giving them away. It’s a great way to swap materials with someone who may be looking for just the thing you’re not using.

Take a similar approach to outgrown children’s clothing, books, movies, toys, or other things you have sitting around the house. Before tossing them into a landfill and buying replacements, consider swapping with someone who might have what you need.

Make Use of the Carpool Lane

Did you know that you can save upwards of $2,000 a year on gas by finding a buddy to commute with? Additionally, you’ll be sparing the environment the need to fill up extra tanks of gas, as well as fuel emissions. Factor in the fact that your car will last longer because it’s not on the road as much, has a smaller chance of being in an accident, lower maintenance costs and slower depreciation of your vehicle with less mileage, and there’s really no good reason not to carpool.

Create DIY Cleaning Products

When you consider what you spend over the course of a year on floor cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, bathroom cleansers, air fresheners, window wash, and everything else it takes to keep your home clean and fresh, it might surprise you to realize just how much it costs. More surprising still is the fact that most of these cleaning supplies can be replaced with nontoxic, affordable, easily available products.

Stock up on basics like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol and a few empty spray bottles, and you can easily mix up a huge variety of your own cleaning and laundry products – at a fraction of the cost. Plus, these green cleaners are environmentally friendly, which is better for the Earth and your whole family.

Eat In

One of the easiest and fastest ways to begin saving money the green way is to brown bag your lunch, brew your coffee at home, and make dinner in your own kitchen. Eating out on a regular basis can cost the average family thousands a year, not to mention the excess waste created by drive-thru packaging, driving around town, and wasted food that spoils in your fridge while you grab a burger instead.

Bio

Laura Ginn is as keen as everyone else when it comes to saving the planet and saving money, which is why she is always looking for the best green deal. uSwitch.com offer a price comparison site which bring together all of the best green energy suppliers so you can make an informed choice.