More and more people are becoming sensitized to the plight of our ailing planet, and so they decide to go green.
It might seem as if this is out of reach when you are on a tight budget, after all, aren’t many eco-friendly products much more expensive than the regular ones? Sometimes. However, thinking ecological can make you change the way you do things, and ultimately these new habits can be beneficial not only for the environment but, surprisingly, for your wallet as well.
Here are 5 examples of “green” habits to adopt that can help you stretch your budget:
Switching Coffee Filters
How many disposable coffee filters do you use every week? A dozen? Maybe more? Why not purchase a filter that is reusable instead? There are many kinds out there, and they are surprisingly inexpensive.
Re-use Freezer Bags
Freezer bags are very sturdy, so why throw them away after only one use? Instead, wash, dry and reuse them. You can save time by turning your freezer bags inside out and throwing them in the dishwasher along with the dishes. Just be sure to place the bags on the top rack, and to anchor them securely, so they don’t move around.
DIY Cleaning Products
Instead of buying all-purpose cleaners, make your own at a fraction of the cost. You can find DIY cleaning product recipes on the internet. Most use a combination of vinegar and water, to which a few drops of essential oils might be added. If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, you can find recipes that do without, for example, those that use a mix of castile soap and baking soda.
Paper Towels
Though paper towels are generally compostable, they are not the eco-friendliest household items since they use a lot of water and energy to make, and they are one-time use only. If you don’t want to stop buying them altogether, you can at least cut down drastically on the amount you need by using a rag to wipe up liquids and other messes.
Repurpose Glass Jars
Don’t get rid of glass food jars. Once they’ve been washed, they can make for convenient storage containers. For example, you can use them to store leftover liquids in the refrigerator, or for dry foods in the pantry. You can even use them to sort various small trinkets around the house, thus keeping cupboards and drawers tidy.
These are just a few things that you can do to take your first steps towards a greener life. As we have seen, it isn’t so hard. All you need to do is begin with a few small changes and eventually, it will become a way of life. Not only will you be doing something positive for the environment, but you’ll be saving money.