Being eco-friendly is good for the Earth, of course, but did you know it can also be good for your wallet?
If a tight budget has made you feel like you can’t live a sustainable lifestyle, check out these 5 tips on how to save money while being eco-friendly!
1. Make Your Own Cleaning Products at Home
One way to be eco-friendly on a budget is to start making your own cleaning products at home!
For an all-purpose cleaner, all you need is a refillable glass spray bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, and, if you like, essential oil to add a fresh scent.
Did you know vinegar is also a natural ant repellant? Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar, shake it up, and use as you would any other ant spray. Spritz on common entry points*, then wipe with a (reusable!) towel.
*Vinegar can damage certain surfaces, like wood flooring and door frames. Be sure that it is heavily diluted, and consider adding olive oil or another oil to your cleaning mixture to avoid damage from the acidity. For that matter, always be sure to identify the material of a surface and look up how to properly care for it before you apply a cleaner of any kind.
2. Conserve Water and Electricity
A simple way to save money while being eco-friendly is to turn off things you’re not using.
Many people forget to shut off the lights when they leave a room, but it’s easy to get into the habit – especially when you remember it’ll save on your electricity bill!
Similarly, when you’re doing things like washing your hands, doing the dishes, or brushing your teeth, don’t let the water run the entire time.
Did you know that about 2.5 gallons of water flow from your sink every minute?
If you take a full 2 minutes to brush your teeth after you’ve wet your toothbrush (which is the recommended amount of time), you’ll end up letting 5 gallons go down the drain if you keep that sink running!
3. Save on Gas by Walking, Biking, or Taking the Bus
With the wild fluctuations in gas prices recently, it’s no wonder people are considering other ways to get around.
If you want to decrease your contribution to pollution and increase your savings, try walking, biking, or taking public transportation to get where you need to go!
Carpooling is another great option; ask your friends or coworkers if they’d be interested in starting a carpooling system to save on gas.
4. Air-Dry Your Laundry
If you have the time (and the space in your home) to air-dry your laundry, it can save you a lot of money to avoid that electric dryer!
Try laying out (or hanging up) your clothes, sheets, and other laundry.
That fresh scent of clean laundry airing out will make your home (and you!) feel that much brighter! (And the savings on your electricity bill is sure to brighten your mood, too!)
Not only that, but air-drying your clothes is gentler on the fabric, meaning your favorite shirt won’t wear out as quickly.
5. Switch to Reusable Products
How many paper towels do you throw away in a month?
What about plastic bags?
What if you could save money and Earth’s resources by switching to reusable products?
Put an end to those last-minute “oops, I forgot to pick up more ___” trips to the grocery store, and have these items on hand once and for all:
- Napkins - Whether you’ve spilled orange juice on the counter or there’s applesauce all over your toddler’s face, reusable napkins are a great way to clean up without going through half a dozen sheets of paper.
- Facial tissues - Consider swapping your paper tissues for a pack of reusable tissues, kept in their own sanitary case and easily washable!
- Food containers - Instead of plastic baggies, switch to these snack and sandwich containers!
- Shopping bags - With many states charging fees for grocery bags (or eliminating them altogether), why not be ahead of the game with reusable ones? They’re sturdier than the cheap plastic you’ll find in stores, and come in so many fun colors!
- Menstrual products - Many period-havers will testify to the life-changing wonder of menstrual cups, or reusable pads and liners. Which one(s) will work best for you?
Hopefully, some of these ideas have inspired and empowered you to prioritize the well-being of both the planet and your finances!
About the Author: Riley is a lifestyle design content writer. They run the website Live By Your Design, a blog that empowers people to live an authentic life according to their values and dreams. You’ll find more eco-friendly tips on their blog, as well as other ideas on how to live a life that feels best for you.
