Most everyone has heard scientists sounding the alarm regarding pollution and climate change. Even those who disagree with these assertions admit that producing less waste is an integral step that individuals and society can take to make the world a more beautiful place to live. Moreover, reducing one’s carbon footprint can positively impact an individual’s wealth. Many believe that making lifestyle changes to benefit the environment will be costly and inconvenient. In many cases, this belief is untrue. There are a myriad of ways to be more eco-friendly while saving both time and money. Changes such as scaling back on single-use plastic, re-thinking modes of transportation, and reducing water usage are key to living a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly life. Read on to learn about five simple changes you can make today!
1) Swap Bottled Water for a Reusable Container
More than 60 million single-use water bottles end up in landfills or incinerators each day. What’s more, the process of bottling this water releases inordinate amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If that alone isn’t enough reason to stop buying bottled water, studies show that tap water is, on average, 3000 percent less expensive than bottled water. What’s more, filling up a water bottle at your sink or a water fountain is a huge time-saver when compared to driving to the store to buy more bottles. By simply carrying around a reusable water bottle, you can save quite a bit of money while keeping some of those bottles out of the landfill.
2) Choose Reusable Bags and Containers Over Plastic Baggies
Reducing the amount of single-use plastic in the world will prove to be a major environmental game-changer. In the same vein as swapping bottled water for tap, choosing reusable containers over plastic baggies can have an enormous environmental and financial impact. Single-use baggies seem convenient, but switching to washable, reusable baggies is quite simple. They’re sold in almost every major big-box store, and they’re fairly easy to wash by turning them inside out. If you’re averse to washing out baggies, small reusable plastic, glass, or metal containers are another option for snacks and storage that you can toss in the dishwasher when dirty. The cost-savings of using reusable items will only increase over time.
3) Carpool When Possible
The number of vehicles on the road increases each year. Scientists have shown the process of refining fuel and carbon dioxide released from automobiles are two of the leading causes of pollution and climate change. By ride-sharing to work, restaurants, sporting events, and more, you can drastically reduce your carbon footprint, not to mention save valuable dollars on gas. Moreover, carpooling can prove to be much more convenient and time-saving than driving solo, especially for families with children.
4) Utilize Public and Alternative Modes of Transportation
In addition to carpooling, utilizing busses, train systems, and bicycles are additional ways that you can help Mother Earth while also padding your pocketbook. Bicycling is the number one money-saver and the most environmentally friendly idea listed. Of course, your ability to bike to work may be limited by weather or distance, but even swapping out one car trip per week can have a big impact. Some employers will even reimburse their employees for using environmentally-conscious modes of transportation.
5) Reduce the Amount of Water You Use
Water isn’t free, and reducing your water usage is one of the most effective changes you can make to save money and the planet. One easy way to cut back on the amount of water you use is to shower less. While that may seem outrageous to some, hairstylists and dermatologists agree that it isn’t necessary to wash your hair every day. Try reducing showers to an every-other-day regimen at first. A simple towel bath on off-days can keep you looking, feeling, and smelling clean while reducing the amount of water you use. If showering every day is an absolute must, keep them short and only wash hair every-other-day. Another easy way to conserve water is to decrease the amount of time spent watering grass. You may experience a lawn that is a bit more dry, but your wallet and the earth will thank you.
The ideas outlined here are some of the simplest and most convenient steps you can take to help the environment. What’s more, each of these changes can positively impact your financial bottom line by saving quite a bit of money in the long run. By swapping out single-use plastic for more sustainable options, re-thinking the way you transport yourself from one place to another, and cutting back on water usage, you can have an immediate impact on the world around you.