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Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, the best part about it, other than the relief you provide to the environment, is cutting costs. From saving money on your monthly transport costs to utilizing the services of solar energy providers, including AGL to save on your home energy bill, the cost savings are significant.
You can cut down on the amount of waste you create, saving on your rubbish costs, save money on clothes, books, and toys by choosing to reuse and buy previously loved items and get healthier through buying local and not over-shopping. It’s all about making smart and green choices for you and your family.
There are many simple ways to stay within your monthly budget and you can even save money by following a few simple steps that will improve your sustainable lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at how you can remain sustainable without blowing your budget.
Turn Off the Lights
Keeping the lights off when you don’t need them is one of the easiest ways you can reduce your energy use. Buy low wattage or eco-friendly light bulbs and consider other means, like candles, or small nightlights if there’s someone at home who needs a small light, like children or an elderly family member.
Air-Dry Your Clothes
Nothing beats the smell of freshly dried clothes, that smell of sunshine and simple fresh air. Hanging the clothes outside to dry can save a lot of money. If you don’t have space for a clothesline in the yard, consider setting up a clothes horse inside instead. There are plenty of lightweight, folding options that are easy to store when you’re not using them so they don’t take over your space.
Always Unplug
Many appliances continue to use power, even when they are shut off. Appliances that have clocks, timers or other features that are always on can use up more energy than needed. Also, keep your appliances in good working order and replaces older ones that can drain power, choosing the more eco-friendly options.
Buy Used
Gently loved clothing and other items can save a lot of money and keep more things out of the landfill. Finding a shop that will take your items for trade-in is the perfect way to unload items you are not using or no longer fit, and can also let you find that perfect vintage jacket for a fraction of the price at a pricey brand name store.
Reconsider Your Car
If you can get away without using the car, perfect. Walking is great for you, and the environment, and can help you to stay healthy and feel great. If you need to go a little further afield, take your bike. It saves money, is great exercise and can be a great time-saver, as well, especially when it comes to looking for parking. Public transport is a great green option and often, the best show in town.
Eat Better
There are ways to eat all the foods you love and remain kind to the environment. First, plan. Make up menus for the weeks, including lunches for the kids and even snacks. Then, make the grocery list for all the items you need and stick to it. Make larger meals that you can divide up and freeze for easy meals during the week, or lunches and reduce your food waste and your shopping bill.
Buy Local
Visit your local farmer’s market and get all your meats and produce from them. You will find the freshest options and you are not contributing to the fuel used transport food brought in from overseas. Also, try to buy foods that are in season, as fruit out of season will be less fresh and far more expensive. Support your community and local farmer and everyone wins.
Remain Sustainable Without Spending a Fortune
Take a look around your home and you will find quickly more ways to maintain a sustainable lifestyle without spending too much money. Getting rid of things that you don’t need and don’t use and reusing items for their original use or repurposing them is a great way to stretch the household budget.
Take some time to educate yourself on how you can be more sustainable and you will see a vast improvement. A few simple steps can go a long way and they won’t have to cost you the earth.