It’s all about money. With an ever-increasing focus on sustainability in today’s businesses, schools, and media, the vast majority of today’s North American population is realizing how influential we as humans are on our precious planet. So why doesn’t everyone shop organic and ditch their cars already? The answer always comes back to money.
When asked about the most difficult part of being eco-friendly, an overwhelming majority of people cite price as a push factor away from making sustainable choices. It’s true that reducing the impact of a product on the environment may not always be cost-effective, but that doesn’t mean money should be an obstacle to sustainability. You can go green without breaking the bank, and in fact, many eco-friendly choices can actually save you money!
Here’s how:
Reduce consumption:
This may be the single most effective way to save money while reducing your impact on the environment at the same time. Reduce energy consumption by slipping on a sweater instead of cranking the thermostat. Reduce electricity consumption by ditching the TV in favor of a game of soccer in the backyard with the kids. Reduce water consumption by taking shorter showers. Reduce pollution by walking or biking to work. Reduce packaging by not buying bottled water and by buying in bulk. Many companies (especially those selling such products as detergent) also sell concentrated products to reduce packaging. The list goes on, if you’re willing to make the adjustments in your life.
Think efficiency:
Going green while saving money doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love and live in a forest. The innovation made possible by modern technology allows us to make product choices that are just more efficient with energy, materials, and other things that cost money. It may seem counter intuitive that spending money will save you money. But if you invest in CFLs you will save money on your utility bills while reducing your energy consumption. If you buy rechargeable batteries, you could save hundreds of dollars over time and save hundreds of batteries from being disposed of in the landfill.
Take advantage of government incentives:
Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for incentives like tax rebates if you take proactive measures to reduce your impact on the environment. Contact your federal, provincial, state, and regional governments to see what programs are in place to reward you for your green choices!
DIY:
Getting crafty is a great way to go green and save money. Don’t go to a commercial retailer and buy gifts that are made in a sweatshop, pollute the planet, and/or are harmful to the recipient. Re-gift or make something special out of discarded or re-used items. You can do the same with your food preparation habits too. Instead of buying products laced with chemicals and wrapped in excessive packaging, start buying ingredients and cooking your meals from scratch! Keep going; how about building your own furniture? People are always giving away free wood that is going to be thrown out anyway. Preparing something from scratch generally is more cost-effective than buying it from a store, has less impact on the environment, and is better for your health. There are countless resources on the Internet that can offer tips and instruction on anything from baking cakes to constructing chairs.
You know the importance of our impact on the environment, and we know how to go about reducing it. Now you can do it without paying an excessive financial cost. You don’t need to buy an electric car and organic everything to be green. Most importantly, you don’t need to lose money. In fact, you can save it and still know you are doing your part to contribute to a better tomorrow.
