Some politicians will tell you that being green means spending more money. Not true if you ask me. In fact, becoming a little more environmentally-friendly is often the way to save yourself some green.
In a recent Treehugger post, Frugal Green Living: Save $1000 Using These 6 Tips, writer Colin Dunn suggests the following:
- Hang your laundry out to dry
- Eat more veggies and less meat
- Set your thermostat wisely
- Convince your boss to let you work four (slightly longer) days a week
- Walk or bike on one trip that’s two miles round-trip/week
- Make your own all-purpose cleaner
For a breakdown of how Dunn came to the $1000 figure, you’ll have to read the whole article. Obviously, not everyone will come away with the same results. If you already pack your lunch, you probably won’t save the $10/week from working four days a week. If you live in a climate like I do, winter forces you to put away your bikes and turn up the thermostat.
Commenters on the blog have also pointed out that meat is actually cheaper than many fruits and vegetables. I suggest replacing meat with beans instead of vegetables all the time. They provide protein, are filling and are much cheaper than meat.
My favourite way to be eco-friendly and economic is to carry around my Sigg water bottle. At $25, it wasn’t cheap, but I haven’t bought a single bottle of water since I got it months ago. It also stops me from buying juice or pop. I estimate this simple act has saved me $2/weekday. That’s $10/week and $40/month.
What are your favourite ways to cut costs and your carbon footprint?
4 comments
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October 7, 2008 at 6:01 am
Karis Dillon
I totally agree. It is those small steps that, when added together by everyone (such as saving natural resources….water, gas, electricity…and avoiding unnecessary journies, packaging, etc), that reduce our carbon footprint and save money as well. During these times of global warming and financial meltdown there are many small steps that can have a big impact on the future.
I liked your idea about getting a quality water bottle…there’s so much packaging wasted from those impulsive drinks bought whilst out and about!
October 8, 2008 at 11:16 am
Squawkfox
I find most frugal things ARE green. Here are my fav frugal greenies:
1. Beans, beans, and beans.
2. Cloth reusable shopping bags.
3. The Diva Cup (if you’re a girl).
4. Rain Barrels for the garden (we have well water).
5. Buying fruits and veggies from the farmer’s market (surprise, they are less expensive than the grocery store).
October 10, 2008 at 9:13 pm
nancy (aka money coach)
I’m lucky in that I can *walk* to work. It takes about 15-20 minutes, and rain/snow/sleet/hail I make sure I do. No carbon footprint, no expense, and a bit of time each day to think. How great is that?
October 16, 2008 at 10:43 am
andreachiu
Karis: Impulsive drinks are what makes a quick lunch in the food court $7 instead of $5. It’s worth investing in the water bottle.
Squawk: I agree most frugal things are green. I admit I’ve got lots of reusable shopping bags but I often forget them at home. Gotta work on that one.
Nancy: Yes, I’m very lucky too and the 30 minute walks to and from work make me feel a little less guilty about my irregular exercise. I like to load up on podcasts for the walk. It makes the time go by much quicker.