One of the biggest reasons that people don’t jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon sooner, is the idea that it costs too much money to do so.
This is absolutely NOT TRUE.
Although some things may cost more money up front, the long-term benefits will have you saving a bundle.
Here are 5 affordable ways can maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle, no matter what your budget is.
5 Affordable Ways For An Eco-Conscious Lifestyle
Grow Your Own Food
Instead of making daily trips to the grocery store, try starting a garden to grow your own fruits and veggies. Not only will you save some of your hard-earned cash, you ensure that your food is not full of pesticides and other toxins, that are sometimes found in grocery store produce.
Take a look at what vegetables and/or fruits you buy most often at the store and start there. You can always add more over time.
It’s a great way to stay active outside and save on gas money as well.
Mix Your Own Cleaning Products
Instead of buying toxic commercial cleaners at the store, try using what you have at home. In fact, Dakoa has a handy article with DIY cleaning products recipes right here, and they’re all toxin free, of course.
Most of the necessary ingredients are probably already in your possession – vinegar, baking soda, lemon, water, etc. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and you can still clean and sanitize your home with the best of them. Only this time, you’ll be doing it in a much healthier way, saving yourself some money in the process.
Shop Used First
Checking out the secondhand shops are a great way to save money and bring new life to items that other people have discarded. By doing so, you reduce the amount of time, energy, raw materials and processing that it takes to create something brand new.
You’ll be able to find everything from electronics to kitchen appliances to clothing and shoes – it’s a gold mine that will save you big bucks, and you’re doing your part to make sure resources don’t have to be used unnecessarily.
And while most people focus on the Recycling portion of the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), it’s Reduce that has the greatest impact. Most people, statistically, choose only to recycle because it’s easy.
Change Up Your Daily Habits
You can easily be more eco-friendly by changing up some of your daily habits – and it doesn’t cost a thing.
We often overlook the simple ways we can impact the environment and conserve energy just by turning off the lights when we leave a room or adjusting the heat/air conditioning a couple degrees.
How often do you leave the water running while you’re doing dishes or throw items away in the trash instead of the recycling bin?
Take a look at your overall day and see where you can make small changes in your routine.
In the long run, it will make a big difference and save you some money in the process.
Always Reuse When You Can
Instead of spending more money on items that are just going to make their way to the landfill, find alternatives that you can re-use over and over again.
Avoid plastic water bottles that get trashed after one use, try a glass water bottle that you can take with you wherever you go.
Invest in a travel mug or thermos for coffee to reduce the amount of waste and energy necessary for reheating over and over again.
Instead of throwing old t-shirts away, cut them up and make them into cleaning rags.
Get creative and see what you can repurpose and reuse in your own home – it’s a small way to make a big impact on the environment and your bank account.
There are so many ways to go green without breaking the budget. With a little creativity and a few simple changes to your normal routine, you’ll be living an eco-friendly lifestyle in no time.