Why is it that the things supposedly good for you are often more expensive? Whether it’s food, home appliances, or gym memberships, it can be tough to make positive changes when you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank in your goal to go green and reduce your carbon footprint. Sure, there are some methods of eco-friendliness that are more costly than others, but there are also plenty of ways that going green can save you money. Here are a few examples:
Reduce Water Flow
Sink aerators and low-flow shower heads are two ways to reduce excess water flow in your home. They’re both reasonably cheap and easy to install. Once they’re installed, they can actually save you a bit of money by helping to lower your water bills. They also help the environment by conserving water that you don’t need. You won’t have any less water than you need, you just won’t have to worry about the extra.
Change the Way You Do Laundry
How often do you do laundry? You may be able to cut that down by waiting until you have a full load of laundry and washing it all then. You can also wash your clothes in cold water. These tips will reduce the energy used in your home, but they’ll also lower your water and utilities bill. You can save more energy and money by skipping the dryer cycle and instead line drying your clothes.
Clean the Back of Your Fridge
We don’t often think of the back of our refrigerators. Once they’re installed, that’s that, it seems. In reality, though, the back of your fridge can collect dust and debris that eventually makes it harder to operate. Even if it doesn’t break down, that extra effort that it needs in order to run will show up on your energy bill. Save energy — and the money you spend on energy — by taking a little time to clean the back of your fridge to help it run more efficiently.
Grow A Produce Garden
Organic produce at the grocery store can be on the pricey end, but when you grow your own organic produce, you don’t have to pay a thing. You also don’t have to take into consideration the energy spent in transportation. You just plant the seeds, nurture them, and when you’re ready to eat pick them out of your own backyard. Not only is this a green solution and a money saver, but it’s incredibly convenient.
Upcycle and Reuse
We’ve talked before about reusing old bottles or containers, as well as upcycling — the act of converting old junk into something new. Reusing old butter containers will save you the cost of tupperware and such, while wine bottles can be used as rustic vases or even storage of sorts. You can even find groups online dedicated to sharing the things they no longer need with each other so that those who need them can get them and they don’t have to throw things away.
Need another affordable way to go green? At Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling, when you subscribe to our low monthly payment for trash pickup, we’ll also offer a complimentary recycling bin, making it easy and affordable to recycle plastics 1-7 along with all the usual recycling materials. To sign up or learn more information, contact us today.
