Earth-Friendly Checklist: How to Be a Green Consumer on a Budget

You don’t have to be a rich millionaire to do your part to save the environment. The biggest myth is that it is expensive to be a green consumer. However, by investing in green products and eco-friendly technology, you can save money while doing your part to reduce the earth’s carbon footprint.

1. Trade in your vehicle for an electric, hybrid car

If you’re tired of spending hundreds of dollars each month towards gasoline costs, it might be time to invest in an electric/hybrid car. With hybrid cars, you can get up to 35% better gas mileage than gas-guzzling cars. Not only do hybrid cars save money at the gas pump, but some companies offer their employees incentives for driving hybrid vehicles. There are also federal and state programs that give discounts to drivers who own hybrid cars (including federal tax breaks).

2. Use energy-efficient appliances in your home

Before making a big appliance purchase for your home, check energy labels as you shop. Large items such as refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines and dryers suck a lot of energy. Energy efficient appliances will save you on energy bills in the future.

3. Install solar technology in your home

Save money by installing solar panels on your home roof. Solar panels efficiently use the sun’s energy to replace traditional energy sources, and can reduce your utility bills between 50 and 90 percent per year. If you want to save even more money, look into replacing your traditional water heater with a solar alternative.

4. Opt for LED lighting

LED (light-emitting diode) lights deliver a single wavelength of light when electrically charged. As a result, LED lights use less energy and can last up to 30,000 hours compared to a standard incandescent light bulb (only lasts between 750 to 1,500 hours). If your home is large and you require a lot of lighting, LED lighting is a wise investment.

5. Grow your own food

Food prices, especially produce prices, continue to rise. If you want to cut back on your food costs, plant a vegetable garden. Even if you don’t have the space in your yard to plant a big garden, grow herbs and smaller vegetables (i.e. tomato plants) in pots and window boxes. 

6. Reduce your energy usage at home

Cut back your energy usage throughout the day. Take shorter showers to reduce hot water consumption or wash your clothes in cold water. It’s important not to run big appliances (i.e. washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers) during peak daylight hours. Wait until the evening to wash clothes or dishes. Invest in energy-efficient blinds and drapery to keep your home warm during winter and cool during hot summer months.

7. Make money by recycling

Make money by returning glass, plastic, and aluminum to your local recycling center. Check out the centers to see how much they pay per pound for recyclables. Look into e-waste days in your local community – many e-waste programs take anything from leftover paint to old computers.

8. Use alternative transportation

If you want to save extra money and commute to and from work or school, look into alternative transportation such as trains, buses, or walk or bike to your destination (weather-permitting). Not only will you save money but you are reducing the carbon footprint by leaving your car at home.

Sam Jones the author of this article always recommends people visit uSwitch.com when looking for green deal providers to manage their green deal scheme.