Going Green Can Get Pricey: How to Go Green Without Spending too Much Green
Although “going green” is now a culturally acceptable and highly desirable lifestyle, some are still resisting the eco-friendly craze because they fear that it will cost them too much money. Yes, some green practices can actually save you money, but you have to spend a substantial amount of money first. People pay a lot for energy efficient appliances, solar panels, or other maintenance or installations around the home that will save them money later down the road, but are hefty investments to begin with. If you haven’t joined the green craze yet because you worry that being eco-friendly will not be so friendly on your wallet, there is still hope. If you want to start small, there are plenty of environmentally friendly practices you can implement into your daily life without spending too much money. Read ahead for a few ideas of how you can go green without wasting any green (money.)
Go Paperless
One option you may want to consider is going paperless, which is an option that many companies are now offering. You can talk to your electric company, phone company and internet provider about the option of going digital when it comes to your statements, payments, etc. Once you start going paperless, you may realize that there are plenty of ways to go digital in other areas of your life, and soon all of your tasks will be much more organized and efficient. Switching to paperless is an easy way to help the environment, and it won’t cost you a cent.
Back to The Basics
Before products like napkins, paper towels, paper plates, and other paper products were invented, what did people use? Were they sitting there wishing these kinds of products existed? Perhaps, but they used more eco-friendly methods. You can purchase cloth rags and drying towels instead of using the paper alternative. The price of these paper alternatives may be slightly higher, but these cloth items will last a long time and can easily be thrown in the wash. You’ll be surprised at how much you save by eliminating napkins, paper towels, and paper plates from your grocery list.
Insulation Inspiration
Keeping yourself warm can use up a lot of energy, especially if your home is not insulated. You can insulate your home properly insulated by installing specific types of linings within your walls and floors. You should pay professionals to insulate your home, however once the home is insulated you will get your money back by the money you save on electricity bills. If you want an even cheaper way to insulate your home, consider investing in a few rugs. Rugs will help to insulate your home by trapping heat instead of letting it escape.
Seal the Deal
Besides insulation, you can save a lot of money on bills by sealing up any areas where heat could be leaking you out (which costs you more money.) You can purchase a cement sealant, which is quite inexpensive, and inspect your home for holes where heat can escape. Studies show that around 15 percent of heat could be lost through cracks and holes in your floors, walls or ceiling. This will help out in the colder months, plus, you don’t want anything getting in or out of your home through little cracks or holes anyways.
Going green does not have to cost a fortune. It is better to take small, yet calculated steps, and you are on your way to a greener life. Yes, some green practices are more drastic and cost quite a bit of money in the beginning. If you aren’t quite ready to invest that much into being green, start small. These simple steps will help you cut down on expenses and help you contribute to a better environment at the same time. You don’t have to spend too much green to live a green lifestyle—you need only look for little ways to help the earth using methods that you are comfortable with. Information for this article was provided by the professionals of the American Environmental Corporation who specialize in fixing and removing underground storage tanks in order to protect the environment.
Category: Energy, Saving Money