With a mind toward green living you will eventually think about ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Recycling is a good example, especially recycling aluminum. It is not uncommon these days to see a recycling bin next to a home's garbage can on the curb. We have come a long way in reducing what we put in our landfills. Now is the time to examine how we can generate less waste to begin with.
Our grandparents often speak about the times when every penny counted and to use up every bit of something was the prime objective. The Great Depression made our country re-evaluate it's habits when it came to waste. We can learn many things from that time, for instance, a common motto of the day was "don't buy it if you don't need it." By reducing what we throw away, we save money ourselves and money for our community spent dealing with that waste. Let's consider some other ways in which we can reduce waste in our homes:
- Visit yard sales, thrift stores and consignment stores. Repurpose your own clothes the same way. Use websites like Freecycle.org to offer used items for free rather than seeing them end up in the landfill.
- Buy in bulk. Even the above mentioned cleaning and beauty supplies can be purchased in bulk for a good price. Buy bulk rice (lasts forever), pasta, dried fruits, nuts and household items such as light bulbs, paper products and soap. You will save money by paying less per unit and you will generate less waste.
- If you have a garden, learn to compost. By composting your kitchen and yard waste you will reduce a large part of what ends up in landfills in the form of food. You will benefit from the production increase in your garden and the health benefits from eating your home-grown food. Use yard waste as mulch to save money on water as well.
- Learn about alternative cleaners like vinegar and baking soda and how to use them properly in your kitchen. You will save money and you will avoid exposure to chemicals too. Learn about using raw and natural ingredients like oatmeal and olive oil for alternative beauty supplies. These natural cleaners are also better for our environment.
There is real money to be saved around your home with just a little bit of effort. We would love to hear your suggestions and things you have done to save money around your house and remain environmentally responsible at the same time. Please leave your comments below.
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