Going green is all the rage these days and for good reason. We are doing many things to destroy our environment, and have been for many, many years. Because of this, we now need to do all we can to help protect the environment from further damage. Some of the green actions out there are quite expensive, but luckily, there are several things that you can do if you want to go green on a budget. Continue reading to learn how you can not only help save the planet, but help save money, too.
Shop your local thrift and consignment stores. Buying items that are gently used is a great way to not only save money but to be environmentally conscious, too. Many times people have a clothing item, a decorative piece, shoes or other item that they no longer need for whatever reason. A lot of times these items look brand new or pretty close. When you choose to shop at stores that offer these items, you are helping keep these things from filling up the local landfills. You are also helping to slow down production of these items. Not only can you shop at these stores, but you can bring your items here, too, and possibly make money.
Make energy-efficient changes at home and work. Make it a habit to turn off lights, the television, the radio, your computer or anything else you use when you are finished with it. You can even unplug electric appliances when you aren’t using them as they do use energy when plugged in, even when they are off. By making it a habit to turn things off and unplug them, you can help save energy, and you should see a savings on your electric bill, too.
Another thing you can do that is energy efficient is use the newer, more energy efficient light bulbs. Traditional light bulbs use quite a bit of energy and do not last very long. The newer bulbs last for a long time and use a lot less energy. This option will cost you initially, but you will see a nice savings in the long run.
Recycling is another way you can go green and keep your budget in check. Check with your local recycling center to find out how recycling is done in your area. Then designate an area in your home to place the items you plan on recycling. You can recycle papers, plastics, metals, electrical items, batteries and glass. You will find that many items you use on a daily basis are able to be recycled and this can help you cut down on the amount of trash you are responsible for in the landfill.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to help out the planet that are easy on your wallet. Use the tips shared here, along with other ideas, and you will feel good about your environmentally friendly actions and save money while you’re at it.