Are you worried that being green is costly? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that many eco-friendly choices are also budget-friendly choices! Here are some easy to be eco-friendly on a budget.
Switch to a meat-free diet
Switching to a meat-free diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet. On top of the environmental benefits, eating a meat-free diet can also boost your energy, improve your health, and reduce animal suffering.
Switching to a meat-free diet has never been so easy thanks to the huge variety of vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Choosing meat-free options is usually cheaper, especially when you eat out at restaurants. If you want to try switching to a meat-free diet, then start by avoiding meat products one or two days a week. Taking part in Meat Free Mondays is an easy way to sample a meat-free diet and help the planet.
Save water & electricity
Saving water and electricity is a simple way to help the planet and save money on your utility bills. If your bills are included in your rent, then you should still try to conserve water and electricity for the sake of the environment.
Simple ways to save water:
- Take shorter showers
- Turn the tap off while you are brushing your teeth or shaving – this could save 6 litres of water a minute according to Friends of the Earth
- Install water-saving devices such as a low-flow showerhead
- Wash your clothes at 30ºC & only wash when you have a full load
Simple ways to save electricity:
- Always turn the lights off when you leave a room and take advantage of natural sunlight.
- Make sure electronics are pulled out from the socket when they are not in use. Leaving them on standby can use vampire power, also known as standby power.
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
- Run your washing machine at a lower temperature and air dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.
Avoid using plastic
Do you know that at least 8 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped in our oceans every year? Plastic pollution is having a devasting impact on our planet and injuring or killing hundreds of marine species.
You can reduce the effects of plastic pollution by avoiding using plastic as much as possible. This is especially true when it comes to single-use plastic products like plastic straws and plastic grocery bags. Fortunately, there are lots of eco-friendly alternatives available such as bamboo straws and reusable bags for life.
Support green brands
People are becoming more eco-conscious and there is a huge demand for green products. In fact, a recent survey found that 81% of consumers prefer to buy from sustainable brands. While it’s true that green and organic products can be more expensive, there are plenty of affordable options too.
Make a conscious effort to support brands that put the planet first by using renewable energy, offering green packaging, and promoting recycling campaigns. Many companies are now working towards environmental targets such as reaching net-zero status.
Recycle your waste
Recycling is one of the best things you can do to lower pollution and protect the planet. When you recycle, you help to make waste disposal more energy-efficient by reducing the number of items going to landfills. Most everyday waste items can be recycled including cardboard, paper, clothes, glass, and some plastics.
Make sure you sort your waste items carefully and place them in the correct bins so they can be transported to recycling facilities once they have been collected. You should never put dirty items, e.g. containers with food residue, into your recycling bin as it might contaminate the rest of the items and result in the whole container going to landfill.
Don’t waste food
Huge amounts of food are wasted in the UK each day. Food waste increases greenhouse gases and harms the environment. It is also a massive waste of money as you are literally throwing the money you spent on food in the bin. You can reduce food waste by planning your meals in advance, only buying the food that your need, and checking the expiry dates on products.
Summary
Going green doesn’t have to be expensive – there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to help the planet. Try these suggestions to reduce your carbon footprint, do your bit for the environment, and save some extra cash.