By Scott Mathews
You have probably heard of the benefits of going green and now you are thinking about it. You definitely want to live in a better environment, save your money and see the next generation. Going green is just about that. If you love saving money for a rainy day, then you must have gone quite green. It is important to note that going green does not necessarily refer to having solar panels installed in your house or commuting using electric cars; though great ways to completely live an eco-friendly life. Going green involves changing the smaller aspects of life as an environmental conscious individual to save money and the planet. As the saying goes, it is always the small things that bite most. What can you do today to go green while saving you money? Here are 7 proven ways going green can help you save money both in the short and long term.
Spend less
You need to live below your means to go green. It means spending less and saving more of your paycheck. How is this associated with going green? If you do not spend a lot of money, you will find yourself at home with your family and friends most of the time. You will spend less on food and gas. Plus, you will have no stress because you will be financially stable. When you save more, you consume less goods and services. You will cook at home instead of eating out. When you eat at home, you will find yourself eating healthier foods. You will also save extra expenses which come with eating out such as parking fees and car service.
Going out with your family and friends will be more meaningful and fulfilling than if you go out all the time.
Buy a bike
According to research conducted by Environmental Protection Agency, when you bike to work or other activities for only two days in a week, you save our planet approximately three thousand pounds of greenhouse emissions annually.
Further, you will save huge amounts of money on parking and gas in the long run. So let say the distance of your work station from home is 15 miles. Do you know how much you will be saving per day if you bike? 7 dollars! If you cannot bike, you can walk or use public transport to drive less.
Change your light bulbs
Did you know that switching your light bulbs to qualified energy saving bulbs saves you $70 of your energy bill every year? Energy saving bulbs save 75% of energy used and last approximately 25 times compared to traditional bulbs.
Use water efficient products
Water efficient products such as toilets and showerheads can save a huge amount of your water bill. Certified water efficient products save 20% more compared to other water products while maintaining performance. For example, water efficient toilets saved a family of four people approximately $90 every year and $2000 over its lifetime.
Put up a rain barrel
You can reduce your water bill by putting up rain barrels at designated downspouts to collect rain water. You can use this water for domestic purposes. You can find free rain barrels in various water departments around your State. If you wish, you can make your own water barrel using a metal drum or a plastic can at a low cost.
Dry your clothes on a line
According to California Energy Commission Center, clothes dryer consumes an average of 6% of the total electricity used in a home. Since most of these dryers consume a similar amount of energy, you can save your money and the environment by drying your clothes on a line.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
According to the energy department, a programmable thermostat can save you an average of 10% on cooling and heating costs per year. Save energy on winter and summer by increasing or decreasing temperature when you are not at home.
To summarize,
Going green saves your money and the planet simultaneously. You do not have to start buying expensive solar equipment or an electric car to go green. You can start small by changing the bulbs in your house, buying a bike, drying your clothes on line or making your own rain barrel. Go green today and see the results!
About the Author
Scott Mathews is a professional content writer at Brillassignment.co.uk. Scott`s biggest passion is blogging and travelling. He regularly takes part in different conferences and contributes his posts to different websites. Contact him on Facebook and Twitter.
