Save Money And Help The Earth With These 60 Environmentally Friendly Tips

Going green doesn’t have to break the bank anymore. In fact, you can make eco-friendly choices and still stay within your budget while even saving money! Carbon emissions are greatly affecting our planet, leading to rising temperatures that impact humans, animals, ocean life, and plants. We are all affected by these changes. A shift in mindset can make a big difference. Consider reusable items as a valuable investment. Although a set of reusable sandwich bags may appear more expensive initially compared to disposable ones, think about how many boxes of disposable bags you would use in a year. Once you do the math, you’ll see the significant savings. Discover 60 ways to go green, save money in your home and kitchen, and make small changes to your purchasing habits, food handling, and beauty routine. By making these tweaks, you’ll be making a positive impact on the planet and your finances. It’s a win-win situation!

Welcome to Home Swaps!

1. Embrace Secondhand Shopping

Thrifting is a sustainable way to shop for what you need while reducing waste. By focusing on products and materials that already exist, you contribute to a circular economy that benefits both your budget and the environment. Did you know that approximately 85% of textiles end up in landfills? Thrifting helps slow that down. Plus, many thrift stores offer discounts on your next purchase if you make a donation.

2. Discover the Power of Your Library Card

Your local library is a treasure trove of resources that can save you money and reduce your environmental impact. Instead of buying books, borrow them for free! If the library doesn’t have a book you want, you can request it, and they will order it for you. This circular economy approach saves resources and prevents unnecessary purchases.

3. Upgrade Your Toilet with a Bidet

Bidets are gaining popularity in North America for good reason. They are affordable and easy to install, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional toilet paper. Did you know it takes 37 gallons of water to make one roll of toilet paper? On the other hand, a bidet only uses an eighth of a gallon of water, while reducing your toilet paper usage by at least 75%. Making the switch benefits both the environment and your wallet. Fun fact: It would take about 384 trees to create the toilet paper one person uses in their lifetime. That’s a lot of trees!

4. Ditch Dryer Sheets for Wool Dryer Balls

Dryer sheets may smell pleasant, but they are not friendly to your budget, the environment, or your health. They contain microplastics that harm both you and the planet, and they are one-time use items that need to be repurchased repeatedly. Instead, try using wool dryer balls. They can be reused thousands of times, don’t contain harmful chemicals, reduce lint, and help your clothes dry faster.

5. Fight Energy Vampires and Save Electricity

Did you know that numerous electronic devices in your home continue to consume electricity even when turned off? These “appliance vampires” include computers, TVs, WiFi routers, and cell phone chargers. On average, American homes have around 40 electronics drawing power while in standby mode, which adds up to nearly 10% of electricity use. Put an end to this waste by investing in a power bar with a single off button. Turn it off whenever you leave the house or go to bed to stop the energy leak.

6. Harness the Sun’s Power

Consider installing solar panels to tap into the renewable energy provided by the sun. While this may require an upfront investment, it will save you money in the long run. If you want to start small, try using a solar bank when camping to experience the convenience of keeping your devices charged with clean energy.

7. Swap Single-Use Paper Towels for Reusable Options

Instead of relying on single-use paper towels, switch to rags or unpaper towels that can be used and washed hundreds of times. This simple change reduces waste and saves you money in the long term.

8. Install a Sink Water Aerator

A sink water aerator is an inexpensive and easy-to-install device that reduces the flow of water from your sink. By using less water, you not only save money on your water bill but also contribute to water conservation efforts. Did you know the average family wastes about 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually? Installing a sink water aerator can significantly reduce this waste.

9. Upgrade to Low-Flow Shower Heads

Similar to a sink water aerator, a low-flow shower head can dramatically reduce water usage in your shower without compromising water pressure. By making this switch, you conserve water and save money on your water bill.

10. Transform Your Toilet with a Simple Brick

You can easily convert your old toilet into a low-flow version by placing a brick wrapped in waterproof plastic or a plastic bottle filled with sand in the tank. This simple adjustment reduces the amount of water wasted with each flush and helps conserve this precious resource.

11. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

You can save a significant amount of energy by washing your clothes in cold water. Many detergents are specially formulated to work effectively in cold water, ensuring your clothes remain clean while reducing your energy consumption.

12. Air Dry Your Clothes

Instead of relying on energy-intensive dryers, consider hanging your clothes to dry. Dryers are notorious for their high energy consumption and contribution to power plant pollution. Air drying your clothes not only saves energy but also helps your clothing last longer.

13. Switch to Energy-Efficient LED Light Bulbs

Replace your traditional light bulbs with LED lights to save both energy and money. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and can last up to 10 years, resulting in significant cost savings over time.

14. Optimize Your Heating and Cooling with a Programmable Thermostat

Invest in a programmable thermostat to control your heating and cooling systems more efficiently. Program it to adjust the temperature based on your schedule, such as lowering the heat when you’re asleep or turning off the AC when you’re not at home. This simple swap can lead to substantial savings on your utility bills and reduce pollution.

15. Seal Your Windows and Doors for Energy Efficiency

Take the time to replace the weatherstripping on your windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home during winter and cool air from escaping during summer. Proper insulation improves energy efficiency, helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

16. Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Creating your own laundry detergent is not only budget-friendly but also reduces plastic waste. By purchasing washing soda, baking soda, and castile soap, you can make a detergent that will last a long time. Add your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent if desired.

17. Insulate Your Water Connections

Improve the efficiency of your hot water heater and water pipes by insulating them. This insulation helps reduce heat loss during water distribution, which in turn decreases your electricity usage and saves you money on your utility bills.

18. Clean Your Fridge Coils Regularly

During your spring cleaning routine, don’t forget to clean your fridge coils. Dust build-up on the coils forces your refrigerator to work harder, increasing energy consumption. By keeping the coils clean, you can improve the efficiency of your fridge, saving energy and reducing environmental impact.

Welcome to the Kitchen!

19. Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

CSA offers a great way to support local farmers and enjoy fresh produce. Each CSA program is unique, with some offering delivery options and others requiring pick up at your local market. You can find CSA’s that specialize in fresh vegetables and fruits, or ones that also include meat, dairy, and eggs. Joining a CSA is a fantastic way to lock in the price of your food for the whole season, avoiding any potential price hikes. Plus, you’ll be ensuring that you’re eating fresh, local, and environmentally-friendly food!

20. Use Beeswax Wraps

Make a simple kitchen swap by using beeswax wraps. These washable and reusable wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap, reducing waste and saving you money. By using beeswax wraps, you’ll be helping to keep plastic out of landfills.

21. Keep a Stock Bag in Your Freezer

A zero-waste swap is using your own homemade stock instead of buying it. Simply keep a bag in your freezer and whenever you’re chopping vegetables or have meat bones, put the scraps in the bag. When the bag is full, throw the scraps into a pot with water and herbs to create your own flavorful soup stock.

22. Regrow Vegetables

You can easily regrow vegetables right on your kitchen windowsill. Take the ends of green onion, celery, cabbage, or lettuce and place them in a little water. You’ll see new growth after just one day! Instead of throwing out your food scraps, try using them to grow more and reduce food waste.

23. Reuse Glass Jars

Don’t throw away those glass jars from sauces, condiments, and pickles. They can be easily reused for food storage, packaging, or even as plant pots. Reusing glass jars is a simple way to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.

24. Bulk Shop

Shopping in bulk not only saves you money, but also reduces packaging waste. Even if you have a small household, buying items like rice, pasta, pet food, and toilet paper in bulk can still be cost-effective and prevent food from going bad before you can use it.

25. Drop the Single-Serve Coffee

While single-serve coffee machines may be convenient, they contribute to a significant amount of waste. Consider purchasing reusable coffee cups instead. These are easy to wash and can be used repeatedly, benefiting both the environment and your wallet.

26. Build Out a Meal Plan

Avoid wasted food and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating a meal plan. This will help you buy only the food you intend to eat, reducing waste and the “What’s for dinner?” stress after a long day. Planning ahead also allows you to make healthier and more sustainable food choices.

27. Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Make the switch to a reusable water bottle and always have water with you, eliminating the need to purchase plastic water bottles when you’re on the go. Recycling rates for plastic bottles are disappointingly low, so using a reusable bottle helps to reduce plastic waste.

28. One Solution for All Your Cleaning Needs

Create your own all-purpose cleaner using simple ingredients like vinegar, water, and your preferred scent. Reusing the same bottle keeps plastic waste to a minimum, while allowing you to control the ingredients in your cleaning products. Give your home a fresh spring scent by adding lemon rind and rosemary sprigs.

29. Meatless Mondays

Designate one day of the week as a “Meatless Monday” and get creative with meatless meal ideas. This not only saves you money, but also reduces your carbon footprint. Experiment with delicious and nutritious plant-based meals for your family.

30. Knix the Paper Towel

Swap out disposable paper towels for reusable cloth rags or “unpaper towels.” After use, simply toss them in the laundry and reduce waste. This small change saves trees, reduces garbage, and benefits your budget.

31. Cloth Napkins

Using cloth napkins adds a touch of elegance to your meals while also benefiting the planet and your wallet. Cloth napkins can be easily washed and stains can be removed, keeping them fresh and looking new.

32. Grow a Kitchen Garden

Starting a small herb garden in your kitchen is a great way to enjoy fresh flavors and reduce waste. Grow herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and cilantro to enhance your dishes. This saves you from buying more than you need and allows you to savor the delicious taste of freshly picked herbs.

Transportation

33. Consider Having Only One Car for Your Family

Take a moment to reflect on your transportation habits with your family and explore the possibility of downsizing to just one car. Is it feasible for you to carpool or coordinate your schedules to share a single car? By doing so, not only will you contribute to a healthier environment by reducing gas consumption, but you will also experience significant financial benefits.

34. Maintain Optimal Tire Inflation and Rotation

An effective way to conserve fuel is by consistently maintaining the correct tire pressure (PSI) and adhering to a regular tire rotation schedule. This simple practice will help you save money on fuel costs while also extending the lifespan of your tires.

Welcome to the Social Section!

Explore Online Trade Groups

Looking for ways to save money and reduce waste? Connect with other likeminded families on Facebook! Join amazing groups such as “Buy Nothing” or “Free Cycle”, where members share their needs or items they wish to give away. You’ll be amazed by the quality of items shared, which can bring joy to another family. Start embracing the wonderful world of online trade groups today!

Take Care of Your Health & Beauty

36. Choose Bar Soaps for a Luxurious Experience

Bar soaps have made a comeback and they are better than ever! Forget about the old soap your grandpa used to use. Nowadays, you can find high-quality, moisturizing soaps with various properties to cater to your skin’s needs. The best part is that they usually come in plastic-free packaging.

37. Embrace Refillable Packaging to Reduce Waste

Have you noticed the rise of zero-waste stores? These fantastic establishments allow you to bring your own containers and refill them with your favorite beauty products. Whether it’s shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face creams, or more, you can make a positive impact on the environment by opting for refillable options. Don’t forget to check out companies like Method, L’Occitane, Lush, Kiehl’s, or Mac, which offer refill or recycling programs.

38. Protect Our Oceans with Reef-Friendly Ingredients

Did you know that certain chemicals found in cosmetics, especially sunscreen, can harm our precious coral reefs? Astonishingly, 10% of coral reefs are threatened by bleaching caused by sunscreen products. Help preserve these natural wonders by choosing beauty products with reef-friendly ingredients. Learn more here.

39. Make a Sustainable Choice with Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Have you ever considered how much water is needed to grow cotton? It takes over 5000 liters of water to produce just 1 pound of cotton. Now think about the number of makeup remover pads you go through in a month. Instead of using single-use pads, why not switch to reusable ones? They are not only eco-friendly but also easy to clean by throwing them in the wash with the rest of your reusable laundry. You can find a wide variety of cute options available, and many even come with pretty storage bags. Make a positive change for the environment!

Welcome to Life Events

Consider Plantable Invitations!

Are you excited about an upcoming big event in your life, like a wedding or baby shower? Give your invitations a unique touch by opting for plantable wedding invites! Imagine the joy your guests will experience when they can plant the invites after the event and witness beautiful flowers or herbs blooming. It’s a wonderful way to create a full circle of memories and serve as a lovely reminder of your special occasion.

Having a Positive Impact

41. Make Smart Investments

Before making a purchase, take a moment to reflect on whether it is truly a necessity or just a desire. Many purchases are driven by unhealthy impulses. Pause and ask yourself why you have chosen that item before proceeding with the purchase.

42. Identify What Truly Matters to You

Explore your values deeply and determine what truly matters to you. This will help you consider the impact of your purchases on others. You might decide to save money by shopping secondhand but treat yourself to high-quality, ethically sourced coffee. Alternatively, you could gather your friends and volunteer at an organization that holds personal significance to all of you.

Welcome to Working from Home

Improve Your Workspace

When you find yourself needing to replace your pen holder or desktop organizer, why not choose eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo products or biodegradable pens? These sustainable materials will not only save you money in the long run but also contribute to a greener environment.

Welcome to Backyard or Balcony!

Compost Your Scraps – Go Green!

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t compost! By composting, you can help reduce waste going into landfills and provide vital nutrients to your indoor plants, as well as veggies and herbs in your balcony garden. Check out this amazing list of 50 items you can compost to get started. Don’t worry, there are plenty of composter options available online that are odorless and will match your aesthetic perfectly!

Plant Native Trees – Beautify Your Surroundings!

Why not plant some native trees in your surroundings? Native trees not only provide shade and lower your AC usage, but they also increase the value of your property. Did you know that planting 20 million trees would result in an additional 260 million tons of oxygen and lead to the removal of 10 million tons of CO2? Incredible, right?

Collect Rain – Nature’s Gift!

Collecting rainwater brings numerous benefits! Use it outside for watering your garden, lawn, or even washing your car. According to Popular Science, an average American roof can contribute over 1,000 gallons of water when an inch of rain falls. Imagine all the free water you can use!

Keep a Low-Maintenance Lawn – Win-Win Situation!

If you have a small yard, why not consider using a push lawnmower? You’ll save on gas, reduce pollution, and get a great workout. Another option is to replace a part of your lawn with a vegetable garden, promoting sustainability and providing fresh produce!

Install Solar Lights – Illuminate the Night!

Enjoy a beautifully lit path or garden at night without relying on electricity. Install solar lights that charge up during the day and provide eco-friendly lighting at night. It’s a smart and sustainable choice!

Welcome to the World of Apps!

App 49: Dropcountr

If you want to keep track of your water consumption, look no further than Dropcountr. This amazing app connects to your utilities and provides detailed information about your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly water usage. It even compares your usage with other households in your area and suggests ways to live more frugally. Plus, there are rebate options available through the app!

App 50: Oroeco

Do you want to evaluate how your lifestyle choices impact the climate? Oroeco is here to help! This app evaluates various aspects of your life, including your home energy choices, and offers personalized tips on how to improve. It even features a carbon footprint calculator and actionable tips to save both money and the planet. Discover more at Oroeco.

App 51: RecycleNation

Looking for the nearest recycling locations? Search no more! With RecycleNation, a recycling search engine, you can easily find directions and operational hours for recycling centers near you. It offers 13 different material categories to choose from, and you can even track your own recycling progress. Start your recycling journey today!

App 52: Fridgely

Are you tired of wasting food? Say hello to Fridgely! This amazing app helps you keep track of the items in your fridge, their expiration dates, and even suggests custom recipes to reduce food waste. Never let your food spoil again! Check out Fridgely for a more eco-friendly kitchen.

App 53: Joulebug

Joulebug adds a twist to energy apps. Not only can you track your energy usage, but you can also win prizes for reducing it! Compete with friends, compare your progress, and make a positive impact. Discover more about Joulebug at Joulebug.

App 54: ThredUp

Want to save money and avoid clothes ending up in landfills? Check out ThredUp, an online consignment store and styling delivery service. You’ll find great prices on high-end items, curated collections, and an easy-to-navigate sales section. ThredUp also accepts clothing donations through their Clean Out Tab.

App 55: Olio

Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to reducing waste! Olio is an app that connects neighbors for borrowing or sharing items like extra groceries or cleaning products. Simply take a photo of the items you want to share, and fellow app users in your area will be notified. Browse items posted by your neighbors too! Start sharing with Olio.

App 56: PaperKarma

Tired of receiving unwanted junk mail? Say goodbye to paper waste with PaperKarma. To unsubscribe from junk mail, take a photo of it including your name, address, and the sender’s details. PaperKarma will take care of unsubscribing, helping reduce paper waste. Visit PaperKarma to simplify your mailbox.

App 57: Ecosia

Make your web searches count for more with Ecosia, a desktop app with a Chrome extension. By using Ecosia’s search engine, you contribute to planting trees around the world. See how many trees your searches have planted with the tree counter feature. Join the search, plant, and save mission at Ecosia.

App 58: Ailuna

Forming eco-friendly habits has never been easier thanks to Ailuna. This app presents you with a list of “dares” designed by experts and based on behavioral science. Accept a dare and complete it within a week to form healthy, long-lasting habits. Ailuna offers check-ins and reminders to help you stay on track. Start building new habits with Ailuna.

App 59: Fat Llama

Don’t have the things you need? Borrow them from your neighbors! With Fat Llama, you can find people in your area willing to lend items like camping gear. If you have items to lend, you can even make some extra money. Enjoy secure transactions with included insurance. Explore borrowing possibilities with Fat Llama.

App 60: Falling Fruit

Discover the hidden treasures of foraging with Falling Fruit. This collaborative map showcases the “urban harvest” and highlights foraging opportunities near you. Take a closer look and explore the bounty of crab apples, raspberries, plums, and more during the growing season. Find your next foraging adventure with Falling Fruit.