6 Easy and Affordable Ways to Be More Green

Many people these days are looking for ways to ditch single-use plastics, reduce waste, and help the environment. One of the biggest complaints that countless people have, however, is that going green is too hard and too expensive. While some changes can be costly, going green doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are six easy and affordable ways to green up your life.

Turn Things Down (or Off)

One of the easiest things that you can do at home (that won’t cost you a penny) is to turn things off when they’re not in use. When you leave a room, shut off the lights. Turn off the television. You can even unplug items such as phone chargers and the coffee maker when they’re not in use. This helps to reduce your energy consumption as well as phantom energy loss.

Another option to consider is to raise or lower the temperature settings on your thermostat. Raising the temperature just a few degrees in the summer (or lowering it a few in the winter) isn’t very noticeable but it can make a significant difference in how much energy your home uses.

Ditch Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics account for a substantial amount of waste. Just think about how much plastic wrap, sandwich bags, and other plastics you throw away daily. Plastic takes a long time to break down. Not to mention that far too much plastic waste ends up in the oceans.

Instead of single-use plastics, look for reusable alternatives. Storage containers can be used in place of plastic bags for leftovers and packing lunches. Instead of plastic wrap or foil, use reusable beeswax food wraps. Consider a glass water bottle and reusable thermos for coffee. Some coffee shops even offer discounts for bringing your own mug.

Buy Second-Hand

New clothes are expensive. Instead of buying brand-new, shop second-hand. You can find some incredible deals in second-hand stores. Many clothes have only been worn a handful of times, some never at all.

Buying second-hand also provides some major environmental benefits. Fewer clothes wind up in landfills, which means less waste. Fewer resources are used and wasted. Purchasing second-hand also means less pollution.

Shop the Farmer’s Market

Produce in grocery stores often travels thousands of miles (which contributes to pollution) before it reaches the shelves for you to buy. Not only that, but produce labeled as organic (which is more environmentally-friendly) is often much more expensive than conventional.

Instead of buying produce at the grocery store, look or local farmer’s markets. The food at these markets has traveled a much shorter distance to get to you and, ultimately, your plate. You’re also supporting your local farmers and your local economy.

Make Your Own Cleaners

Conventional cleaning supplies contain numerous harmful chemicals that are bad for the air and bad for the water supply. They’re also not all that great for your health (or the health of your pets). Chemicals can irritate your skin and eyes and cause respiratory problems.

There are plenty of green cleaners on the market today. The problem, however, is that they can be expensive. You can make cleaners that are just as effective using ingredients you can find in your own home, like vinegar, baking soda, water, and essential oils.

Invest in Solar

Solar allows you to use the energy produced by the sun (a completely free and renewable energy source) to power your home. It’s become a much more common solution for going green and reducing energy costs. Typing solar companies near me into an online search engine can produce several results. You don’t have to necessarily pay out of pocket for the solar panels, though. Many companies offer financing or leasing options that allow you to enjoy the benefits of solar for a more affordable price.

Going green doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some simple changes, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. As a bonus, you can even same some money!