Let’s Make You a Green, Clean, Money-Saving Machine!
It’s easy to get intimidated by how ridiculously expensive “going green” sounds.
You need a hybrid.
Gotta install solar power.
Only buy organic! (As if grocery shopping wasn’t expensive enough already!)
The truth is that adopting a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. You can change your habits bit by bit and enjoy the benefits of a more frugal existence along the way.
Why not start small?
House Cleaning the Green Way
Bottled “green” cleaners you find at the grocery store might seem like a more expensive option, but you can safely forget the brands.
From ovens, to bathrooms, to carpets, you can clean very effectively and environment-friendly with cheap grocery pick-ups. Household favorites are, of course, baking soda and vinegar!
For example, to give carpets a green deep clean you can use a paste made with borax (not boric acid!) and vinegar. Scrub it into the carpet, wait for it to dry, then vacuum away! If you need to steam clean, remember that hot water steam cleaners work just as well as chemicals.
Generally, when you’re cleaning with baking soda, it’s a good idea to make a paste with water and scrub with that first. Don’t use vinegar until the baking soda has been given a chance to sit for a few hours. Then wipe up, put white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz to get rid of any residue.
Drop Supermarket Organic, Buy Local
The organic certification isn’t as friendly as you think. In many circumstances, it’s become a way for big businesses to hike their prices, while the legislative requirements are far too difficult for small businesses to achieve. Indeed, organic doesn’t necessarily mean cruelty-free, or even preservative-free.
Instead of shelling out for organic produce at the grocery store, try and source local foods. If you have a farmer’s market, hit it up. Ask the farmers about how they produce their food, whether they use pesticides, and how their animals are raised.
Your House is Full of Power-Sucking Undead!
I vant to suck your volts!
Props to Vernon for this adorable take on energy in-efficiency, and how to save on your electricity bill. There’s a lot of great practical advice, but it all boils down to one simple concept:
If you leave things plugged in, they cost you money. And that extra power consumption increases your carbon footprint. Constantly unplugging and replugging all your tech and appliances sounds like a frustrating chore, but there are a number of timer-related tools that let you automate this process while you’re out at work or sleeping.
There are other ridiculously simple ways to save on your bills (and use less energy) by making simple home improvements. Sealing air leaks in your doors and windows by installing weather stripping helps your house retain heat. Windows can be a big energy-suck. Thick, insulating curtains can help, but if you’re sick of ice-frosted glass, cold pockets and drafts you might want to consider double glazing. This option is costlier up-front, but comes with good returns over time if you’re planning on staying in your home for many years.
Solar Doesn’t Have to Drain Your Wallet
In terms of making yourself more carbon neutral, switching to renewable energy is one of the most effective options. On the other hand, just like other big green life changes, the upfront costs can seem absolutely prohibitive. Additionally, money isn’t the only thing holding people back — green technology is new enough that legislation hasn’t caught up. Just getting the permission to install solar panels can be difficult depending on where you live. Long-term savings are great in theory, but does the old phrase “you need money to make money” apply?
Not necessarily. Solar companies seem to have realized that people need a little extra help to make the switch viable. Increasing access to solar power can also turn people into political advocates, so it’s in everyone’s best interests that solar become more widely accessible.
There are two general options for snagging solar panels for next to nothing.
First option: buy panels with a loan.
This can be a riskier option, but can also yield greater rewards. There are a number of loan options you can pursue, including zero-down loans, and loans that match the monthly payment with your current energy bill. Month on month, this can mean you own solar panels without changing your monthly budget.
Beware, however, because you may be responsible for installation fees, and you’ll likely be responsible for maintenance costs which can be a bit of a shock.
Second option: rent solar panels through a power purchase agreement.
This frees you of maintenance responsibility, and the company will take care of installation for you. You’ll likely see immediate reductions in your power bill through this agreement, as you’ll be getting your power through the company that owns the panels.
You do not, however, own the panels, and regulations can be sticky depending on where you live.
There Are Simple Alternatives to Driving
As for hybrids, there are much less expensive ways to reduce the amount of smoke and smog you put into the air.
Instead of worrying about purchasing an expensive vehicle, try carpooling with co-workers, making use of public transit, cycling, or even using a rideshare program. If you absolutely can’t find alternatives to using your car, remember not to beat yourself up and get bogged down by guilt. Start small, by combining errands into single trips, picking locations close to home for your leisure time, and cooking at home more often. You might find these are good ways to save on your monthly budget in and of themselves!
Balancing investment with returns is always a key to financial success. It’s the same for your everyday personal spending choices, and the upgrades you choose to make on your home. A large investment on a home upgrade will pay off over time, but may not be worth it short term. Think about your saving goals, and decide whether you’re looking for short or long term results.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
