Reduce, reuse, recycle. It's a phrase I've been hounded with since I was in elementary school. I remember watching movies on the importance of recycling. More recently the idea of reusing has been given front page in media due to environmentalist bringing attention to things like global warming, pollution, and over-flowing landfills. Whether or not you believe the media hype or buy into global warming, it definitely makes one think about the impact one has on the environment. Yet, however guilt-tripping or inspiring the stories are, one thought that rises above all others is, "How much is this going to cost me?" In the end, if it is not affordable and easily accomplished, good intentions fall by the wayside and guilt turns to frustration. While there are many extremes some take to save the planet, I find that it's not always necessary to go to extremes to make an impact. And, in fact, saving the environment can also mean saving money, which is really what most of us our concerned about, especially in todays economy. So I've put together a list of ideas that can help save money and the environment.
1. Cleaning products. Dump the nasty, chemical, costly commercial in favor of an old-fashioned solution Back before Lysol and Mr. Clean, there was vinegar. Vinegar kills germs and cleans like a gem. I use white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle. For some people the smell is a little strong so you can dilute it or add fragrance with essential oils or fresh lemon juice. I keep a spray bottle handy all kinds of jobs from cleaning windows and mirrors to wiping counters. For more uses check out this website, or do an internet search for ideas for cleaning with vinegar.
2. Toss the paper products. In my opinion paper products are one of the most costly and yet unnecessary household items, and yet they are a staple in many households. Try replacing paper towels with fabric towels. There are easy to make with some cotton fabric. Cut fabric into squares the approximate size of a store bought paper towel and sew up the edges. To cut the cost even more use worn out clothing, such as t-shirts, most t-shirt material doesn't even need to be hemmed, you can just cut and use as is. You can do the same thing for napkins. Now, I can hear the protest running through your mind, "what about all the extra laundry?" Honestly, they don't take up much room in the washer and you'll find that, because the cloths absorb better you will use fewer towels.
3. Buy second-hand. Next time you need a piece of a clothing, household item, or toys for the kids check out a thrift store, garage sale or craigslist.org. Many times you can great deals on costly items when shopping second-hand. You can save 70-95% off retail prices and you get to do something good for the environment. Buying second-hand items keeps things out of the landfill, less stuff in the landfill equals more land for us to work, play, and live on. If you don't like the idea of "second-hand" or thrifted items you can call it "vintage" or "antique".
4. Don't throw that away. Sell it instead. Next time you find yourself throwing something in trash, stop and ask yourself, "Can I sell this?" Try having a garage sale, or, if that isn't your thing, sell it on Craigslist. Places like half-price books will buy books, games, and movies. Selling items puts a little cash back in your pocket and a little less trash into the landfills and smaller landfills makes a happier planet.
5. Fix it. Growing up I was bombarded with the saying, "fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do with out." I think it originated from the Depression Era folks and was more of a way to save money than help the environment, but it can do both. In my area we have a monthly bulk trash pick-up. People can drag all their large items to a curb to be hauled away to a dump. Once we found a lawnmower being tossed. We picked it up and brought home, after a few repair by my husband it worked just great and served us for 5 years. We then traded it and a little cash for a better one from a guy who repaired and sold lawnmowers from his home. So we ended up saving money and helping someone else earn a little money, all because one person decided it wasn't worth fixing. If you don't think you are mechanically inclined or have a knack for sewing, pick up a how-to book or go online and learn how to do it, you just might be surprised at how easy it is and you'll save yourself the cost of replacing the item.
So there you go, 5 easy ways to save the planet and save your pocket book at the same time. Next time you think about spending money on something whether it be household items, entertainment, or food, stop and try to find an inexpensive or free alternative. Chances are, if it costs less then it is better for the environment.
