As environmental concerns mount, many people are looking for ways to try and lead a more green lifestyle. The truth is that we could all be making more changes to support the environment and help our planet to heal from the damage we’ve done to it. However, for many people, the choice between sustainable living and being economically well-off is an unfairly unsustainable one.
Eco-friendly options can often cost more than their more damaging counterparts, leading to situations where people who want to live green lives can’t do so for fear of poverty. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Here’s how you can lead a green lifestyle without breaking the bank!
Take advantage of loans
One of the reasons that you might be struggling to make better choices to lead an environmentally friendly life is because you’re suffering from a bad credit rating. This is all too common; debts or missed credit card repayments can lead you to have a low credit score, which can in turn stop companies from lending to you and thus make things even harder.
You don’t need to suffer, though. There are plenty of companies out there who can provide you with bad credit personal loans to get you back on your feet. Once you’re financially solvent once again, you can start committing your money to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, but until that time, don’t be afraid to look into loans!
Eat less meat
Meat is costly. If you buy high-quality meat, you’re often looking at spending quite a bit on cuts like chicken breast or beef mince, and doing so can really add up over time. One of the best ways to save money when you’re trying to be eco-friendly is to cut out meat – if not entirely, then at least to the point where you’re only eating it once or twice a week.
Cutting out meat from your diet to a degree is also great for the environment on the whole. If we all consumed less meat, then fewer animals would need to be slaughtered, which would reduce emissions from slaughterhouses and meat factories. Eating less meat is a win-win for everyone!
Ditch your car
Sometimes, it’s not possible to ditch your vehicle thanks to job commitments or other journeys you need to undertake. However, in a lot of cases, you don’t actually need to use your car to get around, especially if you’re living in a major metropolitan area with lots of public transport links.
Instead of driving everywhere, you may wish to consider taking public transport, or – even better – walking or cycling. More and more cities are building cycling infrastructure now, meaning that it’s probably possible to get where you need to go by riding your bike rather than driving to your destination.
Switch to renewable energy
Current estimates suggest that the renewable energy industry will offer significantly cheaper energy premiums to customers than the fossil fuel industry does. This means that when you choose green energy alternatives, you aren’t just doing your bit for the environment; you’re also saving money!
Of course, green energy companies are still, well, companies, which means it’s important to pick the right premium for you. These companies will usually offer competitive rates, but you need to shop around to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible before you commit.
Recycle and reuse
Moving recyclable material into the correct recycling bin isn’t necessarily going to help you live cheaper, but it’s a great way to help the environment. What will have a huge impact on your finances is trying to find ways to reuse materials and objects that you were originally going to throw away.
You’d be amazed at just how much stuff you use on a regular basis that you can find another use for if you don’t throw it away. Egg cartons, cereal boxes, and even margarine or butter tubs can all be used as storage or for other purposes, meaning you won’t have to buy costly single-use plastics.
Grow your own fruit and veg
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then one of the best ways to keep your costs down is to grow your own fruit and vegetables. Of course, this will be dependent entirely on the space that’s available to you and the climate you live in, but there’s almost always something you can grow for much cheaper than you’d buy it in a supermarket or shop.
This won’t be a possibility for everyone, but another great way of keeping the environment safe and keeping your costs down is to use a compost bin. When you’re done with vegetables and fruit, don’t throw away the skins or the stalks; throw them in the compost bin and use them to help you grow another batch!
Be economical with power
Switch everything off when you’re not using it. This might sound obvious, but it’s actually one of the most effective ways to save money, and while you’re doing it you’re also having a positive effect on the environment. Remember – when you leave a room, always turn the light off.
There’s actually an enduring urban myth that suggests that turning off a light uses more electricity than simply leaving it on, but this isn’t true. The energy you save by turning off a light is significant, so don’t believe this pernicious lie; switch off your lights whenever you’re not in a room to enjoy them!
