Most things you can do to be kinder to the planet are also kinder to your wallet, which makes it hard to justify not doing them. Sometimes you will find that there is a greater initial cost, but over time the savings generally more than make up the difference. Here are a few ways you can save yourself some money while at the same time doing your part to save the planet.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation can make a world of difference, both for your heating and air conditioning bills, and for the planet. Upgrading from your current windows to more insulated ones can make a world of difference. Additionally, proper insulation in your walls and your attic can prevent heat loss in winter and help keep your home cool in the summer. Contact a spray foam contractor to see how much it would cost to save you money in the long run.
Energy Efficient
Energy efficient lightbulbs and appliances are always worth any initial extra costs, but it doesn’t stop there. Energy efficiency isn’t just about what you buy, it’s also about how you use it. Remember to turn off what you’re not using and unplug anything you can if you’re leaving the house for an extended period. Consider putting lights on a timer to reduce the possibility of accidental waste. Don’t just turn off larger appliances like gaming consoles: unplug them when they’re not in use to prevent the tiny creep of power they steal while plugged in.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
It’s an old adage and maybe it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a sensible step to take. Why buy things you don’t need? Why buy something new when you can reuse something old? And why pay to take something to the dump when you could just as easily recycle it?