Reusable Bags and Other Ways to Save Money and Go Green

People often look a “going green” as an investment in the planet. They often don’t realize that green living can be a great way to save money as well. Here’s a couple quick and easy things you can do to save the planet and some money:

First, using reusable shopping bags. This can have both direct and indirect economical impacts on your life. Each year, millions of tax dollars are spent disposing of and recycling plastic and paper bags. By reduce our use of these disposable bags with reusable bags, we can reduce the amount of tax dollars that go toward these tasks. More directly, you can receive discounts on your groceries from most stores when you bring your own bags. Grocers have to pay for the bags and they build this cost in to the cost of groceries. When you don’t use the bags, the store gives you some of that money back. In fact, I have been using the same set of reusable bags for years and the savings I have received in groceries has more than paid for the initial investment.

Change your light bulbs! Though the initial cost of CFLs (compact florescent lights) is higher than incandescent lighting, the energy savings and longevity of this switch far outweighs the few extra dollars spent up front. You’ll be reaping the benefits of this investment for years to come…

Third, reducing your dining out is, believe it or not, environmentally friendly. Fast food especially creates a lot of waste, consumes a lot of paper, and relies heavily on conventional farming methods that slowly destroy our farmlands. Of course, eating at home more will save you money. Further, most people drive when they go out to eat, which contributes to pollution.

Walk! With today’s gas prices, you can save loads by walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transportation. Don’t forget the savings on wear and tear of your vehicle as well! Less use means less maintenance! You’ll end up with a car that lasts longer, meaning that you won’t have to replace it as soon either.

Finally, you can improve the health of your lawn and the environment by using an old-fashioned reel mower to mow your lawn. You save money by having a cheaper lawnmower that doesn’t need gas or oil to operate and help the environment by reducing emissions and making your lawn healthier. The added benefit is that this is a much better workout than the lawnmowers that move on their own, so you’ll get some personal health benefits as well!

Doing one, or all, of these simple things can have a big impact on your long term electic/grocery bills as well as the environment. Next time you need a new lightbulb, opt for a CFL, and get yourself some reusable shopping bags to carry it home it! Spend less time driving, eat out less, and you’ll be well on your way to living “green” – both environmentally and fiscally.