There is so much in the news about the fact that we should all be thinking about being greener. Although there are those that feel that things have been exaggerated or that governments and big businesses should be the ones that take the lead, there are many others that feel that everything that individuals do will add up and make a difference and that we should each be doing things to help. One barrier for many people is the cost though. You might feel that you will need to take on credit to make all of the changes necessary, but there are things that you could do which will actually save you money or not cost anything at all.
Recycle properly
Many of us will recycle some things but it is important that we recycle as well as we can. If we pit items in the wrong recycling bins or put items in there that cannot be recycled then we will risk contaminating correctly recycled items that are in there. Make sure that you are clear on what you can and cannot recycle. There will be items that are collected kerbside and your council website will have details on what you can put in there. If you are unsure you can get in touch with them and find out more. It does take time to do this but it will soon become easy and a quick habit.
Use less electricity and gas
Many of us are in the habit of doing things which use unnecessary amounts of electricity and gas. Perhaps we have our heating higher than necessary or leave it on when we are out. We might use the oven when we could use a grill or leave a mobile devise charger plugged in when we do not need it. We might leave computers on when we are not using them or televisions and things on stand by overnight or most of the time. By making small changes and switching things off when not in use we could save quite a bit of money as it will all add up.
Use less water
If you are on a water meter then you will pay for all of the water that you use. This means that it could save you a lot of money if you cut down your water usage. You may already be careful with using a hose or washing the car as well as cutting down on baths and having short showers instead, but there are other things you can do. Repair dripping taps, do not leave the tap running when brushing teeth, only put on the washing machine when you have a full load, do not wash up under a running tap but use a bowl of water and when cooking do not put water than necessary over your boiled vegetables. All of these small things will add up and not only will you be saving water but you will be saving money as well.
Buy less take away food and drink
Buying take away food such as breakfast bars, premade salads, ready meals, snack bars, bottled fizzy drinks, cups of coffee and things like this are very convenient and a normal part of many people’s day. However, all of these items will have a wrapper and these are normally plastic and not able to be recycled. By making your own sandwich or meal, carrying water in a reusable bottle or taking a flask of coffee with you, you will not only save money but you will also reduce the amount of waste that you produce.
Use the car less
Every time we drive the car it does not just cost us fuel but it creates wear and tear which can mean that the car will need servicing and repairing more often. There is also the pollution and emissions which cause problems for the environment. So, by walking or cycling to places that you would normally use the car for, you will be helping. Perhaps by doing a selection of things in one car journey, such as picking up groceries on your way home from work rather than making a separate journey later in the evening.
Buy second hand
If you buy items second-hand they will normally be cheaper than if you buy them new. Not only will you be saving money you will also be reducing the demand for new items and reducing the amount of things that are manufactured. This will use less resources and be beneficial to the planet. People have different attitudes to buying things second-hand. Some people have no choice and so are happy with it but others feel they do not want to own items that others have owned. However, you can start by buying items that can be easily cleaned which should remove any worries about others owning them. Some people are happier with things like books and jigsaws where they are not wearing or eating off the items, but some are happy with anything.