You may think that going green will cost you a lot of money. And if you’re in debt management, then keeping costs down is imperative. But what if we were to tell you that there are a number of environmentally conscious decisions that are also cost-saving initiatives? In other words, you can go green to save green. Pretty unbeatable, right?
Lightbulb moment: save green!
Go Green to Save Green
Like most things in life, nothing comes for free. But fortunately for us, there have been a number of advancements in “green” movements to help make saving the environment affordable and realistic for normal people and not just the Leonardo DiCaprio’s of the world. Here are some examples of ways you can go green to save green!
Cost-Saving Green Initiatives
- Metal straws. Maybe you’ve heard about some 500 million plastic straws Americans use every day. That’s definitely not good for our environment! An easy and cost-effective way to cut the cost of straws is to buy a re-usable metal straw. It’s the perfect solution to reduce waste and feel like you’re making a difference.
- LED Lightbulbs. Gradually switching your light bulbs from the regular bulbs to LED lights is a great financial decision. Not only do LED lights last longer, they also emit less energy than traditional bulbs. Using technology to save energy is the perfect win-win. Making this switch will help you reduce debt over time and save green!
- Re-usable water bottles. This one is a no-brainer. You can purchase an inexpensive water bottle to use for years on end. I personally made the switch from plastic water bottles to a re-usable option and would never go back. It’s more convenient, my drinks stay cool longer, and I no longer have to pay for water! It’s a one-time cost that will save you bundles in the long run.
- Growing herbs/veggies. Starting a veggie garden is a cool way to stay active and save on your grocery bill. The herbs or plants you grow will give off oxygen which is good for the environment. There are a number of health benefits of growing your own food. It keeps you active, you can control what goes into them, produce is healthier than other foods, and more. There are some start-up costs, but if your garden is successful you will have a great return on investment.
- Compost waste. Food waste is a huge problem for our environment! Instead of throwing your excess food into the trash, throw it into the compost and let nature do its thing. Hopefully, this change will help you waste less food and ultimately reduce your grocery bill. Another easy way to save green!
- Paperless kitchens. Another trendy and “green” choice is to get rid of paper in our kitchens. Ditch those paper plates and utensils, paper towels, and any other wasteful material from your kitchen. By buying a few hand towels, cloths, and some cutlery, you will save serious cash in the long run. Think about how much you spend on plastic/paper products a month; that’s a huge portion of your budget that can go towards getting out of debt.
- Recycle. Last, but certainly not least. At this point, it’s just silly not to recycle. You have to get rid of your bottles and cans somehow, so why not help them get re-purposed? And, many states offer a 5 cent deposit back per bottle/can. That’s a pretty penny!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
