Ways to Save Money and the Environment at the Same Time

Climate change is happening. Many scientists have warned that we are nearing a point of no return. As a society, we need to make major changes to slow global warming.

As an individual, there are still many things - often small - that you can do to help the environment.

You may think that it doesn’t matter. Recycling one jar isn’t going to save the planet.

That’s true, but you can do your part. You can control your impact.

A lot of things that are environmentally-friendly are also, unfortunately, expensive. Recycling often costs money. Installing solar panels requires a large investment. An energy-efficient car often has a big price tag.

But not everything about saving the planet has to be costly. There are lots of things you can do that help the environment and save money at the same time.

This blog is about saving money, so I’m going to focus on those things.

Here are 14 ways you can save money and the environment at the same time.

Turn off the AC

Your air conditioner uses more energy than anything else in your home.

So the best way to save on your electric bill is to just turn off the AC. Consider opening windows instead. If you do turn on the AC, you can save by turning it up a couple of degrees.

Take home leftovers

How many times have you eaten out and surrendered your half-eaten plate?

Why not take home the leftovers?

The United States wastes 30 to 40 percent of the food it produces. Such waste directly contributes to food shortages, water stress, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Try to do your part to lower that number. Not only will you help the environment, but you’ll save a little money. You may have tomorrow’s lunch taken care of.

Take public transit

I’m a huge proponent of public transit.

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it’s also cheap.

Public transit is a key ingredient to a sustainable future.

Now, it may not be the most convenient option. Buses can be especially annoying, if you live in the US. They’re often slow, late, and out of the way.

But to me a small sacrifice is worth it for the cost and environmental savings. I try to take the bus anytime it’s a feasible option.

Find alternatives to flying

Your carbon footprint from flying is quite shocking. Look for alternatives to save money and the environment.

Often a train or bus will be cheaper and more eco-friendly than flying.

If a train or bus isn’t feasible, consider driving yourself. If you travel with one or more people, it will probably be greener than flying.

For those cross-country trips, flying may be the only reasonable option you have. In that case, try to at least get a direct flight. Planes use the most fuel on takeoff, so a connecting flight adds significantly to that carbon footprint.

Eat less meat

The biggest environmental impact from eating meat comes from greenhouse gas emissions during its production. Beef in particular requires much more land and water, and results in dramatically higher emissions, than other types of meat.

There are some alternatives to eating beef. You can go fully vegetarian or vegan. Or you can try beef-like alternatives such as Impossible or Beyond Beef.

Whether eating less meat is less expensive for you depends on your approach. Generally, an Impossible Burger or Vegan option is more expensive than the standard thing. But if you replace beef with something simple - vegetables, or pasta, for example - then you’ll tend to save money.

Air dry your clothes

In the US, it costs an average of 45 cents to dry a load of laundry.

According to Green America, air-drying your clothes can reduce the average household’s carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds a year.

That’s a pretty significant impact. It may take some effort and patience, but it could be well worth it.

Walk or bike

Try walking or biking to work if it’s feasible.

The benefits go without saying. It’s cheap, it’s environmentally friendly, and you get exercise. Win-win-win.

Use energy-efficient light bulbs

Choose an energy-efficient light bulb. You want a CFL or LED bulb.

CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, are those curly light bulbs. They use much less electricity than traditional incandescents.

LEDs are more expensive but can last over 20 years. So in the long run, you save money. They are becoming more popular and more widely produced, which is bringing the prices down further.

Reusable grocery bags

When done properly, having a reusable grocery bag can help save the environment. And in some states, you may get a discount for using them.

The caution here comes with whether you actually use your reusable bag. If you buy a reusable cotton bag and then forget it every time you go to the grocery store, then you’re doing the environment no favors.

In fact, according to one study, you have to use a cotton bag 130 times to make it more environmentally-friendly than a single-use plastic bag.

So this only works if you are really disciplined.

Recycle electronics

Around 90 percent of electronics equipment is recyclable.

Recycling electronics helps conserve resources, protect public health from toxic substances, and save energy.

And sometimes, you can trade in your old electronics for money.

Don’t put your old cell phone in a landfill.

Use a reusable water bottle

Americans apparently spend $16 billion a year on bottled water.

That number shocked me. Sixteen billion dollars. Seems outrageous, right?

Get a reusable bottle. It’s much better for the environment, and it’s much cheaper in the long-term.

Replace your shower head

Your shower head may significantly affect how much water you use.

Showers account for nearly 20 percent of residential water use.

The lower the GPM (gallons per minute), the more water you will save.

So if your place comes with a high-pressure showerhead, consider replacing it with a lower-GPM alternative.

Unplug your electronics

Unplugging your electronics will save you money. Even when things are turned off, they often bleed power.

The energy difference is real. According to the National Resources Defense Council, idle devices account for nearly 50 million tons of carbon emission in the US. It costs the average household about $165 per year.

Remembering to unplug things, and actually doing it, can be a pain. Using a power strip may make things easier. There are even some smart power strips you can use that switch off automatically for you.

Buy and sell used items

Buy something used when it makes sense.

A car, a bike, a ping pong table, a couch. Anything that can be feasibly reused. You’ll save money.

Reusing is crucial for going green. It means things don’t end up in a landfill so fast, and it means less energy is spent producing new things.

Wrapping Up

Sometimes, saving money isn’t everything. Often you need to consider the true social or environmental cost of things, not just the price tag you personally pay.

But thankfully, there are many cases in which you don’t have to choose between the environment and your wallet. It’s a win-win situation.

I’ve given 14 examples of those things. And there are plenty more. They may take a small amount of effort. But as soon as more people start doing them, they make a tremendous difference.