BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Environment A way to help others be more environmental

Last year, I wrote an article for my local homeschooling newsletter, Going Green. One of the things that I've been aware of, but so many people aren't, is that it is budget friendly. People think, "Oh, it's so expensive to put in solar panels, or buy a more fuel efficient car or...." But you can make a difference in little, inexpensive or money-saving ways, too. Recycling is already a part of most garbage pick-up -- and if it isn't, you can usually find a convenient recycling center to drop off items. (I do that for glass, which isn't recycled locally, and aluminum cans, since they do pay for those!)

One local store takes $.06 off of your grocery tab for every reusable canvas bag you bring. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it adds up. (And if you need to buy one, they are only $.88 at the store. If you go to the store every week, you are even in half a year!)

Driving less saves money, since you are filling up less. (And the way gas prices are going, that can be a LOT less!)

Growing veggies in the back yard saves money, since you can grow more than it cost you to plant. As an added bonus, you get health benefits of fresh produce. And taste benefits - you can't get fresher!

I'm sure I'm forgetting some -- How about you all add your others?

Reduce--reducing consumption and using less is definitely inexpensive. This works for almost anything, too--cars, furniture, cleaning supplies, and so on. It's also about things like using the library (if possible) instead of buying books.

Reuse--ditto. Cutting old t-shirts up to make cleaning rags, quilting is a great reusing practice, repurposing anything that you can, and finally, donating instead of throwing things away. Freecycle, Goodwill, etc. are all great for the environment.

Recycle--which you already mentioned.

Buying locally and seasonally is definitely usually cheaper and far better for the environment.

When a light bulb burns out, replacing it with a CFL is great.

Changing the thermostat a few degrees works, too, both for heat & cold. Don't heat or cool an empty house. Keep temps tolerable instead of like an oven or freezer.

I just remembered I wrote this article about exactly that:

Five Ways to Go Green and Save Money