Over the last couple of years, the signs of climate change have been impossible to ignore. We have seen a drastic increase in extreme weather events across the United States, with Texas suffering intense ice storms in February 2021 and Seattle experiencing unprecedented heat waves, and now historic rain. In October we saw the world’s leaders gather at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, to discuss what steps they would be taking to combat climate change. And when it is such a large issue, it can feel like there is a limited amount that we can do as individuals.
It can also feel like going green is something that costs a lot of money. The truth of the matter is that while some of the important changes that we all need to make do require us to open our wallets, many of them will save us money in the long run. It is also true that there are plenty of greener habits that we can get into that do not cost as much as you might expect. Here are just a few of the ways that you can help the environment without worrying about going way over your budget.
Start Simple With Recycling
Let’s open with one of the simplest and most important things that everyone should be doing. Most of us are conscientious when it comes to recycling our waste. We separate our garbage, and we encourage these habits in our children. But it is important to remember that there is more to recycling than washing out your plastic and metal containers and not throwing the cardboard packaging our online purchases arrive into the trash.
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to non-recycled waste are electronic products. The rise of electronic waste, or e-waste, is truly startling and we all need to be taking steps to cut down. Look for a location near you where you can recycle your old or broken electronic products and appliances. If they still work but you no longer want them, reach out to a charity shop in your area. With old computers, you could ask if your local school or library could benefit from a used but working machine.
Shop Smart On Electric Cars
Sometimes going green does come with a price tag, and it is fair to say that there are some very expensive electric cars out there. However, even though it is true that top of the line luxury model like a Tesla Model 3 will require some serious savings, there are models and makes on the market that make going electric an affordable choice.
Of course, you will need to make sure that you do your research to ensure that you find a car that suits your needs and offers good fuel efficiency. If you are looking for the least expensive electric car that is still a great purchase, this list breaks down the most cost-effective and their value beyond their price. Compare is dedicated to helping its customers find the best car insurance policy, working with the biggest providers out there, and their detailed blogs can help you to make the best choices.
Insulate Your Home
The winter is here and at this time of year, it can be tough to make sure that you are keeping your energy bills down. With warnings of colder, wetter weather to come, it makes sense that you are going to be cranking the heating. But if you want to do your bit for the environment and cut down on your energy costs (which will be going up), you should be looking at the quality of the insulation in your home. If you do not have double glazing on your windows, this should be a priority, but it is just as important to consider your roof, your attic, your basement, and any exterior walls. So much heat loss can occur in these areas but if you insulate them properly, you will be trapping all that energy in. And if you do not want to commit to big home improvement projects during the winter, you can always use draft excluders to keep warm air in, and heavier curtains will help you to keep your rooms warm.
Upgrade To Newer Models
Granted, this does not sound like a great way to save money but hear us out. While sticking to the same old appliances you have been using might seem like you are saving on spending, these outdated machines will be costing you more on energy bills. They will also be worse for the environment than newer models that have better energy efficiency ratings. If you are not sure whether your machines, such as your washing machine or fridge, are operating at the standard they should be, make an appointment to have it serviced. You may well find that spending now on a newer one could save you more than you think.
Get More Organized With Your Meals
When things are busy and stressful, it can be difficult to plan your meals in advance. This is how we end spending huge sums of money on takeout, and how we let food spoil in the fridge because we have not got around to cooking it. As you may have guessed, food waste is a big problem for your carbon footprint, so making a meal plan and a proper grocery list will not only save you money, but it also contributes towards you doing your bit for the environment.
But it’s not just about making sure that you avoid throwing food away as much as possible. Knowing what you need to be buying for your meals every week also means that you can shop locally more effectively. You can make sure that you are buying groceries that have been grown, reared, or made in your local region, and it also means that you can get smarter about shopping in season. Do not buy fruit or vegetables that have been flown in from somewhere, look for what has been grown fresh near you.
