We are back with our popular series all about zero waste living with money saving tips in your home that also help the environment.
It’s no secret that living in a disposable society is costing us more money and producing more waste. The problem on seems to have increased the past year or so with the pandemic and the increase in single use plastics from masks to water bottles to single serve containers. Companies like Starbucks and Pete Coffee are refusing personal cup refills. The good news is, there are many ways we can save money, help the environment, and improve our backyards.
It has never been more important than it is now, with the current state of our economy and our planet. But where do we start? There are so many options available that make sense for every lifestyle: here are a few ideas that you can put into practice.
#1 Compost organic waste
A home composter is a great way to save money and reduce waste. Any way that you can reduce the amount of waste you send to landfills will benefit the environment. There are composting bins available in all sizes and shapes so there’s sure to be something suitable for you. Worm bins are especially good for smaller spaces. Kitchen composting is a great way to reuse previously unwanted things, reduce the landfill input, and generate great organic soil for your backyard vegetable or herb garden, lawn or even just for your indoor plants. At the very basic level, composting is basically bacteria, fungi, bugs, worm and such mechanism breaking down the food scraps into humus. And this humus can be added to your garden. Compost, at the very basic level, is soil amendment.
The added bonus is that you end up with great quality compost to enrich your garden, saving you money. Here is an article on all that you need to know about getting started with composting – Composting 101.
#2 Grow your own food
There are so many benefits to having your own veggies, fruit trees, or even just a window box with herbs in it. Anything we buy in a shop means it was transported there, which means more transport costs and more pollution. Growing your own foods and herbs is a simple and inexpensive undertaking and foods that you grow on your own have huge benefits for your health and wellness.\
So, growing your own food is not only healthier for you and the planet and it also saves money.
#3 Collect rainwater
Install a rainwater barrel connected to your downpipes so you can save water and use it to care for your garden. This reduces your water bill and helps reduce the use of tap water. Even if you don’t want to invest in rain barrels, put out a few simple buckets to collect rain water the next time it rains and use that the next day for your garden or vegetable bed. Even a day of rainwater used is a day of tap water saved.
#4 Return cans and bottles
Recycling glass bottles and metal cans is of course better than sending them to the landfill. However, some bottles and cans are refundable, giving you a little bit of cash back. Check with your local recycle center or even stores like Walmart that sometimes have bins for returning bottles and cans. Wherever possible opt for glass instead of plastic. 
You can also replace all plastic jars in your own pantry with glass bottles and jars for storage of dry foods like pasta and beans.
#5 Reduce your energy use
Energy efficiency is about using less energy and avoiding high bills while also protecting the environment. We can all do our part to reduce the global impact of climate change by reducing how much electricity we consume in a day. It is not just electricity either. Driving vehicles consumes some kind of energy, whether it be gas or electricity. Cutting down your driving trips is good for your pocket and the environment. If you can, take a bus, get a bike, or carpool.
You can reduce water and electricity consumption by washing clothes on shorter, colder programs.
#6 Make your own cleaning supplies
With the amount of chemicals in cleaning products, you might not be quite sure what’s going into your home. The solution is to save money by making your own cleaning supplies and reduce the use of harsh chemicals at the same time. For example, you could make a natural window cleaner with vinegar and water. Many common pantry items such as lemon and baking soda can be used in a range of different DIY home products that are kind on your skin, your wallet, AND the environment.
We looked at a few quick tips to get you started on your journey towards living more sustainably in your home. Have any of these ideas helped you already? What have been some other challenges or successes for you as an eco-conscious homeowner? Let us know.
Pin for later!
0 Comments