I like to save money and if I can do so in a “green” way then all the best. This contribution from Autotrader has some great tips for doing just that.
Any way that you reduce your energy consumption saves you money. However, many people still view going green as a luxury rather than something that can be achieved within the confines of normal budget; it is inextricably tied to trendy hipsters who enjoy composting and kale salads. This is just not the case! Being friendlier to the environment isn’t just good news for the planet, it’s also great news for your wallet. Below are a series of tips on saving money by saving the world.
One Man’s Treasure is Another Man’s Trash
Instead of throwing everything away, why not take a long hard look at what you’re getting rid of? If you are getting rid of clothes, you could take them to a recycling centre that offers money for fabric. If you are throwing out furniture, you could put it on websites such as Gumtree or eBay. There are even places that offer money for old glass and tin cans. Not only this but passing your possessions on isn’t the only solution. You could always embrace arts and crafts by upcycling even the most ordinary of household objects, and you could sell them to make money or find a special place for them in your home.
Save Money: Lower Your Energy Bills
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to switch off the lights when they leave a room. You can take this a step further by switching off appliances at the socket. It can also help to put draft excluders in your house and to take your heating system off automatic so that you only use it when absolutely necessary. Replacing your light bulbs with LED lights is another easy solution. These bulbs are certainly a wise investment, as they can last up to ten years!
Cars Can Be Recycled Too
The notion that new environmentally-friendly cars are always the best option for the environment is open for debate; instead, older used cars can often be the more ecologically sound option. This is due to the fact that buying a used car avoids the problem of carbon dioxide produced at each stage of the production of a new car. It is also an excellent way to get the best value for money. Furthermore, buying a used car doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality, for instance, the Hyundai i20 strikes the perfect balance between handling and comfort, boasts generous standard specification levels and a generous amount of space on the rear bench.
Save Money on the Laundry
The laundry is a great place to start saving both money and the environment. Make sure that you always wait to wash a full load rather than wasting water and money on washing powder and energy. You can clean your clothes in cold water without this affecting the quality of the wash, just use a quality washing powder or liquid. Finally, make sure to line dry your clothes rather than shelling out for a dryer and the cost of running one.