Hey y'all! I wanted to put together a list of things that YOU can do to save money and look after our planet earth. I try to do all of the things and more. After awhile these things become part of your lifestyle and it aint no thang. Good luck!
1) Dishwasher:
So, using a dishwasher is convenient AND can help save water but you gotta do it right. Only run a dishwasher if its full. Put as many dishes in it that you can! This helps to maximize the use of the water. Less dishes means you're wasting a ton of water.
If you don't have a dishwasher, no problem. Instead of filling up the sink with soapy water, try just filling up a bowl or soaping the sponge/washcloth instead. Maximum suds and less water. Score!
2) Soap nuts: http://econutssoap.com/what-are-soap-nuts/
These things are AMAZING! I just found out about them and am going to switch over immediately! They are all natural, cheap, three nuts can be used for up to 5 loads, and can be thrown outside or composted after use. I brought a small baggie with me on my month-long vacation and they took up no room and I was able to do laundry while traveling. It was awesome people, AWESOME!!
Also, to maximize your environmental laundry process, learn to like line-drying. I know it takes longer and I know it sometimes makes your clothes stiff, but you really save SO much money and energy. Not having a dryer in Rome made me get used to line-dry. While clothes do get a bit stiff, once you put them on, they soften up in no time.
And, don't use fabric softener/sheets. Its bad for your skin, is a lot of money and your clothes will still smell good after washing... I promise.
3) Reusable bags: http://plasticbaglaws.org/get-involved/plastic-bag-recycling/
If this is the only thing you do to save the environment, you're still making a huge difference. Think about it; you go to the store maybe once a week. You get a plastic/paper bag each time you go. Thats a lot of bags that are going to have to get "recycled". I use quotes because recycling plastic bags can be more harmful then just throwing them away. Click on the link above to get informed.
Put reusable bags in your car so you never forget them. Those tiny folding ones are great to put in your purse so you never forget them, or use your gigantic purse as a bag! And don't be afraid to say "no bag, please." It may confuse the check-out dude/lady but your helping out in a big way (side note: if the check-out person is confused why you don't want a bag, maybe you're shopping in the wrong place to begin with...)
4) Bulk foods:
Want to save more money? Buy in bulk! Its the easiest way to get what you want, not have to worry about packaging (box, plastic wrapping and plastic container... really?!), and save tons of money. I can buy twice as much oatmeal in bulk than I can in a pre-packaged container and STILL save money. Also, its fun to try out new things and not have to buy a whole package.
To maximize your environmentalism, bring your own bags for bulk.
5) Buy local/organic:
Know where your local farmers market is?? You should! Produce is cheap, local and usually natural/organic. You can get to know WHERE your food is coming from. Ive talked to a lot of farmers about their produce and been very happy with the results. Plus it tastes so much better cause its not traveling a million miles to get to your plate. And you know your money is going to a good cause. Feel good about your local companies!
6) Bring your own tupperware (aka HATE ON STYROFOAM!):
Why have I not been doing this for my whole life?! After not getting a delicious meal to go because the place had styrofoam containers (Styrofoam=the devil for the environment, NEVER decomposes. NEVER! And its horrible for humans... can you say chemicals? http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/capp/capp-styrofoam.html), I decided that I would just bring my own tupperware with me. Its awesome! I don't have to worry about styrofoam or any type of waste, I can automatically not over-eat (who loves left-overs? Me!), and I know my container is clean and handy. This is a seriously cool life hack.
7) Public transpo/walk/bike:
You all know that this is how I live my life. Walking/biking is not only good for your body but it makes you happier too. A little sunshine, a little wind in your hair, the occasional good story from getting caught in the rain... And public transport is an amazing thing. You can READ while you're transporting!! Its awesome! Not to mention all the money saving you'll be doing by not owning a car. Im not rich by any means but Im not poor and I contribute it to not having a car. Live life on the wild side.
8) Vinegar!
Vinegar is your new cheap (environmentally friendly) best friend. You can do lots of things together and vinegar is a cheap date. Buy a ginormous bottle and use it to wash produce and clean your house! Vinegar works wonders on glass and mirrors and on everything else in your house. Don't forget to water it down a bit before you use it; don't want that vinegar-y smell throughout the whole house.
9) Do your research:
It seems like a hassle, it seems daunting, tedious and annoying. But what in life is easy? Its rewarding in the end too. Learning new things is fun and educating yourself about what you consume and who you vote for is ultimately your job in life.
Want to learn more ways in which you can be an environmentalist? It took me 10 seconds to find this awesome site. Enjoy!
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-lifehackorg-guide-to-green-living-20-green-ideas-from-our-archives.html
1) Dishwasher:
So, using a dishwasher is convenient AND can help save water but you gotta do it right. Only run a dishwasher if its full. Put as many dishes in it that you can! This helps to maximize the use of the water. Less dishes means you're wasting a ton of water.
If you don't have a dishwasher, no problem. Instead of filling up the sink with soapy water, try just filling up a bowl or soaping the sponge/washcloth instead. Maximum suds and less water. Score!
2) Soap nuts: http://econutssoap.com/what-are-soap-nuts/
These things are AMAZING! I just found out about them and am going to switch over immediately! They are all natural, cheap, three nuts can be used for up to 5 loads, and can be thrown outside or composted after use. I brought a small baggie with me on my month-long vacation and they took up no room and I was able to do laundry while traveling. It was awesome people, AWESOME!!
Also, to maximize your environmental laundry process, learn to like line-drying. I know it takes longer and I know it sometimes makes your clothes stiff, but you really save SO much money and energy. Not having a dryer in Rome made me get used to line-dry. While clothes do get a bit stiff, once you put them on, they soften up in no time.
And, don't use fabric softener/sheets. Its bad for your skin, is a lot of money and your clothes will still smell good after washing... I promise.
3) Reusable bags: http://plasticbaglaws.org/get-involved/plastic-bag-recycling/
If this is the only thing you do to save the environment, you're still making a huge difference. Think about it; you go to the store maybe once a week. You get a plastic/paper bag each time you go. Thats a lot of bags that are going to have to get "recycled". I use quotes because recycling plastic bags can be more harmful then just throwing them away. Click on the link above to get informed.
Put reusable bags in your car so you never forget them. Those tiny folding ones are great to put in your purse so you never forget them, or use your gigantic purse as a bag! And don't be afraid to say "no bag, please." It may confuse the check-out dude/lady but your helping out in a big way (side note: if the check-out person is confused why you don't want a bag, maybe you're shopping in the wrong place to begin with...)
4) Bulk foods:
Want to save more money? Buy in bulk! Its the easiest way to get what you want, not have to worry about packaging (box, plastic wrapping and plastic container... really?!), and save tons of money. I can buy twice as much oatmeal in bulk than I can in a pre-packaged container and STILL save money. Also, its fun to try out new things and not have to buy a whole package.
To maximize your environmentalism, bring your own bags for bulk.
5) Buy local/organic:
Know where your local farmers market is?? You should! Produce is cheap, local and usually natural/organic. You can get to know WHERE your food is coming from. Ive talked to a lot of farmers about their produce and been very happy with the results. Plus it tastes so much better cause its not traveling a million miles to get to your plate. And you know your money is going to a good cause. Feel good about your local companies!
6) Bring your own tupperware (aka HATE ON STYROFOAM!):
Why have I not been doing this for my whole life?! After not getting a delicious meal to go because the place had styrofoam containers (Styrofoam=the devil for the environment, NEVER decomposes. NEVER! And its horrible for humans... can you say chemicals? http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/capp/capp-styrofoam.html), I decided that I would just bring my own tupperware with me. Its awesome! I don't have to worry about styrofoam or any type of waste, I can automatically not over-eat (who loves left-overs? Me!), and I know my container is clean and handy. This is a seriously cool life hack.
7) Public transpo/walk/bike:
You all know that this is how I live my life. Walking/biking is not only good for your body but it makes you happier too. A little sunshine, a little wind in your hair, the occasional good story from getting caught in the rain... And public transport is an amazing thing. You can READ while you're transporting!! Its awesome! Not to mention all the money saving you'll be doing by not owning a car. Im not rich by any means but Im not poor and I contribute it to not having a car. Live life on the wild side.
8) Vinegar!
Vinegar is your new cheap (environmentally friendly) best friend. You can do lots of things together and vinegar is a cheap date. Buy a ginormous bottle and use it to wash produce and clean your house! Vinegar works wonders on glass and mirrors and on everything else in your house. Don't forget to water it down a bit before you use it; don't want that vinegar-y smell throughout the whole house.
9) Do your research:
It seems like a hassle, it seems daunting, tedious and annoying. But what in life is easy? Its rewarding in the end too. Learning new things is fun and educating yourself about what you consume and who you vote for is ultimately your job in life.
Want to learn more ways in which you can be an environmentalist? It took me 10 seconds to find this awesome site. Enjoy!
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-lifehackorg-guide-to-green-living-20-green-ideas-from-our-archives.html
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