Day 80

As we all know our economy is in the dumps. We are in the worst recession in a decade or more! I wanted to make this post about how to be sustainable and green even in the worst of financial times. It seems that the alternative products to be “green” seem to come with a hefty price but there are things you can do that will help save you money and the planet! Whether you have been affected by the recession or not, these tips are a great way to cut back on your eco footprint!

Some of these tips are easy and common sense, others came from a book that I received for my B-day that anyone could get (used: remember, reduce, reuse, recycle). I have been using mine as reference for when situations come up and I want to be more sustainable!
You can get a great USED copy at www.amazon.com for as cheap as $10!

1: LIGHTS – Turning off lights that are not in use will save a significant amount of cash on your electric bill! Another way to save some money and energy for our planet, switch your light bulbs out in exchange for CFLs or LED. They last longer and use less energy. I am not saying run out and buy all new light bulbs (they can be spendy) but when one of your traditional bulbs burn out, replace it with a CFL or LED.

“If every American changed just one light bulb to an energy-efficient CFL, it would prevent pollution equivalent to taking 1 million cars off the road and save us $600 million in energy costs per year.” Easy Green Living

Something else to save money concerning lights: Turn off your lights and use candles. It is romantic and way cheaper than electricity. I have to say; I look way better in candlelight anyway!! If you do want to try this, go for soy candles if you can! They burn cleaner (no petroleum products for ingredients) and they last longer!

2: CLOTHES- I think I might have some sort of issue with clothes. They have come up in 2 consecutive posts now! They are something we cannot live without yet, they are costly on many different levels! Anyway, clothes need to be washed and dried. So, lets save some money and energy by hanging those lovely threads on a rack to dry! Line drying your clothes will save money; energy and your clothes will last longer! Using the dryer brakes down the fibers in your clothes, making them less durable.
Also, when you wash your clothes use cold water instead of hot or warm. I guarantee that your clothes get just as clean in cold water as they do in hot! Again, this save money, energy and your clothes will last longer!

One last suggestion on the dryer situation. If you really cant give up your fluffy soft clothes, throw in a big dry towel with your load. This will help absorb some of the moisture of the wet fabric and will cut down on your drying time!

3: LESS MEAT- Yes all you carnivores, eat less meat! This will cut down on your grocery bill and consuming less meat helps the environment. The production of beef and pretty much all meat is a HUGE pull on our lands, water and just the whole environment. I am not suggesting you stop all together, just try eating less of it! If you eat meat everyday try every other day or once or twice a week. If you only eat it once a week try twice a month! Also, when you do buy meat try and get it locally and/or organic. Often the smaller and organic farms/ranches have better practices than the large producers.


4: HEAT- Turn down your heat by one or two degrees. Most likely you will not even notice but when your monthly bill comes in you will be smiling from ear to ear! This will save you money and the planet!

5: DRIVING- Do less of this! You will save a load of cash, emissions and stay in shape! Walk that cute little ass down to the store or bike your way to the thrift shop for that cool item that you just cant live without!

6: THRIFT SHOPS- Ok, thrifting is my life, as you all know! But, I really cannot stress this enough! REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!! When you need something whether it is clothes, drinking glasses, plates, dish rack, a cool knick-knack…..GO TO A THRIFT SHOP! This saves money and you are using things that are here, on this planet!


So, guess that is it for now! Feel free to comment, make other suggestions or just do these things! They are easy and should not disturb your life all that much!