6 Surprising Ways to Save Money by Going Green

When you think of going green, you may not think about how much money it can save you, because it usually involves updating items or starting fresh with new products completely. This can mean spending money.

But what you might not realize is that by spending money now on products that last, you can save so much in the long run. There are of course ways to use what you already have to help you along on your green journey as well. We have a few ideas of updates and current product usages that can save you some money, all while going green.

Ride your bike more

You may have started working back in the office again, meaning you are no longer working from home. So, if the time has come for you to kiss your virtual office goodbye, instead of racking up miles on your car, adding a gas bill back into the mix, and polluting the air, hop on your bike to get to and from work.

Riding your bike will not only save you money and help the planet, but it will help you stay healthy and in shape now that your routine is changing. If you are realizing your bike is outdated and might not be as reliable as you would hope, check out second-hand bike sites to find one that is perfect for you and your budget. And don’t forget to wear your trusty helmet.

Make an upgrade within your home

There are so many upgrades you can make to your home to make it more green, such as adding solar panels, updating your lightbulbs, and even switching out your windows and doors. By upgrading to energy efficient doors and windows, you are not only giving your home a whole new feel, but you could be saving yourself tons of money in the long run. When you have efficient windows and doors, you are protected from the elements. The summer heat won’t be let in, and the winter cold will stay out as well. Your AC and heater/fireplace won’t have to work overtime for you anymore, which means lower bills and cleaner air.

Recycle

This may be one that you already do, but it is one that is easy to slack on and forget about. So, we are here to remind you that recycling can make you money! Instead of throwing away those cans and bottles, take them to be recycled. You will get your deposit back on them, and help to reduce your carbon footprint. Sounds like a win to us.

Live minimally

We know that “minimalist” gets a bad name from some people, because that would require us all to get rid of the majority of our belongings—but that isn’t always a bad thing. By getting rid of or selling unused or frivolous items, you are making room for items that are made to last and will be with you for a while. Plus, if you aren’t buying something every day, you can add to your savings and make it so you have a little extra to make more green upgrades.

Create a digital budget

If you usually use a paper and pen to document your spending, it may be time to update it and go digital when it comes to your family’s budget. There are so many apps and platforms to create, manage, and help you stick to your budget, you will wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

Make your bills “paperless”

By doing this, you are not only cutting down on paper consumption, but a lot of companies offer discounts to their customers who choose this option. Saving the planet and saving money have never been easier. Check which of your bills have this capability and get to saving. You will be glad you did.

Even though you may feel like you as an individual aren’t making a big impact, no step is too small when it comes to helping the planet. Follow these tips to start saving money while reducing your ecological footprint.