How To Go Green To Save Some Green During This Economy Crisis
Posted by: Alexandra Vrugt / Category: Green TipsThis economy crisis is prompting a lot of families to work together to try to keep monthly spending low and financial savings positive. Even as we try to keep the finances that we need for survival in a good state, so too should we work to do good things for the earth and the natural things that we need. The truth is that if we make an effort to go green, we may in fact see more green in our family’s finances. Try these tips to save your family during this economy crisis:
Give your clothes some “hang” time during this economy crisis. Many people that have space around their home can put up a clothesline outside where they can hang up and dry their clothing. If you are a bit squeamish about your clothing hanging out for all to see, then consider putting up a clothesline inside, either in a garage or even a retractable one in the shower or bathroom. The tools and clothesline that you need, you can buy for cheap at a dollar store or discount retailer.
For those that don’t normally have a lot of clothes to dry anyway, hanging up your clothes could significantly reduce your overall energy bill because you would have very little use and need for your electric dryer, which can cost a lot to run. Most washing machines will spin your clothes practically dry so that when they come out, they are barely moist to the touch. If you want, spin them twice through the washer and then, put those hangers or clothespins, that you can buy for cheap at about $1 per package, to good use while enjoying a financial saving.
Use pedal power to save on gas during this economy crisis. Whether you decide to ride a bike or just walk, your body and your budget will enjoy the benefits of letting your vehicle rest a while. With gas prices fluctuating, families are having a hard time knowing exactly how much they should allocate for gas expenses.
By using alternative means of travel, you can save our environment from the harmful emissions that your car gives off and you can experience a significant personal saving. Cost of gas and vehicle size, with larger vehicles requiring much more gas, can make a huge difference in a budget. So, put those feet to good use and save in the process.
Find alternative uses for some of life’s basics like newspaper and store shopping bags. Instead of trying to find ways get garbage bags that you can buy for cheap, re-use those plastic store bags. Some may say that it is better to just get a cloth shopping bag, but it can kind of balance out environmentally if people would just re-use those plastic store bags, which are almost always bio-degradable, for collecting their families daily trash.
Another fantastic item to reuse is newspaper. We get them as circulars in our mailboxes and we even buy them from time to time. They are perfect for cleaning windows, instead of using those name brand cleaning wipes. They can also be used for packing stuff and, even for helping to absorb stinky shoe and suitcase odors. A little crumpled newspaper can go a long way. During this economy crisis, we all need to find alternative uses for things.
These are just a few ways to go green and save during this economy crisis. Consider alternative methods of doing things, get “back to nature”, or just don’t use as much energy and other resources, and before you know it you and your family could be enjoying the saving, cost-cutting, and new frugal ways that you have learned. Everyone is looking for ways to get more for less right now, and when you and your family see the change in your finances…you will be glad that you took these simple steps toward going green!
