New To the Green Life? How to Save Money on the Transition

Many people make the switch to “greener” living out of a sense of obligation. They may feel that the human race is damaging the planet, and it is time for everyone to work together to try to reverse that damage. Yet, after switching to more natural cleaning supplies, changing their lifestyles and using more energy efficient products, many people find that these green changes actually save them some money.

Start Simple

However, most people with limited budgets cannot completely shift their lifestyles to greener living all at once. They need to gradually, step-by-step alter one or two things at time to reduce their impact on the environment. Instead of tossing every incandescent bulb in the home and replacing them with compact fluorescent light bulbs all at once, most homeowners are better off buying a few CFL bulbs and gradually changing out the bulbs in the home as the old incandescent bulbs burn out. Instead of discarding inefficient appliances immediately, homeowners can replace them with more energy-efficient models as they break or begin to wear out.

When deciding which changes are most beneficial and cost-effective, many people use online energy saving calculators. Some calculators will simply tell a homeowner how much money he will save by replacing standard incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs. These calculators also can tell the homeowner how many pounds of carbon dioxide they can save by switching their bulbs. Other calculators assist the homeowner in figuring out how much energy their old appliances use. A homeowner can then input information about the appliances that he is considering for purchase, enabling him to make the best possible choice. They may find that buying a more expensive product will actually save him money over the period of just a year or two, making it worth the additional purchase price.

Changes At Home

When it comes to cleaning products, many people forget that the keys to a clean, sanitary home are not only in a bottled product that claims to be Eco-friendly. Most homes do not need an entire cupboard full of cleaning products. Homeowners can generally clean their homes using natural and safe items that are already on hand, like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. These products only cost a few pennies each time they are used. By simply using these items, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year’s time.

Not only do people need to buy items that are friendly to the environment, but simply making a few lifestyle changes can make a big difference to the earth too. For instance, if a homeowner washes his car on his lawn, instead of his driveway, he will be able to water the grass while getting his car clean. This also keeps dirty water out of storm drains, and the soil helps to break down the detergents and cleaning products used to wash the car. They will not have to pay the city for the water used to run sprinklers that day either.

People can go green, stay healthy and save money all at the same time. By buying a stainless steel water bottle and refilling it at the tap, consumers can save money on bottled water, while still staying hydrated. Many people love growing their own fresh herbs and veggies. These vegetables are not only tasty, but gardeners can grow them organically without chemical herbicides and pesticides that contaminate the soil and water. They only cost a few dollars for seeds or seedlings.

Many people are finding that changing their lifestyles and switching to environmentally friendly products not only makes them good stewards of the planet, but also adds money to their bank accounts. What’s not to like? Anyone can make a few small changes that will increase the beauty of the earth and save money too.

Sheila Barnett writes on personal finance and budgeting for financialcalculator.org, a site with just about every possible online financial calculator for investments, loans, net worth — including a free credit card calculator.

Tags: Budget Green