During this economy crisis, we should all be looking for ways to save and preserve our finances. To be honest, we shouldn’t just stop our preservation efforts with our financial health, but we should also do all that we can do preserve the environment and the world that we live in. Taking steps to go green to help our world could result in us seeing more green in our wallets and bank accounts. Here’s how:
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.
Don’t drive everywhere unless you absolutely have to. Get out and walk, run, or ride a bike to the places that you need to go and save money by reducing the amount of gas that your family needs during the week. It’s been a little difficult developing a family gas budget recently with the constant fluctuation in fuel prices, so by minimizing your family’s dependence on gas, you could really see a significant financial saving.
The other thing about gas is that it gives off very bad toxins that affect our air and our environment. If you have a big vehicle, you need a lot of gas to operate it and your vehicle probably gives off loads of emissions. During this economy crisis and, really any time, it is best to use different travel alternatives. So, get a little exercise in and enjoy the financial savings from not buying all of that gas. Plus, you will feel even better physically, which is worth a mint!
Don’t just throw stuff away, recycle and reuse. We have been told that plastic bags are bad and canvas is the way to go. But, sometimes, we still sometimes end up getting the plastic bags at different stores. These bags are not all bad because they can be recycled and reused. Use them in your vehicle to catch trash, in all of your home trashcans, use them for walking the dog and picking up poop, and even for storing some things in your freezers. They have multiple uses and are better than having to buy for cheap garbage bags because they are absolutely free!
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!
