Guest Post Author Bio: This is a blog swap post from LaTisha at Financial Success for Young Adults where she writes about budgeting for college students and easy investing for beginners. See my post Make Your Own Cleaning Products over at her site today!
Green is one of my favorite colors. Why? It’s the color of money! But not only that, it represents the idea of being environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, sometimes trying to save money and ‘go green’ present a conflict of interest. Have you ever decided to switch cleaning supplies from the ones with harsh chemicals to the eco-friendly ones? Sometimes the price is 10 to 20% higher! Some people just take that obstacle as an excuse and decide to continue polluting the environment with nasty chemicals because they prioritize budget over the environment. It’s understandable but it doesn’t have to be the norm. There are ways to build a green budget without breaking the bank.
Go Digital
Save money and the environment by opting for electronic statements. This is an environmentally friendly option that will cost you absolutely nothing. Some banks and cell phone service providers will even pay you to choose paperless statements.
Clip Coupons or Go Pro
Many of those eco-friendly products are brand new and often the manufacturers will offer a coupon just so you can try it. Stock up on the products that you like as you can and check out coupon deals online and on the manufacturers website. If you are not a coupon person, try making your own cleaning supplies. Some green-cleaning recipes are as easy as vinegar and baking soda. You can use lemon to clean a bamboo cutting board instead of harsh soap. There are plenty of resources that will show you exactly how to do it.
Let the Government Pay for It
There are plenty of tax incentives for those who decide to go green. When hybrid cars and electronic powered cars were first released, there was a massive tax credit that was offered. Over the years it has dwindled down but there is still a credit available. Also, if you have the ability to take advantage of the current housing tax credit you can take the money that you get back from the government and put it into buying updated appliances and lighting and get another tax deduction on top of your tax credit.
Unplug and Get Outside
The final tip I have for building a green budget is to unplug! Did you know that appliances that are plugged in, even when off are costing you money? One of the worst offenders is the big screen TV you have. When you think it is off, it is really in ‘standby’ mode and drawing electricity. Try unplugging the TV to save money. Do this each night for a month before you go to bed and see how your electric bill shrinks. Keep an eye on plugged in cell phone chargers that are not being used also.
It’s really not that hard to go green! You will feel better about making a contribution to the environment and the health of yourself and others, and you can go green on a budget also.
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I am attempting to convert all statements to electronic. The only problem with that is letting go of the control of holding (and filing) the financial statements.
@Barb. We have been efiling electronic statements for the last couple years and we really like it. We have folders on our computer which are backed up with Crashplan and we also have some saved in our emails. We can reference them whenever. It really is great. You should give it a try. I can totally relate to the control thing though- letting go can be tough.
It never really occurred to me that electrical appliances that are left plugged in would still draw out electricity even when they’re not in use. I’m definitely going to try this tactic and see if my bill does shrink. Also thinking about trading in my car for a hybrid…
@Diana. I am so glad you found this post helpful and some tips you could try. I can guarantee that over the long run unplugging your appliances is worth it. I also like your idea of getting a hyrbrid. The technology has improved and if you do a lot of city driving they can definitely help with reducing green house gas emissions. Best of luck with your plan.
@SB. You are right. The list in endless. The issue is getting people to make the effort. Many people just don’t care about the result of their actions unfortunately.
I’m a big believer in letting the government pay for it. With as much as I pay in taxes, I deserve a break. This proves that by going green, you can also save green.
I second the idea to unplug and go outside! Not only will you save on electricity, but you can get some fresh air & exercise. Getting out into nature helps get rid of stress. Find a city park or state park & take a walk/hike! You’ll feel better while you get up close & personal with the enrvironment!
@Maggie. Cheers to that. I totally agree and I tend to do the same things. I also find something as simple as eating dinner outside a great reward. Not only do you save on electricity in your house but you do get that healing fresh air at the end of the day.
@Tony. Yes the internet has it’s perks. However for me I find it can be a time waster. It can also be wasteful and non green when people are constantly upgrading their computers. I guess it’s a catch 22.
@Little House. Once you get into the habit of doing this then you are well on your way to being greener. I find that remembering is the trick to get used to. Glad you have found some go green methods that work for you.
On beautiful sunny days forget flipping the switch or turning on the lamp. Open the curtains, windows or blinds and let the shine give your home light. The sun is great for you and the family, not to mention your house plants. It also saves thousands kilowatts of energy from being burned on a daily basis. You made the environment a little bit better just by letting the sun in and you didn’t spend a dime. Now that’s green on a budget for you.
I am attempting to convert all statements to electronic. The only problem with that is letting go of the control of holding (and filing) the financial statements.
@Barb. We have been efiling electronic statements for the last couple years and we really like it. We have folders on our computer which are backed up with Crashplan and we also have some saved in our emails. We can reference them whenever. It really is great. You should give it a try. I can totally relate to the control thing though- letting go can be tough.
It never really occurred to me that electrical appliances that are left plugged in would still draw out electricity even when they’re not in use. I’m definitely going to try this tactic and see if my bill does shrink. Also thinking about trading in my car for a hybrid…
@Diana. I am so glad you found this post helpful and some tips you could try. I can guarantee that over the long run unplugging your appliances is worth it. I also like your idea of getting a hyrbrid. The technology has improved and if you do a lot of city driving they can definitely help with reducing green house gas emissions. Best of luck with your plan.
Stop wasting water, install thermostat for AC there are so many ways to save money by going green.
@SB. You are right. The list in endless. The issue is getting people to make the effort. Many people just don’t care about the result of their actions unfortunately.
I’m a big believer in letting the government pay for it. With as much as I pay in taxes, I deserve a break. This proves that by going green, you can also save green.
Very true. Especially when the government is offering free money for something that will save the environment.
I second the idea to unplug and go outside! Not only will you save on electricity, but you can get some fresh air & exercise. Getting out into nature helps get rid of stress. Find a city park or state park & take a walk/hike! You’ll feel better while you get up close & personal with the enrvironment!
@Maggie. Cheers to that. I totally agree and I tend to do the same things. I also find something as simple as eating dinner outside a great reward. Not only do you save on electricity in your house but you do get that healing fresh air at the end of the day.
The internet truly is a wonderful cost saver. Plus it saves the environment, and time. 🙂
@Tony. Yes the internet has it’s perks. However for me I find it can be a time waster. It can also be wasteful and non green when people are constantly upgrading their computers. I guess it’s a catch 22.
Great tips. I realized that by turning off my computers every night, it saved me money and saved all that wasted electricity.
@Little House. Once you get into the habit of doing this then you are well on your way to being greener. I find that remembering is the trick to get used to. Glad you have found some go green methods that work for you.
Lately we have been thinking about doing more digital books because it will save space on our shelves… and trees in general…
@South Country Girl. Great idea. I personally use Audible myself. Google it and see if ti might be a good fit for you.
On beautiful sunny days forget flipping the switch or turning on the lamp. Open the curtains, windows or blinds and let the shine give your home light. The sun is great for you and the family, not to mention your house plants. It also saves thousands kilowatts of energy from being burned on a daily basis. You made the environment a little bit better just by letting the sun in and you didn’t spend a dime. Now that’s green on a budget for you.
Agreed. I have my blinds open constantly. I love the sun and like you said it can save energy.