One of the biggest concerns for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint is the cost. So many people think that going green is expensive or requires significant life changes. The great news is that going green is easier (and more affordable!) than you think. Here are a few simple tips to help you reduce your impact on the environment.
Opt for Paperless Statements
We live in a digital age. You likely pay bills online, even if you receive a statement in the mail. Why not eliminate the paper statements and have the documents emailed instead? You may also find more stores are offering the option of paperless receipts, giving you another option to reduce how much paper you use.
Invest in a Reusable Mug
Do you like to grab a cup of coffee or a latte in the morning before work? Instead of getting your drink in paper or plastic to-go cups, buy a reusable one. Many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing your own. If you prefer your drinks cold, you can also get a metal straw to avoid wasting single-use straws.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Even if you turn off your television or computer, it still draws power. It might not seem like a big deal, but phantom energy use can be costing you big time. Instead of leaving electronics plugged in, unplug the ones you don’t need.
If you really want to take your energy savings up a notch, you can also look into solar ITC New Jersey. While solar panels might be a bigger investment, they can help you avoid using traditional energy and save you big time on your monthly bills.
Get Some Reusable Bags
Rather than using plastic or paper grocery bags, purchase a few reusable ones. Not only do you avoid wasting grocery bags, but you also don’t have to worry about a pile of them accumulating in your home. Just be sure to put your bags in your car before your trips to the store.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing your clothes in hot water wastes electricity. Approximately 90% of the energy used to wash goes towards heating the water. Instead, wash with cold. Not only will you use less energy, but your colors are less likely to bleed and your clothes are less likely to shrink.
Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Even a few small changes here and there can make a huge difference. You may even find that although you started with one or two changes, you’re now making several others, further reducing your impact.