Many people look at living a “green” life as something only hippies do. However, the truth is that green living is becoming mainstream, and with good reason. Not only are those who try to live a green life preserving Earth’s natural resources, but they are also saving a significant amount of money. Sure, to make your home green you have to initially pay out some cash, but you’ll reap the financial rewards year after year.
If you want to start living a green life and save some dough, here are some things you can do initially that won’t break the bank:
1. Install a water softener. If you have hard water, water softeners can help you in a variety of ways. You’ll use less soap for daily use as well as your dishes and laundry. Your water pipes will likely last longer because they won’t contain build up that can destroy pipes.
2. Grow your own garden. Organic vegetables are expensive to buy, and often they have a large carbon trail because they must be shipped in from other countries. There’s nothing better than eating organic produce that is locally grown, and it doesn’t get any more local than your backyard! A large garden can easily save you several hundred dollars in groceries, not to mention the medical bills you may save on later in life.
3. Install a rain catcher. A rain catcher is inexpensive and can drastically cut your outdoor water usage. If you live in an arid area, having a way to conserve water becomes even more important.
4. Install a programmable thermostat. You can easily control the heat or air conditioning in your home, lowering the heat or raising the air conditioning when you’re out of the house and then bringing it to a more comfortable temperature when you’re home.
These four measures don’t cost that much to initially implement, and you should recoup your initial investment in just a few years, if not less. From then on, you’ll be living a greener life, and saving quite a bit of green yourself!
