Going green and living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some small changes and a bit of effort, you can make your life greener while still sticking to a budget. Here are 50 tips to help you live green on the cheap:
Reduce, reuse, recycle
1. Use reusable bags and containers
Invest in some reusable produce bags, grocery bags, water bottles, coffee mugs, etc. This cuts down on waste and saves money in the long run.
2. Shop secondhand
Check out thrift stores, garage sales, Craigslist, etc for clothing, furniture, and other household items. You’ll save money and prevent stuff from going to landfills.
3. Recycle properly
Learn what can and can’t be recycled in your area. Sort your trash accordingly so more can be diverted from landfills.
4. Compost
Compost food scraps and yard waste at home to nourish your garden rather than sending them to landfills. Many counties offer rebates on compost bins.
5. Repurpose items
Get creative by repurposing items for new uses rather than throwing them away. Jars can be used for food storage, t-shirts can be rags, boxes can be organizers, etc.
Conserve energy and resources
6. Change light bulbs
Switch out incandescent light bulbs for LEDs that use at least 75% less energy and last longer.
7. Unplug devices when not in use
Unplug electronics like TVs, laptop chargers, and kitchen appliances when you’re not using them to avoid “vampire” energy drain.
8. Shorten showers
Taking shorter showers saves gallons of water. I try to limit mine to 5 minutes max.
9. Turn off taps
Don’t leave water running while brushing teeth, doing dishes, etc.
10. Lower thermostat
Lower your thermostat by a few degrees in the winter and raise it in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
11. Hang-dry clothes
Line or rack dry clothes instead of running the dryer to conserve energy.
12. Use cold water for laundry
Wash clothes in cold water to save energy and make detergent work better.
Choose eco-friendly products
13. Bring reusable bags grocery shopping
Plastic bags are BAD for the environment. Get in the habit of stashing reusable bags in your car so you have them when grocery shopping.
14. Choose fresh foods with less packaging
Buy from bulk bins and farmer’s markets to avoid excess product packaging when possible.
15. Use bar soaps and shampoos
Bar soaps and shampoos have less packaging than bottled products. There are great eco-friendly options now.
16.Make cleaning supplies from scratch
You can make effective cleaners from items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
17. Use reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap
Beeswax wraps are a reusable alternative to plastic wrap for covering bowls and leftovers.
18. Use reusable paper towels
Cut up old clothes and towels to make reusable paper towels. They can be washed and reused.
Conserve fuel and transportation
19. Inflate tires properly
Keeping tires inflated to the right pressure improves gas mileage. I check mine monthly.
20. Combine errands
Plan errands strategically and combine multiple stops into one trip to conserve fuel.
21. Carpool
Take turns driving with coworkers or neighbors for daily commutes to save gas and cut emissions.
22. Limit air travel
Air travel leaves a huge carbon footprint. Limit flights when possible and consolidate trips if you do fly.
23. Maintain vehicles
Get regularly scheduled maintenance like oil changes, new air filters, etc. to keep your vehicle in top shape and mileage high.
24. Drive mindfully
Avoid sudden accelerations/stops and cut out excess idling to improve mileage. Driving the speed limit also helps.
25. Walk and bike more
Bike and walk for short trips instead of driving. This saves money on gas and emissions.
Grow your own food
26. Start a vegetable garden
Even a small garden can produce pounds of tomatoes, greens, root veggies, herbs, peppers, squash, and more!
27. Sprout kitchen scraps
Sprout potato peels, onion bottoms, lettuce stumps, and carrots tops for free greens.
28. Grow herbs
Herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, and basil are easy to grow and expensive to buy fresh. Grow them in pots by a sunny window.
29. Plant fruit trees
Dwarf fruit trees produce tasty fruits like apples and peaches but don’t take up much space.
30. Raise backyard chickens
Chickens provide a steady supply of free fresh eggs. Some cities allow small flocks.
31. Compost food scraps
Compost veggie/fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and more to nourish your garden soil for free.
Conserve water
32. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads
These devices drastically cut the amount of water used without sacrificing performance.
33. Collect rainwater
Use rain barrels to harvest rainwater for irrigating plants and washing cars. This saves money on your water bill.
34. Water plants with leftover ice
Dump leftover ice cubes around the bases of plants for slow watering without waste.
35. Take short showers
Challenge yourself to 5 minute showers. Time yourself and turn water off while soaping up.
36. Fix leaks ASAP
Even small drips can waste hundreds of gallons over time. Fix leaky faucets, showers, sprinklers, and toilets when found.
37. Wash only full loads
Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full to conserve water and energy on unneeded cycles.
Use natural cleaning and personal products
38. Make all-purpose cleaner
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a natural all-purpose cleaning spray.
39. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains
Pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar instead of harsh chemical drain cleaners.
40. Make natural floor cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon water for a simple and effective floor cleaning solution.
41. Use coconut oil as moisturizer and makeup remover
Coconut oil is an affordable and eco-friendly moisturizer, makeup remover, shaving cream, etc
42. Make coconut milk shampoo
Mix 1 tsp of coconut milk with 1 cup of water. Massage into hair and rinse well for a natural shampoo.
43. Use safety razors instead of disposable
Safety razor blades last for months and reduce plastic waste. The handles are recyclable too.
Save energy at home
44. Unplug devices when not in use
Electronics continue drawing energy even when switched off, so unplug them when not in use.
45. Switch to LED lightbulbs
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescents and last years longer.
46. Use power strips
Plug appliances like TVs and computers into power strips. Turn off the strips when not in use to eliminate vampire energy drain.
47. Lower the thermostat
In winter, keep the thermostat set to 68°F or lower during the daytime and 60°F at night to save on heating costs.
48. Use daylighting
Open blinds and curtains to let in natural sunlight and reduce the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.
49. Seal air leaks
Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts and improve insulation. This helps keep heating and cooling costs down.
50. Insulate the hot water heater and pipes
Doing this reduces heat loss and can lower water heating costs by 4-9%.
Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. With some effort and dedication, you can reduce your environmental impact while still living frugally. Try incorporating a few of these budget eco-friendly tips each week until they become habit! The little changes add up.
