We have all heard about the importance of reducing our carbon footprints and choosing to go green. However, the two main arguments people have for choosing not to go green are “I do not have time” or “I cannot afford it.” Time and money are inconveniences that have influenced individual behaviors to not go green.
The main benefit of going green is reducing your carbon footprint which is the amount of energy you consume. Making a few simple changes to your daily life helps decrease your carbon footprint. Here are a few lists that show you how.
Saving time
There are ways that choosing an environmentally friendly alternative can save you more time and money. Here are a few ways in which you can save time while going green:
- Taking shorter showers
- Washing laundry with full loads
- Shutting off water when you are washing dishes
- Creating a smaller ironing pile
Saving money
When you reduce energy usage in and out of your home, you can save money simultaneously. Save money while going green by:
- Turning your water geyser down
- Using the cold water setting while doing laundry
- Hanging clothes instead of drying
- Heat only where it’s needed by using blankets or space heaters
- Recycling paper, cans, glass, and plastic (you can even receive money back for recycling by taking your recyclables to buy-back centers)
- Creating a compost bin for your garden by collecting your food and yard waste to make fertilizer
- Fixing leaky faucets or pipes
- Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving
- Turning lights off when not in the room
- Unplugging electronics when not in use
- Biking or walking to work
- Combining trips or errands
There are also alternative low-cost purchases that will save money in the long term:
- Replacing your showerhead with a low-flow showerhead
- Using CFL or LED light bulbs instead of incandescent
These time and money saving options are attainable and help change your energy consumption habits. They will also help reduce your carbon footprint while beginning your journey to go green.
Have you joined #YALIGoesGreen yet? Visit https://yali.state.gov/green/ to learn more.