There’s never a bad time to look for ways to save yourself money, whilst also thinking about making choices that are good for the planet. Despite what you might think, being eco-friendly doesn’t have to cost the world, so here are three practical ways to help both your wallet and the environment.
Smarter Transportation
The cars we drive impact both our finances and the planet in big ways. Although electric cars have the potential to reduce our emissions significantly, they still have an environmental cost for new manufacturing.
One option can be to look into buying a used vehicle that offers good mileage and low emissions, cutting out new manufacturing and saving you thousands up front too. Check out preowned vehicles wherever you may be, from used cars in Cannock to second hand vans in Swansea, to find a reliable option that suits your budget. Simple maintenance habits can also save hundreds on fuel annually, saving you money and emissions.
There’s also maximising sustainable transport options like cycling or public transport for certain journeys, which can minimise your overall car usage and could save the average person around £600 per year.
The True Cost of Fast Fashion
The reality of fast fashion is that it’s directly linked to about 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, as well as significant water pollution within certain countries. On the flip side, we spend thousands of pounds on clothes annually, some of which might only be worn a handful of times.
The simple answer is to invest into your current wardrobe, properly caring for your clothes and focusing on making simple repairs rather than replacing damaged garments. Second-hand items from Vinted, eBay or charity shops can also reduce your fashion footprint. If you do choose to buy new, spend a little more on fewer, better-quality pieces from brands with a clear sustainable mission – these will likely last longer and be better quality.
Eco-Friendly Homes
Our homes are one of our biggest expenses – and our greatest area for making sustainable savings. Switch your energy tariff to a green one where possible, focusing on getting as much energy as possible from renewable sources. Energy-efficient appliances and low energy LED lighting can cost a little more up front, but will pay themselves off through lower bills and less emissions.
Second-hand furniture and refurbished electronics can provide you with exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost, keeping them out of landfills when they’re still perfectly serviceable. Installing energy-saving measures like draught-proofing and water-saving devices can also lower your natural resource use with minimal impact on your everyday life.
There’s even more you can do – from shopping habits to reducing air travel – but by making thoughtful choices in these three areas, you’ll start making sustainable moves that’ll be good for your wallet too.
