Eco-friendly living can sometimes be thought of as an expensive way of life, especially since sustainable products can sometimes be pricier than others due to reasons such as small batch numbers. However, you do not have to be a millionaire to be eco-friendly, and here are just a few steps that you can take on the cheap- and that might even allow you to spend less over time.
Look at Government Grants
Solar energy is all the rage, with a lot of new build houses already having solar panels installed on them. This is not the case with older homes, though, which might have been created before the advent of these Earth-saving devices. Solar panels themselves can be an extortionate amount of money, especially when you factor in installation.
Not only this, but it can take you a number of years to get a return on this investment, so much so that many homeowners may be put off installing these devices. However, government grants can change this. Some grants will cover the cost of solar panel and heat pump installation, allowing you to instantly reap the rewards and save money on your energy, all while being environmentally friendly. Then, if you are interested in this, you should look for guides that give you the chance to see green energy grants explained.
Look for Free Options
There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint that cost absolutely nothing. These include:
- Creating compost out of old food waste that can be used to fertilize your garden in place of chemicals.
- Planting fruit and vegetables in your backyard rather than buying them from a supermarket.
- Recycle all of the cardboard, recyclable plastics, and wooden products.
- Swap driving a car for riding a bike.
- Reduce the amount of wood you burn, such as cutting down on your use of a wood-burning fire.
Try Cost-Saving Measures
A lot of steps that you can take to enjoy sustainable living also transform your bank account. For instance, by turning off the lights when you exit a room, you will be cutting down on the utility bill at the end of the month. You might also decide to purchase second-hand clothes and furniture, which can be far cheaper than buying new, and consider upcycling the items that you already have. You should stop buying so many products and consider putting this money away in a savings account instead, which will allow you to see just how much you are saving by being as eco-friendly as possible.
Wait for Deals
If you want to start using eco-friendly products, such as sustainable phone cases, reusable metal straws, and bamboo toothbrushes, you might want to wait around for deals that can allow you to buy the same item for a fraction of the cost. These are usually seasonal deals, but some may appear around special one-day events, such as Earth Day.
These can allow you to protect the environment without breaking your bank account. While you are at it, you might also want to stay away from the big brands and instead look around for cheaper alternatives that can provide you with the same product made out of natural materials at a much less daunting price.
Become Vegan
Animal products, such as meat, are often far more expensive than vegan alternatives. Although processed vegan foods can be expensive due to their rarity, by replacing your meats with beans, and your cheese with vegetables, you might soon find that your grocery bill comes rocketing down. If you want to get creative, there are many different vegan recipes that will allow you to make exciting, new, and delicious meals from what you already have in your cupboard- and without having to touch meat or dairy products.
If you are not a vegetarian, you should consider looking at the grocery store essentials range, with many grocery stores now offering an organic range that can help you to become more eco-friendly without spending extra cents that you do not have.
Try Not to Feel Guilty
Sometimes, the wellbeing of your family has to come first. If you cannot afford the eco-friendly option all the time, do not feel as if you are failing the Earth. You are just one person against a tide of climate-changing behaviour. Instead, you should do what you can when you can and feel satisfied that you are doing your bit to protect the world and the nature it contains and preserve it for future generations. In the end, every little action that you take helps to some small degree.