How To Save Money And Be Green

Now, more than ever is the time to start looking at how you can save money by reducing energy at work and at home.

Electricity prices are going to go up by 20% so you are going to have to change some of your behavior patterns and turn to the green side.

Save money by going green

The co-founder of Clean Up Australia, Kim McKay AO and one of the board members, Jenny Bonnin wrote a series of books called True Green as a way to educate families and show them how they could lower their carbon footprint. The books contain tips that are cost effective and Eco-friendly. Here are some of the book’s highlights on how to save money by turning green.

1. Change your appliances

You can save up to 30% of your energy by using five star home appliances. You will be lowering gas emissions and costs this way. You should also use cold water to wash your clothes and hang them up when you can instead of using an electric dryer.

2. Repair and reuse

Before sending anything to the garbage, think about whether it can be reused in any way. Also, when you purchase any electronics or appliances remember that the more expensive ones may last longer and be able to be repaired. This will help you save money and will be much better for the environment.

Before you throw out any item, see if you can fix it or if it has another use. It is also a good idea to purchase items that are durable and are going to last a long time, even if you have to shell out a few more dollars, as cheaper items aren’t going to last as long and you will end up having to throw away and buy more items in the future.

3. Save your wardrobe

Australians spend the most money on food, but clothing comes second. There are alternatives to spending at the mall such as buying secondhand clothing or even coordinating a swap party with your friends. You can also think about replacing the heels on your shoes and mending some of your clothes.

Also, buying second hand clothing can help reduce your spending and help the environment – the second biggest expense for Australians is clothing, so fixing torn clothes and mending worn out shoes can really help both your wallet and the environment.

4. Keep your lights off

This is one of the simplest things you can do to conserve energy. A lot of people leave the light on in the room when they exit it and this light may be left on all day without anyone in the room. It is simple to just get in the habit of turning off the lights and this will save a lot of money. Almost 15% of the electricity usage in the home is due to lighting.

Turn off any lights when they are not in use. The use of lighting in a home can take up almost 15% of your household electricity usage, so by turning off any unnecessary lighting you can really help reduce the amount of energy you use. Replacing all of your bulbs with energy-efficient ones can make a big difference too.

5. Shorter showers

Taking shorter showers is probably one of the easiest green saving tips to implement into your lifestyle. By simply reducing the amount of time you are in the shower, you will be saving water, energy and the environment. Another good idea is to install a more efficient showerhead.

6. Save on laundry

By washing your clothes in cold water and using the washing line instead of an electric clothes dryer you can save yourself a lot of money. Also, ensure that any appliances that you purchase have an extra star on their energy rating; this can lead to saving 30% more energy.

You can save money by following the tips given above, and the future of the planet depends on it. Going green is easier than you might think, and does not require a lot of work on your part.

By using the above green savings tips you will be able to not only save yourself money, but you’ll help save the environment too.