Why Going Green Will Save the Earth and Save You Money

Original article from Moneysmart.ph by Ros Raymundo

Photo from Moneysmart.ph

Captain Planet and the Planeteers was an awesome 90’s animated TV program which tackled different environmental issues. My favorite line from the cartoon’s theme song was, “Captain Planet, He’s my hero, Gonna bring pollution down to zero!” Well, it turns out that Captain Planet could also bring my debt to zero!  Ecowarriors, tree huggers and frugal people have all realized this: when you take on a green lifestyle, it not only helps save the environment but it also saves you money! How? We’ve listed here the different ways that you can make both your piggy bank and Mother Earth smile:

1. Use Alternative Transportation

If you find yourself morphing into that evil crazed monster driver every time you’re stuck in horrid Manila traffic, try other alternatives. Instead of driving to work or school every single day, try carpooling with friends or take public transportation. Better yet—walk. You’ll get some exercise plus you save on gas, parking, toll fees AND greenhouse gas emissions.

During those days that you do have to drive, please don’t idle.  Don’t keep the car running while you’re waiting for your friend to grab a snack from the convenience store. Gas saved + less carbon dioxide emissions = WINNING.

 2. Conserve Energy and Water

Your TVs, computer, DVD’s and other gadgets can still sap energy when they’re plugged in regardless if they’re powered off. To avoid the tedious work of unplugging every single appliance, hook them up to a power strip instead. And while you’re at it, try using energy efficient consumer products.

Instead of standard incandescent bulbs, use compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs instead of. Upfront, it may cost you more money but you’ll see their value reflected in your upcoming Meralco bills as these bulbs last longer and use less energy.

Getting a low-flow shower head will give you sufficient water pressure, while releasing less water hence less waste. While you’re at it, shorten your showers, practice singing in your living room instead.

3.Put On Your Chef’s Hat

Cooking your meals at home will save you a wad of cash as opposed to eating out.  Usually, when we go to the palengke, meat is the item that takes up most of the budget.  We’re not trying to hamper your carnivorous cravings, but try going meatless once or twice a week. You’ll save more and feel healthier if you binge on veggies instead. And unlike in restaurants, you can dictate the food portions according to what you’re only capable of chowing down, which significantly reduces food wastage.

Here’s another green foodie tip: buy local. Purchasing directly from your local farmers supports the community plus eliminates the middle market men.  So typically, it would cost less and reduce the amount of energy used in the whole process of shipping the food to be processed, bagged, and then delivered to big grocery marts.

 4. Get Into The Soil

Now that you’ve decided to make your Lola happy by eating more veggies, why not start your own little backyard garden?  It’ll be cheaper and healthier since you won’t have to contend with the pesticides they use in traditional farming practices. With the advent of vertical farming even those in urban spaces can come out of their farmer closet.  Instead of throwing organic materials in the trash, make your own compost.  It lessens waste and improves your soil conditions.

If you have the space for it, plant trees. Obviously this will take a whole lot longer to see through, but once they start shooting up the sky, they can serve another cost-saving function: they shade your home, reducing the temperature during the haggard summer months.

 5. Make your own

Make up and household cleaning products can be full of chemicals that may harm our bodies and the environment. Replace it with cheap and easy to make homemade concoctions that are biodegradable. A quick Google search will turn up loads of organic and DIY websites for this. A neat example is white vinegar – it can be used as a disinfectant, stain remover and bathroom deodorizer.

Here’s a cool organic make up recipe for you beautiful Pinays out there: mix together cinnamon, cocoa powder, cornstarch and a couple of drops of essential lavender oil, you got yourself a natural organic bronzer. While you may literally have food on your face, you’ll save more money this way.

6. Tweak your lifestyle

Make an effort to find alternatives to disposable items or upcycle the ones you already have. Here’s a quick rundown of little lifestyle changes that you can make:  Use tupperware instead of little plastic bags. Get yourself an aluminum container that can double as a water container and coffee mug. Buy cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. Use rechargeable batteries.  Create a new notepad by using the clean side of used paper and gluing them together. Use beat up old t-shirts (seriously, let go of that old Jon Bon Jovi shirt) and use it as a rag to wipe countertops instead of paper towels. Use handkerchief instead of facial tissues.

After beating the bad guys, the show would end using this particular catchphrase to encourage the show’s viewers in the fight against the destruction of the planet. The same statement is applicable to your expenses.  As Captain Planet would say, “The Power Is Yours!”