Eco-Friendly Money Saving Tips

ECO-FRIENDLY MONEY SAVING TIPS

We all have a responsibility to the planet we live on. We need to make sure that we do our part to help protect our environment. After all, we are the ones who will suffer the consequences otherwise.
But can we lighten the impact of our actions on our planet and our pocket at the same time? Yes! Here's how.

1. Stop using single-use plastic. Stop using plastic straws with every drink, and getting plastic bags with every purchase.  They are a huge cause of pollution. Many even end up in the sea and can end up in the bellies of underwater creatures, or suffocate them. So think about our little (and big) ocean friends - skip the straws, and use reusable shopping bags. As some shops like Fantasy have already started charging for plastic bags, you can save some money by doing this as well. But of course, here the impact on the planet is much bigger. 

2. Women, use menstrual cups if possible. Pads are expensive, especially if you consider the total cost of it over your lifetime. Because pads are disposable, many end up in landfills. Pads have plastic covers and sides and these are pretty bad for the environment. So if you can, consider using a menstrual cup instead. They are reusable and can last for years, so even if at first you may have to pay a bigger amount than you do for pads, the price per use is much much lower.

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3. Use cloth diapers for babies. Just like pads, diapers are also disposable and therefore contribute largely to the waste in landfills. Disposable diapers are also quite expensive, and babies go through multiple even in just one day. The cost per usage of a cloth diaper (which can be reused later after a wash) is much lower. Cloth diapers are also often gentler on your baby's skin. Of course there is the additional work of cleaning the diapers, but if you have the time and energy, this is certainly something to consider.

4. Use less tissue. We are so used to having tissue on hand that we use them for anything and everything without realizing how wasteful it is. Sometimes people take multiple sheets of paper napkins for no reason, just because it is there. We could also use towels or handkerchiefs instead when possible. For example, you can easily use a small kitchen towel instead of using tissue to wipe plates, or to dry your hands after washing them. There is no point creating unnecessary waste, and even the cost of tissue can add up over time.

5. Eat less meat. No, I am not telling you that you necessarily need to turn vegetarian. But it would certainly be beneficial to replace some of our meat dishes with vegetables. It will be cheaper, it will be better for the environment because livestock create a lot of greenhouse gases, and it will even be better for your health. 

6. Don't consume fast fashion. By constantly renewing our closets to meet the latest trends, we often spend a lot of unnecessary money and create a lot of waste. Stick to the style you like, and buy things you plan on wearing enough times to justify the purchase. Then when you are done using them, donate these items to people in need.