10 Ways to Save Money and the Earth

Top 10 Ways to Save Money and the Earth

Helping to save the Earth doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, saving the Earth can often save you money! Here are just a few ways.
 
1. Turn up your thermostat 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the summer. If you have a programmable thermostat, program it to a lower temperature (in the winter) and a higher temperature (in the summer) when you’re at school or work. In the winter, leave your curtains open during the day to heat your house naturally.
 
2. If you struggle to eat food before it goes bad, buy less and try frozen foods. Remember, when you waste food, you’re not just wasting the food. You’re also wasting the gas and labor that the food needed to get to you- not to mention your money!
 
3. Only do laundry when you have a full load, and wash on the cold setting. This will save the earth’s energy (for your heating bill) and YOUR energy (by not having to do laundry as often). This will save you extra money if you have to pay to do laundry.
 
4. Love your stuff, and avoid buying new stuff. People often forget that the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” slogan is in order. Reducing your consumption saves a lot more resources than reusing or recycling later on. Wear your clothes until they wear out, embrace mismatched plates and silverware, and put your toothbrush in an old mug instead of buying a special toothbrush holder.
 
5. Never buy new textbooks! Use the library course reserve, get books through Interlibrary Loan, check the Macalester College Student Government Textbook Exchange, rent books online, or buy used and share with a friend. With just a little effort, you can save hundreds of dollars a semester.

6. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, make your caffeinated pick-me-up at home instead of buying it. Use a reusable mug, which will save the energy and waste issues associated with disposable cups and also keep your drink warm (or cold) longer.
 
7. An oldie, but goodie- turn off the lights when you leave a room! You don’t realize how much money this saves until you’re the one paying the utility bill.
 
8. If you’re a book fiend, get books from the library, the MacFreeSwap, or the Macalester College Student Government Textbook Exchange instead of buying new books from the bookstore. Similarly, if you don’t hold onto magazines after you read them, read your favorites in a bookstore or library instead of buying them new.
 
9. Upgrade to energy efficient lightbulbs like CFLs. Although they cost a bit more upfront, these bulbs can last many years and pay for themselves in just a few months.
 
10. Don’t buy new, conventionally produced clothing! Use the MacFreeSwap, the Free & For Sale Facebook page, or go thrift shopping. If you can afford it, opt for sustainable brands like Patagonia or Alternative Apparel. Many pricier sustainable clothing brands have excellent return and repair policies, and better made clothing means you can keep the item for longer and not have to buy a replacement. Buying a quality coat once can keep you from buying two or three down the road.

Sources: http://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/eco-friendly-clothing-brands
https://www.advantageccs.org/blog/ways-to-save-money-while-saving-the-environment
https://www.thesimpledollar.com/13-ways-to-save-money-and-protect-the-planet/