I thought I would tackle today a question that usually is the first thing that people ask or assume, when discussing "Green" living. Whenever we write articles, or are doing media events, everyone wants to focus on this question and frankly it's really been driving me nuts lately!! Here's why.....
First of all let me back up and say, that before I was fully committed to this lifestyle/habit change of Green Living, I was probably borderline shop-a-
holic. I use that term because I think that applies to anyone that consumes without checking prices and just buys whatever/whenever. I did not necessarily shop everyday, which a lot of people do, so I think that is what made me feel better about what I was doing. I would walk into a store and anything that I saw that I liked, I would get! I probably still have a few clothes in my closet with tags on and I have enough clothes and shoes to fit numerous closets.
Another thing that I was notorious for is buying more groceries than I needed for that week. I "always" was throwing away fruits and vegetables that had spoiled and had about 4 layers of rice in my pantry. How many of us have things in our pantry that we have not seen in years?!?!? I am sure everyone can relate! Again, I have always recycled, so I think that made me feel better about myself and my wasteful habits.
So, now you have the back story and what I am about to tell you will change your life (at least it did mine)!
NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT, does Going Green cost more. In fact, I save money each and everyday! I am sure by now everyone has heard those 3 little "R" words,
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Well....when you really start
cluing into what those little words really mean, you save money! It's as simple as that.
1. I am
"Reducing" my consumption. I am constantly looking at packaging and how much waste I am bringing into my home. It drives me nuts when I see a large package for a small item. I usually just end up not buying the item. I also decided I have enough clothes for an entire army, so my purchases now are that organic cotton shirt I was eyeing for a while. The other good thing is almost all of the stores that I was a "regular" at, do not have organic cotton, bamboo or other natural fabrics that I now "have" to have on my skin. So, the good news is that forces me to cut down on my spending.....;)
2. I
"Reuse" as much as I can. I am still not perfect in this department but I have found items that I would normally have just put into my recycling bin and I am reusing them for another purpose. Again, that also means that I spend less.
3. I
"Recycle" and yes, this still means that I am spending less. Again, it comes down to the packaging. Every item that I put into my recycling bin, I still know where it is going and how long that paper or plastic take to breakdown in landfills. Even though I am being good by recycling, it all still goes somewhere. It's now a game as to how "little" I can put in both bins.
Here's a few simple things that I do on a daily basis that costs me less in "going green":
- I wash all of my plastic bags so that I only buy what I need.
- I purchased CFL's that yes, did cost more at the beginning but I have made that money back about 10x's already with my monthly savings.
- We have a household game that when the pantry starts to fill up, we have to find a way to make something out of everything in there. Not all at once of course but I cannot purchase another pantry item before pretty much everything is gone. No more 10 cans of tuna, 5 rice boxes and cans upon cans of who knows what.
- I have saved 1,000's of dollars on clothes that I no longer "binge" buy.
- I have saved 1,000's of dollars on all items with ridiculous wasteful packaging, unless I absolutely "need" that item.
- I use non-toxic cleaning products that are the same price as conventional ones and last about 3-4x's longer since they are concentrated.
- I pick up my fruits & vegetables every week from my local Co-op Farmer's group. You only get enough for one week, its all in season and it's organic! Sorry to say folks but by also eating healthy, you naturally are healthier and it cuts down on all of those doctor visits for colds, flu's, etc.
- I have a reusable water bottle that replaces buying all of those nasty water bottles. First of all, you really have no idea what is in that water and second, how many do you really buy on a yearly basis. Count and I bet you it's more than $19.95??
- Using reusable bags not only is good for the planet but yes, I now get money back at the stores. Okay, so it may only be about 10 cents but that adds up!
I honestly could go on and on and on but you get the point..... Everything that I now purchase I am either saving money upfront or on the back end. I say that because some of the items yes, do cost more. Usually that's clothes, some larger homes items that I have bought, some energy-efficient items or construction materials. But!! I cannot think of "one" item that I do not save money at some point. My utility bills are lower because of the materials & energy-efficient upgrades that I have done.
Again though, start small! There are
soooo many ways to save money when you
"Go Green". Start making a game of it and really see where you can cut your spending habits. You will be amazed! Our society has taught us to want everything now, now, now. We are told to buy in bulk to save money? That is crazy! It is all a
gimmick people, I promise you. We
do not have to consume so much and we can live on a lot less. Start changing your habits and look back at the end of the year and see how much you have saved. I told you before, it will change your life........or at least you will get some crazy new recipes out of it.......;)
Labels: go green, going green does not cost more, save money, spend less
