6 Cost-Effective Eco-Friendly Tips

It may seem like being green and eco-friendly can be both difficult and costly, but it doesn’t have to be. In honor of Earth Day, here are some simple ways I’ve found around the web to be eco-friendly without breaking the bank.

Cost-effective eco-friendly tips:

1. Unplug appliances
When appliances are not in use but are plugged in, they are still using a small amount of electricity. The coffee pot, toaster oven, and fans can all be unplugged when not in use. So if you get into the habit of unplugging things when you’re not using them, you will not only start saving yourself money on your electric bill – you will also be making your carbon footprint smaller by using less electricity and energy.

2. Replace older appliances with Energy Star appliances.
Now we know, that can be a huge up-front expense having to replace appliances that don’t really need to be replaced. But you will save money on your energy bills and eventually it will pay off. You don’t have to do it all at once, but you can save up to $75 a year by making the switch.

3. Use rechargeable batteries.
You will again be spending slightly more money up front, but think about how many times you have to change batteries on those TV remote controls or the kids’ toys. You can save a bunch by purchasing rechargeable batteries the one time instead of buying batteries multiple times every year. And you will be keeping more batteries out of landfills – batteries which do not break down and can release harmful chemicals into the environment.
See also: Eco-Friendly products you need in your home

4. Replace your chemical household cleaners with natural cleaners.
You can buy specific green cleaners which will cost you more. Alternatively, if you use something like white vinegar to disinfect, clean, and remove stains and freshen the air, then you’ll be saving huge amounts of money on your cleaning products. And still getting things clean to boot.

5. Find more efficient modes of transportation
Usually, we have a pretty negative perception when it comes to driving automobiles and our carbon footprint, but I can say the past couple of years have changed my mind. It’s just not reasonable for many people to opt to walk or bike-ride places to save gas money or the environment, but as I’ve found while working with Kia Motors is that the automobile industry has been working hard to produce more eco-friendly cars. You can read more about my experience driving electric in the Kia Niro PHEV or the Kia Niro Hybrid.

If an eco-friendly vehicle is not an option, then try to combine errands as much as possible, take more direct routes to your destination, and carpool whenever possible. If your co-worker needs to pick up their dry cleaning at the same dry cleaners as you, then just do it together.

6. Research recyclable items and use products that use recyclable items.
It can be cost-effective to use items which use only green products. Companies are learning that they also save by using recycled materials, and they pass those cost savings onto you. Just make sure to recycle your materials when done to keep the cycle going.

Just think smart and work hard to be aware of what’s out there. Saving money and being conscientious of the eco system just go hand in hand. If you follow these tips then you will be keeping money in your pocket while also helping protect the planet.