Original post on CreditCards.com
Sustainable living not only minimizes our impact on the natural world, it also creates an avenue for us to chose what we put in our bodies, the clothes we wear and the way we treat our homes. Due to this, going green can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This article by creditcards.com discusses how going green does not have to be expensive. They discuss how using eco-friendly improvements and taking advantage of materials like their payment reward system rewards credit cards can improve your green journey and help us stay green without breaking the bank by breaking them down in the categories below
- What you wear
The clothes we wear can have an adverse impact on the environment. The clothing industry has become one of the leading pollutants in the world due to the amounts of pollution and chemical waste produced by factories working to meet the high demand of new clothing trends.
The truth is that buying new clothes – even long-lasting, eco-friendly attire – can be a little difficult. There are so many brands to choose from, and many have a different opinion of what falls under the banner of “affordable.” Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some clothing alternatives that won’t harm the environment.
Names like Armour Vert, Lur, and Threads 4 Thought are just some of the brands that are putting forth environmentally friendly, well-made clothing. To help you afford sustainable, socially-conscious fashion alternatives, develop a clothing budget. And always be on the lookout for a sale when shopping for any eco-friendly clothing.
When putting together your clothing budget, you’ll want have a clear goal. What’s your style? You’ll also want to keep track of your spending (bills, everyday stuff, etc.) so that you can more accurately put together a budget. And be aware of “green fabrics” that will largely determine how to budget. For example, wool and silk will probably be more expensive than linen. You also can buy at a discount from the following places:
- Thrift stores
- Online swap shops
The money you save from getting your clothing through these outlets can be put toward more costly green apparel.
- What you eat
When it comes to eating organic foods, a little sticker shock can be forgiven – especially when the cost of organic is 47 percent more expensive, according to a Consumer Reports survey. However, there are many benefits to buying organic from having a positive impact on your health to improving the lives of farmers. Plus, there are lots of ways you can make organic groceries more affordable.
Ask yourself “what’s in your wallet?” If you’re familiar with the slogan, you’re likely to be familiar with the company that started it: Capital One. In any case, it’s a valid question to consider since most credit cards offer a nice little kickback for using them on grocery purchases. In fact, there are multiple Capital One credit cards that offer miles, cash back, and points for these everyday purchases. These are rewards that can make the cost of organic foods well worth it.
Before you even step into a grocery store, you should try to plan out some meals for the week. This will help you prioritize what you need to buy (organic meat for Monday, dairy for Tuesday, etc.). Another way you can save is to buy in bulk, be it “2 for 1” deals or bringing a measuring cup to a bulk dispenser.
You may also need to change where you do your shopping in order to get the best deal. Buying directly from local farmers is a good example of how to take advantage of resources and also keep tabs on the chemicals farmers may be using. You can also purchase make the effort to compare prices at stores to know what is cheaper to buy in each store.
- How you live
You could try some of these building materials to improve the energy efficiency of your home:
Structural insulated panels (SIP): These largely consist of a layer of foam insulation sandwiched between two pieces of plywood or, sometimes, cement panels. According to the NAHB Research Center, structural insulated panels can help save 50 percent in energy costs over homes built with conventional materials.
Low-E windows: Low-E (low-emission) windows are coated with metallic oxide which helps reduce the amount of air escaping through the glass. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Low-E windows can reduce the amount of air escaping by 10 percent, making them a cost-effective measure in the long run.
Plant-based foams: Insulating foams made from bamboo, hemp or even kelp are said to provide higher heat resistance than traditional polyurethane insulations. This in addition to increased protecting against pests and mold.
Remember that when you invest more time in clothing that lasts longer and isn’t harmful to the environment, you’re opting out of the flavor-of-the-month money sink. Any time you choose an organic meal over a conventional one, you’re helping to bolster your immune system and avoid medical complications down the road.
And, when you make a couple of improvements on your home, you’re limiting energy waste which can save you money in the long term.