23 Ways to Save Both Money and the Planet

Looking for ways to reduce costs and your carbon footprint? Luckily there are plenty of ways you can accomplish both. Here are 23 ways you can go green while saving green:

1. Switch to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs!

2. Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can heat and cool your home more efficiently, helping you save money on your energy bills.

3. Manage your thermostat wisely. During the warmer months, use ceiling fans and natural breezes to cool your home rather than blasting your AC. During the colder months, turn the heat down a bit and use natural sunlight, quilted curtains, window treatments, space heaters, and rugs to keep your home warmer. These simple steps can help you save a ton of energy. 

4. Grow your own food. Growing fruits and vegetables in a garden or potted planters can help you reduce your grocery bills and the environmental impact of your meals.

5. Eat plant-based foods. Shifting towards a more plant-based diet and away from meat and dairy consumption can have a huge impact on the planet—and your wallet.

6. Wash your clothes with cold water and hang dry them to save water and energy.

7. Water your lawn and garden more efficiently. Water earlier in the morning so that more water is absorbed and less water evaporates in the heat, and don't water more than you need to.

8. Use a rain barrel to collect runoff water from your roof that you can use in your garden—helping you save on your water bill. 

9. Clean and seal your air ducts and vents. Leaky air ducts can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 30%. Sealing, insulating, and cleaning dust and dirt out of your ducts and vents can help your HVAC system heat and cool your home more efficiently.

10. Seal any air leaks. Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping cracks and openings around your windows, doors, or any other openings can help keep air from leaking out and increase the efficiency of your heating or cooling system. You can also check your refrigerator’s door seal and clean out your sliding door track to keep air from leaking. 

11. Have your heating/air conditioning system serviced. Having your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year helps ensure it’s working at maximum efficiency. Even simply replacing your air filters can lower energy consumption by up to 15%. 

12. Green your décor. Check that all the vents in your home are clear of furniture. Keep lamps and televisions away from your thermostat for a more accurate temperature reading. Also, to use less energy for lighting, put lamps in the corners of rooms to allow the light to reflect off the walls and light up the room more.

13. Turn down your water heater. Water heating accounts for 18% of the average utility bill. Turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) can help reduce your energy consumption.

14. Update the insulation of your attic, doors, windows, floors, roof, and walls to help prevent air from escaping and keep your home at your desired temperature.

15. Install a low-flow showerhead or shower timer to help you save water. You can also be mindful of your water use when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, doing the dishes, or doing laundry to save on your water bill.

16. Reduce food waste. Did you know that when food waste goes to a landfill, it releases methane—a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than CO2? Controlling how much food you buy, cook, eat, and save can help you save money and keep food waste from landfills. You can also try composting for an eco-friendly way to discard your food scraps—check out our composting guide for tips!

17. Cook more meals at home. You'll save money, reduce all the packaging waste and gas emissions that comes with takeout or delivery, and often reduce food waste.

18. Use homemade cleaning products. Make your own household cleaners with simple ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar. Not only can it save you some cash, it is also more eco-friendly than using toxic cleaning products made with harmful chemicals.

19. Be a sustainable shopper. Upcycle, buy secondhand, or repair used clothing, furniture, or home decor. You can also shop less in general to avoid the negative environmental impacts of fast fashion.

20. Save gas by walking or biking instead of driving when you can, reducing travel, taking public transportation, carpooling, and working from home when possible. You’ll save gas money and help reduce air pollution. 

21. Get in the habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room or leave the house. You’ll save a ton of energy over time!

22. Invest in reusable products such as water bottles, sandwich bags, and even dryer balls to reduce waste and save money over time.

23. Join a community solar farm. Community Solar is a new way to receive the financial benefits of solar energy—without the hassle of installing your own solar panels.

Looking for more ways you can help the planet? Sign up for 100% clean, renewable energy from wind and solar sources today!