Many parents are interested in living as environmentally friendly as possible for the sake of their children and the earth, but did you know that going green can actually help you keep more green in your wallet as well? It’s true! It is a common misconception that it must cost more to be good to the environment. Going green can actually save you thousands of dollars per year! Here are 6 easy ways you can save the earth while saving money at the same time:
1. Switch to cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are free of chemicals like chlorine and much softer for baby’s gentle skin. The average family spends approximately $1,500-$2,000 on diapers by the time their child is potty trained. Cloth diapering, including washing and drying every 4 days, will cost you about $300 for the same period of time. That is about $1,200 – $1,700 dollars in savings! Not only that, but you will be keeping thousands of diapers out of the landfill, which can take up to 500 years to decompose!
2. Try breastfeeding. Not only is it more nutritious and healthy for mom and baby, but it is also better for the environment, and your pocket. Breastfeeding reduces the amount of waste you put into the environment. Plastic bottles and infant formula containers are typically not biodegradable, and take a long time to decompose. Formula costs about $20 for a weeks supply. With 52 weeks in a year, formula will cost about $1,040 per year! Breastfeeding is absolutely %100 percent free! Even if you invest in a $100 breast pump, you will still be saving $940 dollars!
3. Use less electricity! Electricity currently uses coal for fuel, which is a non-renewable resource. Ideally, switching to solar power would be the best idea, but when that isn’t possible, the next best option is to use the least amount possible. Remember to turn off the lights when they are not in use, and open windows during the daytime for lighting rather than flipping on a switch. One of the biggest ways to help the environment and save money on electricity is by pulling the plugs on phantom power. You can save hundreds of dollars on electricity by unplugging things like the computer, television, and stereo when they are not in use. These items still use electricity, even while they are off. These extra energy costs can make up to %20 of your electricity bill, so always remember to pull the plug!
4. Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels. We all know that being a parent comes with certain perks, one of those is cleaning up their daily spills and messes. Switching to cloth napkins will keep you from paying for something that you will just throw out, because you can reuse them over and over again. Over 3,000 tons of paper towels go into the landfill per day! By switching to cloth, you will help decrease this number, and increase the number in your bank account.
5. Make your own cleaning products. By creating your own cleaning products, you will be keeping tons of chemicals from polluting our environment. Most cleaning products can be replaced with common household items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. All-natural cleaning products are also better for you and your children’s health. Switching to greener cleaning methods can save you about $200 a year!
6. Plant your own organic garden! Planting a garden is not only good for the environment, but it is also fun for the kids! Planting your own fruits and vegetables can save you $20-$2,000 a year, depending on how much food you grow! Growing organic also keeps pesticides out of the air, the water, and the food! As a bonus, kids will love eating the home-grown vegetables they helped plant and water!
