Going green and saving on the bills

Choosing environmentally friendly options can be a great way to go green and hold onto your money. Read on to find out how you can save!

With widespread talk of global warming, and concentrated efforts to improve our lives and environment through more focus on activities such as recycling, many of us are jumping on the green bandwagon. And the great thing about going green is often as well as making the world a better, and longer-lasting place, it can also put money back into our pockets. A lot of the measures promoted to improve our environment, actually decrease or change our consumption of products — with little effect on us — and therefore mean we have more money left to spend on other things or to save.
 
So how can you get savings and go green?
 
1. Powering your home
Electricity and gas are a point of contention, as they are both generated from natural resources that will inevitably one day run out. But lucky for us, there are many alternatives that can power our lives just as well, and leave the likes of coal and natural gas in reserve, decreasing pollution and waste.
 
Options for decreasing your energy bills are many and varied. You can replace and decrease — for example, replace light bulbs with energy efficient, compact florescent light bulbs that last longer and save energy, or decrease — minimise gas and electricity bills by turning your heating and aircon slightly down.
 
In addition, you can go one step further, and look into alternative types of energy, such as solar panels for your home which will save you money and still power your home. Most large energy companies now also offer green options.
 
2. Grow your own
Vegetables and herbs can be quite expensive, especially given recent natural disasters. You can go green and decrease your grocery bills substantially by planting a small vegetable patch in your backyard. If you don’t have a backyard, don’t despair, plants like herbs, radishes, tomatoes, carrots and onions can be planted in planters on your balcony and grown successfully.
 
3. Save water
Australia has experienced drought for quite some time and has only improved in recent times. Save water and money on water and electricity bills by washing in cold water, using half flush, or placing a rock in your cistern to reduce the amount of water used, and install an economic shower head.  You can also save the water from the washing machine to water your herbs!
 
4. Fuel
Petrol is an increasing cost that really impacts many Australian households — and it doesn’t appear it will ever go down! To save on fuel — and save the environment, you can walk or ride to work, take public transport or car pool. If this is not an option for you, consider looking into hybrid powered cars that run off fuel and electricity, and keep your eye out for emerging trials using other power sources for vehicles, such as solar panels.
 
5. Why buy when you can make
Think about all the consumables you use on a daily basis — bottles of water, plastic wrapped lunch, disposable diapers, shower cleaner. You could save incredible amounts of money by reusing these items or making your own. Instead of buying bottled water, buy a water filter, or just boil and cool your water and invest in a good metal drink bottle. Use non-toxic products like vinegar and baking soda to make your cleaning products, and get a lunch box, or use cheap paper bags.