Sustainable Living - Saving Money and the Planet

Temperatures are rising, plastic pollution threatens our waters and biodiversity loss is rapid.

Your individual choices might seem inconsequential, but the sustainable living movement is gathering steam. Making one small change - such as opting for reusable water bottles and shopping bags - will have an impact.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by recycling, shopping for energy-efficient appliances, using cold water when washing laundry and limiting how often they turn on heating/air conditioning units. They should also invest their money in environmentally sustainable businesses and avoid supporting companies involved with fossil fuel extraction or deforestation activities.

Switching from driving alone to public transit, biking, walking or carpooling helps reduce carbon emissions by cutting gasoline consumption and emissions. Many environmentalists have even given up flying as it contributes significantly to greenhouse gases emissions.

Income level appears to play a part in one's willingness or ability to live sustainably; low earners were more likely to cite cost as an impediment to purchasing green products, according to a Deloitte survey. This may be because sustainable items often come at a premium cost. Reducing food waste may also help decrease costs.

Minimize Food Waste

Food waste not only wastes money and time but also emits greenhouse gasses during production, processing, transportation, storage and disposal1.

Food waste reduction can be accomplished by shopping at zero waste stores or bring-your-own container stores, purchasing fresh or ripe produce, eating leftovers and composting your fruit and veggie scraps. For an even greater impactful impact switch to an eco friendly debit card that supports sustainable businesses.

Help the planet by choosing linen napkins over paper ones, forgoing fast fashion, recycling more frequently and opting for bike or public transportation instead of driving your own car; and by purchasing products made from recycled or repurposed materials like adobe bricks, bamboo straw or even brick reclaims made of recycled plastic bottles - or by opting out altogether of gas emissions from polluting vehicles!

Invest in Renewable Energy

Sustainable living has quickly become one of the hottest trends today, both as an approach to climate change prevention and as a lifestyle choice. Yet people tend to change their behavior not based on data and statistics or negative future scenarios but by fulfilling needs, aspirations and price considerations as well as secondary considerations like trends.

Investment in renewable energy can help reduce your environmental footprint and save money, as well as supporting companies working toward creating a greener world.

Living sustainably may get a bad rap for being costly, but many of its tips and tricks are actually cost-effective. Simple steps such as buying in bulk, using reusable napkins and containers, shopping secondhand and choosing public transit can all make an impactful statement about going green without breaking the bank. And by switching to a sustainable financial services provider you can ensure your money doesn't fund fossil fuel production.

Reduce Your Commute

Commuting can have a significant environmental impact in urban areas. To minimize your carbon footprint, try walking, bicycling, using public transit, carpooling or carsharing instead of driving alone; or invest in an electric or hybrid car if driving is unavoidable - some environmental activists have even switched from airplane travel entirely in favor of train travel!

Eating sustainably is another simple and affordable way to help save the environment, and can even save money! Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible; organic if possible. Consider switching over to a plant-based diet altogether since industrial meat contributes significantly to pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gases emissions.

Many people mistake sustainable living as being expensive, but you can actually save money through cutting waste, secondhand shopping and bulk buying. You can donate old clothes to local charities while using reusable napkins, cups and containers at restaurants and stores. Finally, sign up for recycling subscription services that ensure their bins are always used appropriately.