Save Money and the Environment at Home

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Remember hearing this in elementary school when learning about the planet? Well now is the time more than ever to help our environment. With an ever-growing population and disasters like the oil spill, we all need to do our part and help the cause; if not for us then for our little ones.

I wanted to share a few simple ideas that you can do in your own homes that will help you not only save some extra money, but also save the environment.

1.    Borrow or buy books used instead of new

Books are not only expensive, but also take a lot of paper and ink to make.  Go to used books stores or your local public library. This will help cut down the production of books and save our trees. Also, when kids are growing as quick as they do, their reading levels change at a rapid pace. You will be surprised on how much you can save!

2.    Don’t throw your used electronics in the garbage

Used electronics contain toxic chemicals such as mercury in them. This can do a lot of damage to the environment when these items are place in landfills. When you need to throw away old cell phones or computers, contact your local government or electronics recycling center. They will properly dispose of these items in a safe manner.

3.    Stop buying bottled water

Go out and buy a water purifier from Home Depot or Lowes. This will save you plenty of money and also greatly reduce the amount of plastic containers that go into landfills. If you need water on the go (which most moms do J) then get an aluminum bottle to reuse. They’re cheap!

4.    Save energy and water

This may be tougher than it sounds, but try to spend a minute less in the shower. All that saved water really adds up. Also, if possible, wash clothes in cold water and hang them on a clothesline instead of using the dryer. When you have to change bulbs, install compact florescent bulbs. They last longer and use less energy. In the winter, turn the thermostat down a few clicks and throw on another sweater.

All of these little actions really add up, especially when more and more people do them! Forward this around to other moms to care about the environment and lets all clean up the planet!