From Guest Blogger "Ndonovic": Have A Green Home on a Budget
From grocery stores to gas stations, the urgency to “Go Green” surrounds us. While our nation’s Green Movement has existed for centuries, it continues to evolve in efforts to save our resources, our planet, and ourselves. Unfortunately, going green and staying that way on a daily basis can be a little overwhelming. Initially, going green sounds easy, and with practice it can be, but it does take commitment, some financial investment, and major changes.
Even people who have struggled with major debt such as bankruptcy can invest in a green lifestyle and end up saving money in the long run. “Thousands of people take advantage of federal bankruptcy laws to get relief from debt that is difficult if not impossible to pay…and gain a fresh start,” says Westbrook Law Firm. What better way to start anew by making life a little more green while saving money?
Eco-Technology & A Friendly Budget
Technology is ever present. Whether we love it or hate it, it’s always around. While it’s a good idea to “unplug” from time to time, some technology can actually make our lives more green without wrecking the environment or draining our bank account. Many people, who want to be more eco-friendly, don’t because they think it’s too expensive (ie. hybrid cars and solar panels), but there are several ways to be more green while on a budget; check these out:
- Conserve Water: For years we’ve been told to not waste water and despite the constant plea, our showers still last too long. Enter the Water Pebble, this gadget will help you take a shorter shower. This relatively inexpensive gadget $10-$20 is placed in by the drain and monitors how much water you use. Over time, this shower drain “stop light” will train you to take shower that is less wasteful, but still cleansing.
- Set Your Thermostat to Save: How many times have you set the thermostat in morning only to return home to a home that’s too hot or too cold? It’s not economical or eco-friendly. Here’s where the Eco-Bee would be a great eco-friendly and money saving gadget in your life. You can control your thermostat on from your iPhone and while it’s a financial investment of a little over $200, you’ll definitely see the savings on your heating and cooling bills.
- Turn Off the Lights: Have you left the lights on while out of town for the weekend and worried about how much it would end up costing? Energy efficient light bulbs are great, but even if you leave them on you could be wasting more than you’d like. Hue lights are energy efficient, can be controlled by the use of your iPhone, and are 80% more efficient just on their own. You can coordinate the lights to go on or off at certain times of the day, so you can have security and still save money. The starter pack is around $200, but replacement bulbs are about $60 and need to be replaced far less frequently than standard light bulbs.
You don’t need to invest a ton of money to save the planet. Check out more tips on how to be green while on a budget. While some are widely known and popular for decades, you will be more eco-friendly while staying out of debt.
