Green Living on a Budget

As you grow more environmentally conscious and seek to live green, you will find that you have many small changes to make to your lifestyle. You may have to change many products you use and occasionally spend more on green items than you would have on conventional equivalents. But even a budget-conscious person can comfortably adapt to green living.

Here are ten tips on how to live green on a budget.

• Fortunately many things to do with green living come for free. They only require you to be aware of your environment and responsibly utilize natural and synthetic resources. Recycle plastic, paper, clothes, electronics, etc. Donate goods when possible so that they do not end up in a landfill before they complete their life cycle.

• Going green in energy usage in your home saves you a lot of money. Heat and cool your home responsibly. Ensure you have an airtight envelope around your home. Try a space heater or a fan for your heating or cooling needs. Investment in energy efficient devices and appliances, although expensive upfront, pay back through cost savings over the years. Do not keep unused devices connected to electric supply - these 'phantom' loads cost $10-15$ each month in an average household. Use a power strip to switch them off power supply.

• Use your appliances responsibly. Run your dishwasher when you have a full load of dishes. Do not use a refrigerator oversized for your family needs. Use the microwave instead of the cooking range to reheat food. Use cold or warm water in your clothes washer and dishwasher whenever possible. These are just lifestyle changes and cost you nothing.

• Use your car charger for your GPS, cell phones and Ipods. Though small in savings, it is a green way to save non-renewable energy.

• Conserve water through responsible utilization. Fix leaky faucets and showers. Use a timer for your showers and turn off the faucet between rinses while brushing or shaving. Water you garden and lawns adequately but do not waste water on them.

• Use energy efficient lighting like compact fluorescent bulbs in and around your home. In the long run, these lights save both energy and money.

• Whenever possible buy locally produced items. This cuts down the energy expenditure on transportation.

• Go green with organic food. This can be a little expensive but it is healthier for your family and the environment. Organic food is produced without harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Going with fully organic food means an extra cost of about 30%-40%. Replace at least a part of your daily meals and snacks with organic food to keep you expenses manageable.

• Green clothing using organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, silk, etc. is another eco-friendly lifestyle change you can adopt. But this can be 10-30% more expensive than conventionally produced clothing. As more and more people become environmental- conscious, expect greater supply and cheaper eco-friendly clothing options. Some of your energy saving costs may also help you offset the extra expenses on eco-friendly clothing and organic food.

• When commuting, try to car-pool or use public transportation. If the whole society moves in this direction, we can not only save energy and money but also time from lesser traffic.

Green living on a budget is a very realizable goal. All it takes is your commitment and a willingness to adapt.