What it Means by "Going Green" and Save Money by Going Green

As this "going green" has engrossed the nation, people have just started to recognize the term in different ways as advertised. The big fancy name simply means that : Living the life without disturbing the nature's rules. Simple things like using filters instead of bottles, buying hybrid cars, using cloth bags instead of plastics are few basic changes we have incorporated in our daily lives. But there are many others who in spite of being aware does not know where to begin and what benefit it does by "going green".

We are so accustomed of using tissue papers, plastics, disposables that we are afraid to refrain from them. We live around so many chemicals and still pretend to be safe and healthy. Most of us either do not know or do not want to find out that how much we can actually save money by going green. Sometimes the alternatives have been too hyped and often mislead everyone into thinking that all natural products are expensive. Thus with the lack of knowledge we have taken those steps back and have hidden ourselves in the crowd where we say , "if i change, its not going to make any difference. What about others?"I

Just follow these simple tips at home and see how much money you actually save in a month. Along with this you can also feel good about contributing towards the effort of going green and think you made a difference. It takes every single thread tied together to make a strong rope.

Lets take an average family of four as an example in spending on these and calculate the savings on each.

1. Paper Towels:
The name itself indicates how to find an alternative. Using paper towels for cleaning and wiping is like throwing money in garbage , each time you use tissues and throw it. Though it might not be possible to cut out the usage of tissues in overall but at least lesser amount will be used when we use an old cloth. Our grandmother always kept a pile of clothes that were torn and were of no use anymore. She then used them one by one for cleaning purposes. Weather you clean a counter top ,just dust off the tables or clean the big mess on floors. When these clothes get dirty simply wash them in your regular laundry.

Cost of Paper Towels:
Bulk of 12 pack tissue per month @ $16.00 or more. Full year cost: 192+ tax ~ $200 or more.

Cost of old clothes: $0.00

Tip:
Reduce the usage of tissues every month by using the microfiber cloths from store or old piece of cloth. This helps reduce the paper wastage and those old wasted clothes get recycled that you were planning to throw away.

2. Plastics:
Plastic bags, Plastic bottles, Plastic disposables are the major issues. I still remember going out with granny to grocery store and using the jute bags or cotton bags she made at home. It is not possible to make at home these things now which actually are cheaper than plastics but one time investment in any cheaper tough bags would make you feel good about the change you are making.

Plastic bottles are not only costly but are not good for health either. According to the research, the studies show migration of plastic residues into the water or food. A recent news also mentioned the link between women drinking from plastic bottles exposed to sun's UV rays and breast cancer after being kept in car . Sometime its unavoidable to use them. At least we can reduce the overall usage by half by following these tips .

Cost of Plastic bottles:
If you buy 1 bottle every day @ 1.00 on average or buy in bulk ,it costs $30 per month . Per year $360 .Add the amount your other family members are spending on it too.

Cost of Steel Bottles: $5- $15.00

Tip:
Look out for huge rugged bags at dollar store or discount stores. You can get most of your stuff in one bag. Use filters on tap directly and avoid usage of plastic bottles when ever possible. Carry your own Stainless steel bottles that you can get at low price at discount stores. It not only saves money on buying water outside but reduces plastic waste.

3. Compost:
Too much of garbage is a huge issue for everyone including the mother nature. Even if you are not much into gardening, but have a garden to maintain, making your own compost can save you a lot of money . It also helps reduce wastage. Its healthier for the plants, lawn to have a natural feed and good for your family to not to have too many chemicals in the garden. If you have smaller garden and lawn area its even very easy to have a chemical free garden using natural manure.

Cost of fertilizers & plant Food from store:
$100 on average every 4 months for dangerous fertilizers and plant food depending upon the need and size of the garden.

Cost:
Its free of cost as all it requires is your home garbage.

Tip:
You can reduce the landfill to a greater extent and save the money on the garbage bags by using them less frequently. Most of the items that goes in garbage can be used to make compost. For more detailed information you can visit:
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm

4. Drink, Wash, Reuse:
Much of the wastage is not only at home but at work place too where every trip to coffee machine can mean 1 foam cup into the garbage.

Tip:
Your simple and stylish personal coffee mug can talk a lot better green. Also instead of wasting on disposables try keeping a personal plate and cutlery set at work. Use those reusable boxes for carrying your food.

5. Shower:
It might sound trivial and difficult that not only saves on hot water bills but also conserves water. We tend to enjoy shower usually longer and more water is wasted than used.

Tip:
To save water wastage, get a medium size bucket and dispenser for bathing. Get an appropriate stool to sit in the tub while bathing. Instead of using shower , use the bucket water for bathing. This not only helps cutting the water wastage but reduce the hot water bills.

6. Chemicals:
Almost all homes in America stock up their bathroom's and kitchen's under sink cabinets with a line of 5 or more cleaning products that holds potentially dangerous chemicals and are expensive. Why waste money on wide range of cleaning liquids, softeners, sprays, disinfectants, wipes when there is all in one cheaper natural alternative. Vinegar and Baking soda are the two basic cleaning substances used almost for anything(except expensive tiles, marbles etc).

Cost of chemicals:
On average $30 for all types. Per year cost : $360

Cost of vinegar and Soda is total $3.00

Tip:
Instead of various types of chemicals, keep baking soda and vinegar in bulk .These two serves the purpose of everything from all purpose cleaner to bathroom cleaner and disinfectants. Just buy an empty spray bottle from dollar store and fill with the 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. Use it for anything . Please note to check if its safe for your tiles or floor before using it. Other uses of baking soda than using in cakes and for brushing teeth are as deodorizer, for whitening etc. Its not only safer for kids and pets but also for those who have allergies , lung and breathing problems.

7. Diapers:
Did you know that it takes 500 or more years for the regular diapers to assimilate in landfill. Its not very earth friendly. It might sound a little difficult but potty training the child as soon as possible is the best option even to save money. Otherwise you have an option of using cloth diaper. You can get them almost in all major stores and online.

Tip:
Using a cloth diaper can be very helpful, not only its good for the child but good for the planet too. You can make a change by at least giving it a try.

8. Energy Bills:
Cut out those heavy electricity bills in summer season by switching to fans instead of Air Conditioners most of the time. This way you can keep your windows open to get the fresh air and have a better circulation at home. Most of the allergies start at home due to dampness, lack of fresh air and mold in basements.

Tip:
Make a habit to switch off the lights, Air conditioners, fans when not in use. Unplug those chargers, computers, appliances when not in use. This way you are even helping save heavy energy usage.

9. Packaging material:
The daily garbage almost has some or the other packaging stuff from our home. This not only fills the garbage quickly but increases the wastage in landfill.

Tip:
Before throwing all packets, boxes into regular garbage, make sure to check on the box if it says "Recycle Please". This way you can put it in recycle only and make it for further use appropriately. This saves major energy sources. Some boxes can be used for storing things that you may think is suitable depending on the type of box. Just like diaper cardboard boxes are so tough that it makes great storage containers.

When you have started to even think about this it makes the difference . Gradually you will follow and slowly you will lead others.
Finally you do not have to stress out on this, do whatever you can.