Live Cheap Live Green Live Well

Sometimes, our own personal hopes for going green are crushed under the misapprehension that a sustainable life-style is too expensive. Solar power, windmills, and often-touted ecologically friendly changes offered to the homeowner can prohibitively expensive.

Having your home insulated, buying new windows and shopping at Whole Foods all may be appealing but too much for the average homeowners’ stretched budget to bear, especially in these hard economic times. But going green does not have to be expensive. There are many sustainable practices that can save you money as well as benefit the environment.

The thrifty life-styles of past generations that once seemed quaint are now a necessary choice for many Americans. A frugal life-style is suddenly, not only an economic necessity, but it’s all the rage!

• Watch that thermostat! Keeping your home 68 degrees or less in winter not only lowers energy bills but cuts down on colds as well. Keep the temperature down in winter, especially when you are out of the house or asleep. Sleeping in a cool room is more comfortable than in a hot one, and the cooler temperature is better for your sinuses.
• In summer, turn up the thermostat on the air conditioner. A few well placed fans keep the air moving so you feel cooler. Remember to turn them off when you leave the house.

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75 % less energy and last ten times longer than standard light bulbs.

• Laundry can be hung outside or in the basement during colder months when the heat is on. Air-dried bed linens smell wonderful, bringing the scent of fresh air indoors. Towels may seem stiff but are more absorbent when air-dried. You will see a difference in your fuel bill if you cut down on the use of a dryer.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Hot water sets stains.

• Clothing, dishes and home goods can be expensive. Environmentally friendly folks have known for years that shopping at thrift stores cuts down on waste and saves money.

• Meals taken together with family and friends save time, fuel and your sanity. Dining together provides companionship and the support systems so needed in these troubled times.
• Cut down on meat consumption. Protein can be easily obtained by eating other foods and the raising of beef, pork, and chicken consume more fuel and energy than vegetable products.
• Be smart about driving. Schedule errands in a sensible manner. Buy food and other goods in large quantities to cut down on driving trips, saving gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

• Cut down on waste by recycling. Shredded paper can be added to the compost pile.

• Grow your own food in compost enriched soil. Composting reduces usage of harmful chemicals in commercially produced fertilizers that wreck havoc on our waterways.

• Many municipalities offer free mulch at local landfills. Purchased mulch is expensive. Certain large chain stores sell mulch made from old-growth cypress trees, the loss of which is decimating southern forests.

Once you get in the habit of sustained living the thrifty way, you’ll realize saving money can save our planet.