If there is one resounding theme for 2009, it’s “change!” Rather than focus on a list of resolutions, which can be broken, let’s concentrate on changing habits to save money and live greener.
- Brown bag it with a lunch from home. Not only will you save money, you’ll likely save calories and eat healthier. Office vending machines and corner sandwich shops might be convenient and even appear low-cost, but multiply the $3 to $6 spent daily and it adds up quickly. Brown bagging doesn’t have to be boring — mix it up. Reheat leftovers in reusable containers, make a wrap instead of a traditional sandwich, or create a portable salad bar. Try to bring lunch from home at least three days per week.
- Separate from your car.
- Wean yourself from caffeine.
- Shop locally.
- Bank locally.
- Power down and unplug.
- Reduce and reuse.
Try carpooling, or if feasible, use public transit. Weather permitting, bike or walk. Use an alternative option to commute at least one day per week. Gas prices have dropped, but vehicle exhaust still contributes to air pollution.
If this sounds too drastic, bring your coffee from home in healthier versions. Do you really need the daily expense of a grande mocha latte? What about a super-sized Coke or Pepsi? And that chocolate doughnut — from the lips to the hips! Consumers can buy a multitude of coffee products to brew at home. Use a thermal container with enough servings to last the workday. If you prefer your caffeine carbonated, buy a 6 or 12-pack of 12-ounce cans (aluminum recycles easiest and keeps beverages cooler). Chocolate lovers can bring bite-sized treats or a 100-calorie serving package.
Support small local businesses. Even if prices are a few pennies higher than the big-box store, that extra cost is made up with customer service. Small retailers and service providers give consumers more choices, and if we don’t give them our business, they may have to close, meaning fewer options and a loss of local jobs.
If your current bank provides good customer service and meets your banking needs, there may be no need to change. If not, shop around and compare services, rates and fees. Locally owned and managed banks are more likely to be community minded. For example, one hometown bank supports its community by sponsoring events, lending its facilities for business gatherings and holding paper-shredding days.
This can mean anything from turning off the light when you leave a room to shutting off small appliances when not in use. Changing a few habits can help lower your energy bill. Put on a sweater and lower the thermostat, and turn down the water temperature to 120 degrees fahrenheit. Unplug energy-zapping devices such as battery chargers, computers, DVD and VCR players and microwave ovens when not in use. For more energy-saving tips, visit: ENERGYSAVERS.GOV.
Clear the clutter from the basement, closet, or garage and give away anything you haven’t used in the past six months. Good Will, Hadassah House, and The Salvation Army resale shops are great places to donate these items. Another option is the Freecycle Network, a grassroots, nonprofit movement of people who give and get stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each group is moderated by a local volunteer and membership is free. Get details and sign up at: www.freecycle.org.
Try some or all of these suggestions and economize while taking steps to live greener.
Contact Eco Gal at ecogal247@yahoo.com