Save your money; save our planet
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Question: There is much discussion about climate change and how it can shape our kid’s future. Nearer to home, we have witnessed rivers die and landfills becoming trash over the years. We’d like to set a better model to our own kids and do our part in helping save the environment. What can we do in that end without having to shell out a lot of cash? — John
Answer: All over the planet, more people are becoming conscious of the need to do something about our environment. Our own folks bear witness to the reality that the rivers they have swum in when they were young have “died” or are on the road to oblivion. Forest areas have been declining over the years as people pursue land development and residential estates, leading to erosion and flooding. Mountains have become bald and polar caps have been melting.
There is a lot we can do to help protect and save our environment. Below are our Earth-friendly advises that won’t create a dent in your budget; you may save on costs too.
At home
1. After doing the laundry, air-dry clothes instead of putting them in the dryer.
2. When not using appliances, unplug them.
3. When reading, sit by the window to avail of natural light.
4. Press your clothings in one batch.
5. Recycle what you can: softdrinks cans, PET bottles, paper, cartons, newspapers, empty printer ink cartridges and even mobile batteries. Bring these to the junk shop or recycle markets and you may even get cash in return.
6. Pay your bills online or through the phone. Not only will you not have to go to the bank to do this transaction; you will save on time, energy, and gas as well. And if you go paperless and request that your bills be sent by e-mail, you’ll help save a lot of trees to be cut up for paper use.
7. Use more energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. There is an energy efficiency ratio on appliances in the market: The higher it is, the better. In computers, the newer processors use up less power but perform better.
8. Use gray water (example: water used in cooking) for gardening.
9. Have your toilet fitted with a dual-flush mechanism to save on water.When shopping
1. Use reusable cloth bag when doing your shopping. Plastic bags will cost the stores more and will just end up in landfills. Nowadays, supermarkets encourage the use of reusable bags and some even offer incentives (such as free items) for their use.
2. Plan your shopping so you won’t have to go back and forth and waste gas and transport cash.
3. Buy products with biodegradable packaging if you can.
4. Consider buying secondhand for items such as furniture and books.
When traveling
1. Encourage carpool with other people to save on gas and energy.
2. Have your car tuned up regularly and the tires inflated to the right amount of pressure. This will help your car perform at its best, enabling you to get more mileage out of your gas.
3. For short distances, walk instead of ride. Save on gas and don’t add to the pollution.
4. Consider switching to a more environment-friendly fuel. A lot of taxis now fill up using LPG gas which cost less. There is also a form of unleaded gas that is kinder to the environment.
5. Book your plane tickets online. E-ticketing will help save on paper.
6. Use a digital camera instead of a disposable camera. It will be cheaper in the long run and you won’t contribute to the items to be dumped in landfills.
In the office
1. Print or photocopy on both sides of the paper.
2. Use recycled paper for scratch pads.
3. Instead of buying new printer ink cartridges each time they are empty, have them refilled.
4. Use mugs instead of disposable cups for coffee.
5. Turn off computers, printers, paper shredders, and photo copying machines when not in use.
6. Instead of buying mineral water by the bottle at your office canteen, purchase a 5-gallon bottle from a water refilling station, then just bring water to the office using a jug.
7. During your next summer getaway, suggest a tree-planting activity or beach clean-up time for all employees.
8. Suggest a telecommuting option for employees. A lot of office work can be done at home. Working at home will help you save gas and money and may even inspire you with the change in routine.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. If we all do our part in saving the our planet, ourchildren and our children’s children will profit the rewards of a greener Earth.
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5 Responses to “Save your money; save our planet”
I am so wishing more people to get into the recycling business. They say that there is wealth in trash. So, calling those who are thinking of a new business — recycling! New business! New ways to save the world!.
By
Anna (Who am I?) on Jul 8, 2008
As a CPA, I know first hand that the recycling industry can create wealth. It has made me realize that we can definately think greener as a country without government regulations hurting our economy. Recycling for some companies can actually be a source of a additional revenue. Cities and Towns could find some profit in recycling verus more taxes. We need a paradigm shift.
By
Deb Jones (Who am I?) on Jul 11, 2008
@Anna : I agree, was thinking if we could have a joint venture dealing with recycling business hahahaha!!
@Deb : Yup, there’s money in trash.Recycling has had a major impact on job creation in local and state economies. In fact in Iowa, a 2001 study found that recycling-related end-use manufacturing operations sustain over 23,000 jobs and generate nearly $3.33 billion in total industrial output. Ain’t that cool?
By
moneyexpert (Who am I?) on Jul 11, 2008
I really like these suggestions. As more people become aware of the little things they can do to help the environment, it has to have an impact.
Nice post- I stumbled
By
Greener Pastures (Who am I?) on Jul 25, 2008