Protecting the planet is one of the best legacies we can leave for our grandchildren. Everyone knows that, but did you know that you can save money by doing so? Making some simple lifestyle changes and retrofits to your home can help save the planet and save money.
Skip the Landfill
The average person throws away over two hundred pounds of food waste per year. Food scraps that get buried in landfills don’t have access to oxygen, so they undergo a process called anaerobic decomposition. This releases methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change! Skip the landfill and start composting. It will help save the planet and can also add beauty to your garden. Adding organic compost will bring both nutrients and beneficial microorganisms to your soil.
Harness the Power of the Sun
Homeowners across the Unites States are adopting solar energy to decrease their monthly energy bills, but did you know it also benefits the environment? As an alternative to fossil fuels, solar energy reduces your home’s carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gases. Capturing the sun’s energy is free, but the solar panels are not. If you are not in a financial position to purchase the solar equipment, consider leasing panels.
Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse
Recycling is one of the best ways for you to have a positive impact on the world in which we live. Most of us diligently separate recyclables from trash every day, but did you know that you can earn points for your efforts? If you are one of the millions of earth-friendly people throwing paper and cans into the blue barrel, then you could be earning rewards around town. Recycle Bank is a company that will do just that – sign up with the program to earn points that can be redeemed for discounts restaurants and eco-friendly businesses in your neighborhood.
Conserve Water
Your front yard is much thirstier than you realize. It takes about half of a gallon to satisfy your lawn with one inch of water, which adds up to roughly 62 gallons of water per 10’ x 10 space. It may not sound like too much, but when you factor in a 100’ x 100’ lawn size, it adds up to over 6,300 gallons per watering session! This can be a huge waste of water and if you live in a drought-prone area such as California, this can be a huge waste of money too. Turf Terminators of California boasts an average savings of 44 gallons per year for every square foot of grass they remove. Depending on which city you live in, your utility company may even chip in to pay for some of the grass replacement costs. During a severed drought in 2015, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offered a rebate of $2 per square foot to every customer that was willing to replace a lawn. The funds dried up fast so make sure you take advantage of these offers when they arise.
If you are obsessed with your green lawn and can’t bare to see it go, there are some eco-friendly ways to help manage the yard of your dreams. Consider using greywater for your lawn. Greywater is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. Greywater may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products. While greywater may look “dirty,” it is a safe and even beneficial source of irrigation water in a yard. Eco-friendly companies such as Greywater Action provide free tips for successfully collecting and using greywater for a sustainable water culture.
Protecting the Planet for Our Grandchildren
Making home and lifestyle changes that save money are great, but that is only an aspect of the true benefits. The houses we call home are all part of the bigger picture called our planet. Let’s do our part and help protect the planet as one of the best legacies we can leave for our grandchildren.
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
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