Simple Green Ways to Save Money

Whether you’re looking to save money during the pandemic, or you’re simply trying new money-saving methods, something to consider is adopting eco-friendly practices. This doesn’t have to require drastic lifestyle changes like purchasing an electric car or fundamentally changing your diet. We’re happy to outline a few ways that going green can keep the green in your wallet. 

Replace your light bulbs

Did you know that lighting can cost an average of 13% of your energy bill? If you are using incandescent light bulbs, consider replacing them with LED or CFL lights. These options may cost you more on the front end, but they use a quarter of the energy and can last up to 10 times longer. 

Cut Water Usage in the Shower

The average shower uses from two to five gallons of water per minute, which can start to add up on your monthly bill. A great way to save some cash on your water bill is to take shorter showers. You might also consider a low-flow fixture. These are relatively inexpensive options, found on Amazon, that help you save anywhere from 25% to 60% in water usage.

Side note: Another great way to save water is to skip the dishwasher and wash your dishes by hand. This can cut 27 gallons of water off of your water bill each year. Like showerheads, there are efficient faucet solutions to consider as well.

Change Your Clothes Washing Habits

There’s some debate, but many suggest that washing all clothes, regardless of color, on cold isn’t harmful to the fabrics. Annually, washing clothes on cold will save you up to $40. You can also reduce your electricity bill by hang drying your clothes, rather than using the dryer. That’s potentially another $200 saved each year.

Dine-in with Leftovers

In 2016 we were wasting $160 million of produce.  As of last year, Americans were spending 36 cents of every dollar at restaurants or other food establishments. Eating out and wasting can cost thousands of dollars annually (on food and travel), so we suggest committing to enjoying leftovers. This guide helps you know how long your leftovers will last.

Find Plenty of Money-Saving Solutions

There are plenty of other great ways to save some cash each month. You can skip paper towels and other single-use products, grow some of your own favorite produce and reuse plant waste for composting. The key is finding a solution that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

Get in touch with the experts at EZ Money for additional money-saving tips or other financial related questions.