Climate change is an issue that affects everyone. Regardless of your opinions on the matter, we are already experiencing strange weather around the world as a result. Alongside unseasonal weather we are also facing the cost of living crisis.
The figures show that, based on average usage, from April 1st households on average are spending around £1,971 on energy bills. A staggering increase of 54%. Even with the new energy cap implemented on the 1st October of £2,500 a year for average households (£208 a month), this is still double what households had to pay a year ago.
So now there is even more incentive to protect the environment because it could literally save you money to be more sustainable! Even if you look at the issue of climate change from a totally self-centred perspective, it is still worthwhile to change your energy spending habits. Because it could quite literally save you hundreds of pounds. That’s why in today’s article I am going to give you 4 easy ways to start saving money by being more sustainable.
If you want to change your spending habits but you aren’t sure where to start, don’t be scared to seek professional help. Speak to an experienced financial advisor today.
4 easy ways being more sustainable can save you money:
- Manage your water usage
- Monitor how you heat your home
- Make small lifestyle adjustments for a big reduction in waste
- Make more sustainable choices while out and about.
1. Manage your water usage
Did you know that 22% of the emissions produced in the UK come from the home? One of the easiest ways you can be more sustainable and save yourself money is by reducing how much energy you use in your home.
Almost everyone will be guilty of occasionally wasting energy or using an unnecessarily large amount of energy during mundane everyday tasks. One of the clearest examples of this is taking long hot showers. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t relax and enjoy your hot shower every now and then. But in reality the main purpose of a shower is to clean yourself, not to relax. So realistically you should only need to use the shower for a few minutes at a time. By doing this you will save yourself money but also time! It’s a win for the environment, your wallet and your schedule!
Another water related way to save money by being more sustainable is to wash your clothes on cooler settings. You don’t need a high temperature for a quick daily wash! The last thing you can look at when it comes to water in the home is how much water you are boiling at once in your kettle. It is so common for people to boil more water than they actually need for their cup of tea or coffee. It may seem like a small thing but if you always boil more water than you need without noticing this will add up overtime. So consider how much water you really need if you want to save money by being more sustainable.
2. Monitor how you heat your home
Heating our homes is one of the most significant contributors to our ever increasing energy bills. If you can take steps to become more efficient in the way you use your heating or better yet, start using your heating less, your wallet is sure to see the benefit and so will the environment.
The simplest method to reduce your heating costs is to start monitoring how often you use it. You should also have your heating operating on a timer if possible for the most efficient use possible. It can be easy to have your heating on all day during the colder months when you just want to stay cosy. But you should try to think about when you need the heating on most and only use it at these times if you want to shave a few quid off your energy bill.
During the day you will probably have natural light coming in through your windows and this will make your property warmer naturally. You might still feel the cold during these hours, but you should always try to heat yourself before your home whenever you can! Obviously it can be too cold sometimes and you will need to heat your home. But you will not need to use it as much if you start wearing more layers, using more blankets and using hot water bottles instead of radiators to stay warm.
3. Make small lifestyle adjustments for a big reduction in waste
There are a few more simple things that you can do to save money by being more sustainable and using less energy in the home. One thing that is often overlooked is using a tumble dryer to dry your clothes. This is not an energy efficient or cost effective way to dry your clothes and if you want to save yourself some money you could be using a washing line or drying rack instead.
You can also save energy, money and time by tweaking the way you cook. If you start batch/bulk cooking you will tend to spend less on ingredients as whole foods tend to be cheaper and you will keep food waste in your household to a minimum. A microwave will also use less energy to heat up one portion of a meal that you already cooked in bulk, than to cook a new meal every night using your oven.
This last tip is specifically for women who want to save money by being more sustainable. Take advantage of reusable sanitary products. You might not be aware but there are sustainable alternatives to things like period pads and tampons. As women you will know that the cost of these products can add up overtime. So I encourage you to look at sustainable period product options if you are a woman who wants to save money by being more sustainable.
4. Make more sustainable choices while out and about
We can also save money by being more sustainable when we are out and about during the day. Our impulsive consumption habits are one of the biggest contributors to climate change. But superfluous spending is also bad for your bank account! It’s lovely to treat yourself to a nice coffee now and then, but you can have a cup of coffee in the comfort of your home, for a fraction of the price and without using a wasteful disposable cup. If you cannot give up your luxury coffees, at least buy a keep-cup (many cafes will also give you a discount if you bring your own reusable cup).
Using public transport is another way to save money by being more sustainable. Public transport is obviously better for the environment than using your own car. But it is also much cheaper to use public transport (if it is good in your area) than to keep your car running on a daily basis. This will also significantly decrease the size of your carbon footprint.
This last tip is so simple and easy to implement that you really have no excuse. Stop buying plastic water bottles. Not only is it a huge waste of resources but a huge waste of money as well! Buy a reusable water bottle and start drinking tap water if you want to save money by being more sustainable.
It’s easier than you think to save money by being more sustainable
If you want to save money by being more sustainable all it takes is a few minor changes to your lifestyle. The effects of these minor changes will add up over time and if you are diligent you will start to save yourself money. It’s a no-brainer really. If you can help protect the environment and save yourself money in the long term, why wouldn’t you?
If you want to analyse your spending and change your spending habits but you don’t know where to start, don’t be afraid to seek professional help with your finances. Speak to a financial expert about how you can save money and get the financial upper hand in the cost of living crisis.