Sometimes it seems that humanity is not able to solve global problems. For example, people manage to process only 9% of plastic. In connection with this situation, the “zero waste” movement has recently gained popularity.
For a long time I doubted whether it is possible to combine cost savings with environmental protection. Yes, sometimes there are situations when, to improve the environment, you need to pay a rather large amount. But a friend told me that at home you can successfully combine both. Moreover, she shared that she saved a decent amount, adhering to certain requirements. Want to know more about this? I will be happy to share practical tips with you.
Use LED bulbs
Why is this option relevant? LED lamps will last you longer, and they consume much less energy than ordinary ones. Such lamps can consume only 10 watts of energy to provide the same lighting power as a 60-watt incandescent lamp. Thus, although you pay 50-70 rubles more for LED, in the long run you will save serious money. Your electricity bill will be lower and you won’t need to change bulbs so often. Moreover, the absence of ultraviolet radiation and heavy materials (as, for example, in fluorescent energy-saving) will encourage you to use LED lamps.
Use solar powered lights
Continuing the theme of lighting. Want to light your yard without increasing your electricity bill? And with concern for the environment? This is possible: you just need to purchase solar-powered lights that store energy during the day and give it away at night. You do not need to spend a lot of money on this: this will cost less than calling an electrician to lay a wire. You can buy good streetlights on a solar battery for less than 500 rubles.
Buy used items
Feel free to buy used goods: by reusing items, you are preventing them from appearing in a landfill. Find a new use for old things: you can shop for a variety of clothes, furniture, and even electronics.
Open windows and use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning
A friend warned that this advice is not entirely relevant in the hottest months of the summer (depending on where you live). But you can use a similar recommendation in spring and autumn to reduce your monthly electricity bills.
Save water
Does morning start with coffee? Not at all! One of the first things to do in the morning is going to the toilet. How can water be saved in this situation?
Have you heard about an interesting method? To reduce the volume, simply put a brick (you can a bottle of water) inside the tank. Such an approach will significantly reduce the amount of water being filled. Scientists advise not using ordinary brick, but rubber filled with hydrogel. It is lightweight, absolutely harmless and is able to save about 2 liters on each drain to the owners. As a result, you save about 11,000 liters in a year!
Rainwater
Another great way to save money. The amount of rainwater can greatly compensate for the amount of water you use from the tap. Just place the barrel (or any other large vessel) under the drainpipe.
You can use the accumulated rainwater to irrigate gardens, water plants, wash the car and clean the area.
Use reusable shopping bags
Even if you shop at one of the few stores that offer paper bags instead of plastic ones, it is still harmful to the environment. Instead of disposing of disposable bags after each trip to the grocery store, it is better to purchase reusable bags that you can carry with you every time. Just remember to put them back in the machine after you unload all the products. Storing reusable bags in your car will provide you with the right capacity anytime you decide to take a quick shopping trip.
Do not buy water in plastic bottles
I already mentioned the fact that upsets my girlfriend: plastic bottles are the leading source of plastics in dumps and microplastics in our oceans. With repeated use, various scratches and cracks appear on these bottles, which are a cozy place for bacteria to live.
What can be done? Use reusable bottles with a large neck (for good flushing), as well as purchase a filter for a kitchen faucet. So you can fill reusable bottles with water, and this will significantly reduce the amount of waste that you throw away every week.
Do not buy disposable razors
Interesting detail, right? Why can it be said that a skin care product can harm the environment?
It is estimated that approximately 2 billion disposable razors are dumped in one year. Accordingly, plastic waste is also increasing. What is the best use of reusable razors? They allow you to replace the blades in your razors. Moreover, the blades are recyclable, so you can completely avoid harmful waste.
Make your own cleaning products
A friend shared that earlier she simply purchased funds on a shelf in a supermarket. Recently, she was convinced: to make them yourself is not so difficult. What is needed for this?
Things that you probably already have in your house: for example, laundry soap, mustard, lemon, baking soda, and vinegar. Hard chemical cleaners are not suitable for you, your children, or the environment, and the plastic bottles they contain usually end up in a landfill. Once again we are convinced that it is quite possible to combine savings with environmental protection.
Use public transport or bike
In order to take care of the environment, it is better to use the metro or railway transportation systems. Public transport prevents the emission of greenhouse gases that may result from driving your own car. Yes, it may take some planning and extra time to get where you need it. However, you can do this.
You will also save money because you avoid the cost of buying vehicles, servicing these vehicles and refueling. It is estimated that transportation costs make up almost 20% of the family budget when the family owns the vehicles.
Moreover, if you live a few kilometers from your office, use a bicycle: this may be the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option. Yes, you also need to service the bike, but in the long run it will be cheaper than using public transport.
Well, the best way (and my girlfriend successfully uses it) is to walk more often. Yes, shoes also need funds. But still walking is free, and you do not pollute the atmosphere.
Other methods
In addition to the above, it is also important to rationally use mobile devices (when we charge from the network) and use rechargeable batteries and accumulators.
The Zero Waste Movement is a tricky business, but I’m sure that by applying at least a few of the tips above, you can help protect the environment and enjoy decent benefits.