When you’re looking to be friendlier to the environment, you may be worried about how you can go green without wrecking your budget. After all, disposable cups, plates, straws, and other non-recyclable materials are often cheaper than their eco-friendly counterparts.
Fortunately, you can set yourself in the right direction toward reducing your carbon footprint without spending more than you can afford. Here are a few simple ways you can be more eco-friendly every day without breaking the bank.
Eat seasonal fruits and veggies
One of the best ways you can be more eco-friendly while saving money is by eating seasonally. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper than their non-seasonal counterparts. This is because they can be purchased locally and markets don’t need to pay to ship food thousands of miles.
Choose meat alternatives
With more Americans going vegetarian and vegan, the meat-alternative industry is able to deliver products that are less expensive to a wider audience. In fact, the global meat-alternative market is expected to reach a net worth of $5.2 billion by the end of this year. The quality of the meat industry has been questionable over the last few years due to decreased regulations, especially during COVID-19, and so making the occasional switch to meat-alternative options may not only be eco-friendly but also healthier.
Don’t pre-rinse your dishes
You can save 1,300 gallons of water by buying an Energy Star rated dishwasher, but you might not be saving the water you think you’re saving if you’re pre-rinsing your dishes. It turns out that pre-rinsing can actually keep your dishwasher from being able to spot the food particles on your dishes, keeping your washer from being able to accurately do its job. The result? Spotty dishes and wasted water.
Recycle your old phone
If you really need to upgrade your smartphone, a great way to stay eco-friendly without adding to your local landfill is to recycle your old phone. Mobile searches account for about 58% of all Google searches, and one quick search will help you find some companies who will be all too happy to take your old tech off your hands. Some companies like TechForward, Gazelle, NextWorth, and ReCellular will actually give you cash for your used phone. From there, your phone is fixed, refurbished, and resold.
It can often feel challenging to try and be more eco-friendly when certain green alternatives are more expensive than their non-green friends. But by following the tips above, you can be a little more eco-conscious without sweating the cost.