Here are some easy ways to protect the environment and improve your budget at the same time.
Wash your clothes in cold water.
They get just as clean, but without the energy needed to heat the water.
Take shorter showers.
Shaving even one minute off of your daily shower could save nearly a thousand gallons of water every year, which translates into big savings on the water bill (and it’s better for the planet).
Replace your light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
A small upfront investment in LEDs can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars (and a lot of energy) over the life span of these bulbs—which can be as long as 10 years. Buy them on sale and replace them one or two at a time to put less pressure on your budget.
Turn your electronics completely off.
Even when they are “off,” TVs, cable boxes, WIFI routers, and computers continue to draw electricity all day. You can put them all on a power strip and shut them totally off at night or when you leave the house.
Buy second-hand.
These days you can buy almost anything used and in good shape. Not only is it cheaper, but it reduces your consumer footprint and saves one more thing from going to a landfill.
Ditch the bottle.
Bottled water is usually no better than your typical tap water. Consider getting a faucet water filter and a reusable water bottle to save money and help the environment.
Use a pressure cooker.
Using a pressure cooker is a great way to save time, money, and energy all at the same time. Pressure cookers can take up to 70% less time (and less energy) to cook a meal, and they’re more versatile than you might think (check out pressurecookrecipes.com).
Eat less meat.
Meat isn’t cheap, and producing it isn’t great for the environment. Consider trying a few vegetarian meals once or twice a week. Check out “It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken” and “Gimme Some Oven” websites for menu ideas.
Make your own chemical-free cleaners.
If you want to save money while also avoiding harmful chemicals, consider making your own cheap and easy cleaners (check out thespruce.com).
Sources: greatist.com; greenamerica.org; thesimpledollar.com; Kmotion research.
At the Printers 401k®, we believe with the right plan design, we can create successful retirement outcomes.
We are happy to help, if you have any questions or would like additional insight, please feel free to reach out to me at joe@printers401k.com or 800.307.0376.
Disclosure: This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. Investment Advice and 3(38) Investment Fiduciary services offered through Diversified Financial Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. 3(16) Administrative Fiduciary Services provided by PISTL Service Corporation. Discretionary Trustee services provided by Printing Industries 401k Trustees. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.
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