Ten ways to save money, and the environment

As sustainability becomes a growing concern for Canadians – what they buy, how they use products, how they invest – more people are exploring how their financial habits can help support the environment, and their wallets.

Thankfully, there are several ways to do just that. Here are 10 eco-friendly actions you can take to help you save money:

1. Utilities

Turn off your lights! We start our list with a simple tip: When you leave a room, make sure to turn off the lights. When you go to bed, turn down the heat. Anytime you are not using your toaster, phone charger, computer, etc. turn it off and unplug it. Did you know that your appliances are still using power when they’re plugged in, even if they’ve been turned off? Not only can this tip help reduce your energy consumption, it will also lower your utility costs.

2. Public transit

Gas prices are continually on the rise, and as we know, the ever-evolving economy can greatly impact the price you pay at the pumps. The cost of owning and operating a vehicle is one of a household’s largest expenses. Look into your options for public transit in your area to see if you can use it to eliminate the need for a vehicle. Alternatively, you might be able to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your next trip to the city if you take transit and eliminate the gas and parking costs.

3. Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have become so popular that for many models, you need to put your name on a waitlist if you hope to own one. They are trendy, but for good reason. Reducing your reliance on gas-powered vehicles reduced your carbon footprint while saving you money at the pump. While the first electric vehicles to hit the market were quite expensive, as more and more companies release their version of electric vehicles, we are seeing increasingly more affordable options. You’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the added up-front cost of purchasing an electric vehicle will save you money over time.

4. Reuse

We have become a throw-away society. When something is broken, or not in use, it often ends up in the garbage. But wait! Just a generation ago, we would have tried to fix that broken toaster or taken it to a repair shop to have it fixed. Though in some cases it might be cheaper to replace certain things, why not try to fix it first? There are millions of how-to videos on YouTube that can be a great resource for simple fixes that can save you money. Many cities also have recycling programs and depots for items that may otherwise end up in the landfill. For household items no longer in use, try to find them a new home with a neighbour or family member. Social media is also a great place to list used items for sale or for free.

5. Grow a garden

Part of the cost of fruits and vegetables comes from the labour it takes to grow and deliver them to your local grocery store. You can cut costs by growing herbs and vegetables yourself and reap the rewards of gardening while enjoying fresh produce. Local orchards may let you earn fruit by offering to do the picking. Or reach out to friends or neighbours with gardens or fruit trees to see if they have extras they might be willing to part with.

6. Buy local

Whenever possible, try to buy locally made products. Not only are you supporting the local economy, but you are helping the environment by reducing the footprint associated with transporting and delivering those goods. The reduction in costs for delivery will often help keep the prices of locally made items more affordable than you might think.

7. Bring your own bag/cup

With Canada’s ban on single-use plastic bags, reusable bags are everywhere. And while that’s great, it’s common to forget your own reusable bags when you go grocery shopping, forcing you to buy new ones every time you have more items than your hands can carry. Keep a few extra reusable bags in your purse or in your vehicle so that you’re never without one and you don’t have to keep buying them every time you go.

Many take-out restaurants and coffee shops are also charging for disposable cups now. Bring your own reusable cup to save on the fee and reduce waste. Some locations will even offer a price discount if you supply your own cup so take advantage of this option – every penny counts!

8. Plant-based eating

Some studies have shown that becoming vegan can cut your carbon footprint by up to 60 percent and you can reduce the cost of each meal by up to 25 percent. Did you know that beans and legumes (the most frequently used protein substitutes) are inexpensive when compared to meat?

9. Return it for money

As kids, we used to collect bottles and return them to the local 7-11 to earn money for Slurpee’s. Now, nearly all beverage containers have a deposit or recycling fee charged on them so instead of just recycling these items, return them to a bottle depot to get some money back.

10. Use your legs

Back to the topic of transportation. Every time you get in your car, you’re spending money on gas. Whenever possible, consider the distance you are driving and consider walking or biking instead. You will save that expensive gas cost, save the environment from emissions, and increase your physical activity all at the same time.