Our planet needs help. Over the last few centuries, we’ve extorted it to extreme levels.
The way we create energy is by burning fossil fuels. This method is tearing apart our ozone layer. In effect, we’re experiencing the effects of climate change.
These include things like animal and plant extinction, longer periods of drought, more frequent and extreme natural disasters, shorter growing periods, and more. Eventually, some places on earth will cease being inhabitable by the people that live there now.
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle is the answer to this problem. Of course, this initiative needs to happen on a grand scale.
If you don’t have a lot of money, you might be resistant to the idea. However, we’re here to tell you that you can adapt to green living on a budget. Keep reading to find out how.
Walk or Bike to Work
Provided you don’t live too far away, you can save a lot of money and live a more eco-friendly life by biking or walking to work. Not only will this save you money in gas, but it will also reduce the amount of maintenance your car needs in terms of:
- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
- New tires
- Fluids
- And more
If you live too far from work to walk or bike, find like-minded co-workers and carpool. Alternatively, look to public transportation systems to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Convert to Solar Energy
One of the best green living tips is to stop using power generated by coal. This means installing a solar energy system for your home.
And we know, you’re probably wondering how this made it onto our list of adopting sustainable living on a budget. However, establishing a green home based on solar energy is more affordable than you think. It can also help you save a ton of money.
For example, you can claim your solar costs on your next tax return to get up to 26% back in tax credits. Using solar energy can also help you eliminate your energy bill, which will save you thousands of dollars a year.
Additionally, each state has unique solar incentives and rewards. Click to this page to learn more about how much money you can save (and earn) by switching to solar.
Eat Less Meat
The idea of adopting a plant-based diet is highly controversial. Some people wholeheartedly believe that the human body won’t function right without meat, which is untrue. Other people think that only hippies and tree-huggers opt for a vegan life.
The truth, however, is that eating less meat or no meat is imperative to a sustainable lifestyle. Did you know that it takes 1,847 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef? Not only that, but animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation and produces more greenhouse gases than all forms of transportation combined.
In terms of your budget, purchasing less meat from the grocery store will substantially lower your costs.
Are You Ready to Adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle?
As you can see, it’s not terribly difficult to live a sustainable lifestyle, even if you’re on a budget. In fact, green living will help you save money in a lot of ways.
