Three Tips to Living with Less
The times demand change and thoughtful spending, but learning to live on less is as simple as cutting back, pooling together, and turning it off. In this economic climate buckling down and riding the storm with the brakes on will see you through to the other side. Get started with a few tips for keeping your world green, financially and environmentally.
Cut Back
Two small ways to cut back means doing without lattes and lunches at restaurants. Instead, allow yourself one latte and one lunch out with co-workers per week. The rest of the time, make it yourself. If you don’t believe how much money these two cutbacks will save, just add it up. Seeing it in the daylight of numbers puts it all into perspective. Besides saving money, you’re saving paper cups used for coffee. If you really want to think green, get out the old lunchbox or purchase a reusable one.
Carpool
If possible, carpool. Four people going to the same place from approximately the same location can save money and fuel. Extend carpooling to taking the kids to school. Take turns with neighbors and give everyone and the environment a breather.
Use less gas by running all your errands at the same time. Instead of getting groceries on Saturday morning and picking up dry-cleaning on Friday after work, do it all at once planning the logistics ahead so everything is as close as possible.
Unplug It
Unplug appliances and electronics and slice your energy use keeping money in your pocket. Don’t just shut down the computer at night…unplug it. Always turn off lights when no one is in that room.
Small changes make big differences over time. Cutting back, car-pooling, and unplugging are simple ideas that save money and keep the earth turning. It takes wise management and planning, but each tip is doable and in the end well worth the extra effort.