So many things involve choices in life. And some of them are quite difficult. When it comes to questions of lifestyle and living our best lives to reflect our personal convictions it is so important to live your authentic life. You need your life to reflect your own values, in order to be comfortable in your own skin. Two important values that I have (and maybe you, too?) are to live my life in the most frugal way possible, not to be spending money and resources unnecessarily, and to do whatever I can in my own small way to be kind to the environment and help save the planet for future generations to enjoy and thrive. I am so thankful that these two very important concepts in my life do not present a dilemma in lifestyle choice for me but rather go hand in hand beautifully. Quite often the same activities that I do to save money are also saving the planet, and vice versa. Sometimes it’s hard to even distinguish. The lifestyle is so interconnected. Let's take a look at some of the things I do that accomplish both of my objectives: Recycling – I recycle as much as I can. Paper products, cans and bottles, cardboard. This saves my money by reducing my trash amount and saves the planet of more trash into the landfills. Plus, When I return my cans and bottles to the store get my 5 cents deposit back. 😀 Reusing – I try to reuse whatever I can. Again, this reduces the trash going into the landfills, and the pollution caused by the manufacture of things. For instance, using a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles. Saves money too, obviously. Buying used – I try to avoid buying new whenever I can. This not only saves me money but reduces the amount of “stuff” being manufactured. Growing my own food – Saves money on the grocery bill, while at the same time reduces my carbon footprint. Less (gas guzzling) trips to the grocery store. Less buying groceries trucked in from all over (in gas-guzzling trucks). Less packaging (being manufactured, and having to dispose of). I bring my own bags when I shop – Well this one does not necessarily save me money, but it does save the planet. Cooking my own food – Less packaging (on prepared food) and less take-out containers (and, of course, less expensive). I also use all my food and leftovers. I very rarely throw food away. Waste not, want not Using reusable cleaning products as opposed to paper towels – Cheaper and no garbage. Limited cleaning products. I mostly use vinegar and baking soda. Easier on the planet and the pocketbook. Planning my shopping trips wisely. I consolidate my errands to save gas. Staying home – I am very content to stay home and be with my family or even alone. This obviously saves me money and saves the planet on my wasteful gas and other consumer expenses. Gardening – This form of “entertainment” Is good for nature and my wallet. (I trade plants with other gardening buddies in addition to saving my own seeds) and it keeps me content at home! I compost – Keeping food scraps out of the landfill and putting them to good use in my garden, while at the same time saving me money on buying amendments for my soil. I use my heat, AC and electricity sparingly – Sweaters and blanket in the winter. Open windows, use fans (to cool one room) in the summer. Only use lights and other electrical appliances when absolutely necessary. I hang my clothes outside to dry. I eat vegan – This saves me money because the most expensive items in the grocery store are meat and dairy products. It also saves the planet as meat production is one of the biggest sources of pollution in the world. Just that one change could go a long way toward saving the planet. And bonus points on this one! It not only saves money and the planet, but it is also healthier! To me it’s a win-win lifestyle. I couldn’t imagine living any other way and I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to save money and is concerned about the environment. Wishing you and the planet a very bright future indeed!
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