The phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has been around for decades, and is usually equated with environmental concerns and issues. However, with sky-high inflation and stretched wallets, many consumers are taking a fresh look at these environmentally-savvy techniques as a way to save money. Often the recommendations can do double duty. For instance, using a reusable water bottle and refilling it with filtered water at home saves you from the expense of buying bottled water, while also keeping single-use plastic out of landfills and our oceans.
So where do you start?
Here are some suggestions for finding savings in your home and helping your families dollars stretch a little further.
Reduce Energy Costs
- Do a home-energy audit.
- Opt for ENERGY STAR appliances.
- Switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs.
- Wash clothes using cold water.
- Use a programmable thermostat.
- Run dishwashers, washers and dryers at night.
- Seal air leaks in windows, doors and attic ceilings.
- Fix faucet and showerhead leaks.
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
A showerhead that leaks 10 drips per minute can waste more than 500 gallons of water a year. We often don’t think of these little things, but the costs can really add up over time.
Recycle Items
- Reuse condiment jars for storage.
- Reuse cereal box liner bags to store, marinate or mix ingredients.
- Start seeds using old egg cartons. Cut up old t-shirts for rags.
- Donate items to your favorite charity or Facebook groups, Nextdoor or Freecycle.
Alternatives to Grass: Using an alternative to grass, such as mulch or rocks, reduces water consumption and runoff from fertilizer and pesticides. It also saves you from the cost of a mowing service, or the cost of owning and maintaining your own mowing equipment. Another option that is growing in popularity is to replace grass with native, pollinator-friendly plants and grasses. These plants are adapted to the local conditions and are often drought and disease resistant, which reduces water and chemical use.
Save Money in the Kitchen
- Buy from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm or a local farmers market.
- Purchase only what you need for a day or two when grocery shopping.
- Use leftover scraps for soup bases. Freeze leftover herbs with olive oil.
- Compost food scraps, paper towels, cooked rice and cooked pasta.
- Switch to reusable coffee filters. Instead of tea bags, try tea crystals or use loose-leaf tea and a tea infuser.
It is estimated that the average American family of four spends $1,600 on food that gets thrown out each year. Imagine the savings on groceries if you could reduce even a small portion of that?
Finding ways to save money, even if they seem small and inconsequential, can really add up over time when considered collectively. While it can seem daunting or inconvenient to make a change to your current habits.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia, we are always here to help with all your real estate needs! Contact Jason at 703-298-7037 or Jason@JasonAndBonnie.com.
