Oftentimes, when we think of sustainable ways to protect the environment, we assume they are less cost-effective than our traditional “bad” practices. While switching to renewable energy, eating organic produce, or buying an electric car is indeed more expensive, there are many small ways in which we can reduce our footprint and save money at the same time! Here are 4 everyday habits you should start today to become a greener citizen.
01. Say No to Plastic Bags at the Grocery Store: Plastic bags. We’ve all used them before, but why are they so bad for the environment? Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle, so most of them end up in the trash and eventually at landfills. At these sites, they take 300 years to degrade and break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and water, and even enter the food chain – where animals can accidently ingest them. Furthermore, they add to the large volume of waste that contaminates our planets. Much of this waste enters the ocean, where sea creatures, mistaking plastic bags for food, can easily choke and die from them.
The solution is to use reusable bags made of cotton, paper, or fabric. You can buy these anywhere – grocery stores or online – for as little as $1-3. They are also cheaper than using plastic bags each time you shop. Many chain stores, such as Target, Walmart, and Sprouts, charge for plastic bags, while some districts in Maryland – Howard and Montgomery counties – charge at least $0.05 per usage. Overtime, these costs accumulate to outweigh reusable bags.
02. Carpool: Did you know that a typical passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year? CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas, and when released into the atmosphere, it only exacerbates global warming.
To combat this, we should carpool with friends, family, and neighbors when possible. This reduces not only our carbon footprint, but also traffic congestion, air and noise pollution. Additionally, carpooling is cost-effective, as using less gas means spending less money. Next time you drive your daughter to soccer practice? Consider carpooling with some of her teammates.
03. Use reusable bottles, not plastic bottles: We all know that plastic bottles create waste that contaminates the environment, but did you know drinking from them poses health concerns as well? Bottled water contains tiny traces of microplastics, toxic chemicals, and sometimes carcinogens, all of which, when accumulated in the body overtime, can lead to cancers and certain kidney and liver problems
The quick solution is to drink from a single reusable water bottle, which is usually made of BPA-free plastic (one of the most common brands is Nalgene), stainless steel, or glass. Doing this is also cost-effective, as it saves money from buying bottled water over and over again. Not only are we reducing the waste at landfills, but we are also saving the lives of sea creatures who might have otherwise mistakened our plastic for food!
04. Reduce your electricity usage: Most electricity is generated by fossil fuel sources, so reducing your electricity usage can limit your carbon footprint and conserve energy. This includes turning light switches off when you’re not in the room, opening windows instead of using AC, and unplugging electronic devices and appliances that are on “standby” or are not being used. Doing so, you save a considerable sum of money by lowering your utility bill.
While there are countless cost-effective ways to live more sustainably, these are the most basic that I believe every individual should follow. Although your impact might seem minimal, we must begin with small changes to combat the larger environmental issues today.
Works Cited
Austin, Georgia. “7 Harmful Side Effects of Plastic Water Bottles.” WEO, 12 July 2022, we-o.com/blog/7-harmful-side-effects-of-plastic-water-bottles/#:~:text=Because%20over%20time%2C%20the%20chemicals,bottles%20are%20not%20fail%2Dsafe.
“Electronics to Unplug to Save Energy.” Unitil, 20 July 2021, unitil.com/blog/electronics-unplug-save-energy.
Jacobsen, Sharon. “Plastic Bag Pollution.” LA County Public Works, dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/plasticbags/articles/googobits_07-21-05.pdf.
Loo, Elana. “Easy Sustainable Living: Tips for Budget-Concious People.” Elana Loo, 21 Feb. 2019, elanaloo.com/sustainable-living-on-a-budget/.
Marcus. “These States Ban Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags (or Charge for Them).” The Krazy Coupon Lady, 6 May 2023, thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/single-use-plastic-shopping-bags.
