During a recession it helps to look at any means to save money. The more conscious we are of the fact that we throw money down the drain, the more dollars and cents we save in the process. Every bit counts and you'd be surprised at the difference it can make in your weekly budget.
By implementing green tips at the same time you'll not only help your own pocket, but also planet Earth. The following 5 green recessions tips will give you a good head start in becoming more environmentally conscious and money smart.
Just remember, the following tips are barely the tip of the iceberg in regards to ways in which we can look after the planet. By implementing small steps at the time we can all do our bit toward a greener world.
- Save energy
The easiest way to save energy is to buy energy efficient light bulbs for our homes. In summer, turn off your thermostat and use thick curtains to insulate your home rather than switching on the air conditioner. If you need to use the air con, set it to be at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter turn the thermostat down a couple of notches. Here is a list of 101 other ways to save energy at home.
- Save fuel
Saving fuel is easier than you think. You can start by reducing the amount of time you just hop into the car to drive around with no particular destination in mind. If you live in a city with a good transport system then you could consider going public and leave your car home. This will help you to save gas and money. Even better would be to walk.
I actually own a scooter. These motorized bikes are highly effective for city traffic as you'll never run out of options to park. Plus they are very cost-effective. I barely spend $2/fuel each week. Plus scooters are fun to boost.
Another option is to carpool with friends from work. By sharing one car between several people you reduce emissions and lower the cost of transport for all involved.
Here is a list of other ways to increase mileage and decrease your fuel costs.
- Save water
The first step you can do to save water at home is to turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. The same rule applies for when you shower. Turn the water off while you soap your body then turn it back on to rinse. Doing this will save quite a bit of water each time you take a shower.
Faucet aerators are small devices that are attached to your water taps. They cost between $0.50 - $3.00 each and can save you a lot of money by reducing water flow to 2.0, 1.5 or 1.0 gallons per minute at normal pressure rates.
You can also save water by using a bucket to wash your car instead of using a hose.
Here is a great list of 49 other ways that you can save water. I gaurantee you'll learn something if you go through the list.
- Shop with intelligence
Smart shopping can also save money and energy. The first step to smart shopping is to always shop with a list. Unless you have a list – and stick to it – you will only end up buying unnecessary things, such as snacks and "spur of the moment" products.
Refuse to buy products with excess packaging. The more we force manufacturers to listen, the sooner they will stop waste - at least we hope so.
Buy organic. Organic products might be more expensive e.g. You won't save money, but you will contribute toward a greener planet.
Use re-usable shopping bags and give plastic a wide berth. Plastic takes around 500 – 1,000 years to decompose naturally! Stop buying and using plastic-packaged products and switch to recycled or re-usable bags and products instead.
Buy second-hand. This doesn't apply for food products, but you will pick up many bargains from garage sales and thrift shops. Granted, buying second hand is not for everyone but judging by the success of garage sales, it is a popular way to save money AND contribute to a greener world. As a matter of fact I just hosted a garage sale a couple of weekends ago and made over $700! within 7 hours - not bad for a days work!
- Save money
While all the above tips help to save money in some ways, saving money as a primary means can make or break your budget. The fastest way to saving money is to stop spending it. Look at situations in your day-to-day life where you tend to buy impulsively.
It could be when you are feeling down, stressed or pressured. Analyzing those potential money thieves are important if you want to take control of your money. Shopping for happiness doesn't work. In fact, I believe that the best feelings are always experienced BEFORE we buy something. The anticipation of buying a certain product results in a bigger high than actually having it in the end.
If you buy on impulse only to feel rotten right afterward, stop. Just by cutting back on small expenses each week you can save a nice bit of money by the end of the year. When we spend cash we tend to – conveniently – forget about it. A coffee here, a magazine there can add up.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you deal with this recession, and what you have done to save money or go green.
Thanks for visiting.
Monika
 | Written on 6/23/2009 by Monika Mundell. Monika is a passionate freelance writer and pro-blogger. Her blog Freelance Writing helps new freelance writers to get started in this exciting industry. If you like to work with Monika, feel free to visit her Portfolio site. | Photo Credit: Serge Melki |
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译文:
经济衰退期五种绿色经济模式
在经济衰退时期，我们探索各种可以省钱的方法。随着我们越来越意识到赚钱难的这个现状，我们可以节省更多的美金。如果你注意每一个细节，你会惊讶的发现每周的预算都会不同。
实施绿色经济的同时，你不仅可以节省自己口袋里的钱,而且也为刺激全球经济做出贡献。下文中的五种绿色经济模式将会提高你的环保意识和金钱意识。
切记,下面的建议只是关于如何保护这个地球的冰山一角。如果我们都能尽自己的绵薄之力，那么地球向绿色世界迈进一步。
- 节约能源
节约能源最简单的方法是购买节能灯泡。在夏季，请关掉空调打开窗户流通空气。如果你需要 使用空调，请把它设置在华氏78度。在冬季把空调调到最低。这里列出了101个其他能节省能源的办法。
- 节约燃料
节约燃料远比你想像的要容易。你可以减少开私家车到处闲逛的次数。如果你住在一个交通便利的城市，你可以考虑乘坐公交车回家。这将帮助你节省汽油和金钱。如果距离不远可以了考虑步行。
其实我有一台小摩托车。这些电动自行车是高效的城市交通工具你也不须考虑把它们停在哪里。再加上他们很划算。我每星期几乎花不上2美元燃料费。此外摩托车也是很有趣的交通工具。
另一种选择是和同事一起拼车上下班。就是几个人共享一辆车这样可以减少尾气排放,又可以降低运输成本。
这是其他减少燃料节约成本的运输方式。
- 节省水资源
水龙头压力器是连接水管的很小的装置。每个价格在0.5美元 到 3美元之间，正常水压下可以控制水流到每分2.0加仑,每分钟可以节省1.5或1加仑水。可以为你节省很多钱。
在洗车时你也可以用水桶而不是用软管。这样可以节省很多水。
这有49种其他节约用水的方法。我保证如果你看完列表你会受益的。
- 理智购物
理智购物可以帮你节省金钱和精力。第一步是列一张逛街购物清单。除非你有一张清单，并坚持按照清单购买物品，你不会买一些不必要的东西,比如零食和”消磨时间“的产品。
不要购买包装华丽的产品。把这些告知制造商，他们会越早停止浪费，至少我们希望如此。
购买有机食品。有机产品可能会更昂贵一些，例如，你不能省钱，但你会为绿色地球做贡献。
使用可重复利用购物袋，告别塑料袋。塑料带需要大约500 到1000多年才能自然降解！停止购买和使用塑料包装产品，取而代之用可重复利用的袋子。
购买二手货，当然这不包括食品，从旧货市场或旧品店买东西可以为你节省很多钱。诚然，并不是所有人都买二手货，这取决于一个成功的销售，现在攒钱、保护绿色地球很流行。其实几周前我举办一场现场旧货出售，7小时内赚了700多美元! ---这一天的工作物有所值!
- 省钱
虽然上述这些方法在某些方面有助于节省金钱，存钱作为重要的手段能决定你的预算。最快的存钱方法就是不花钱。思考一下在你的日常生活有哪些是因为你冲动消费的。
也许是在你情绪低落、紧张有压力的时候你有消费的欲望。意识到这些促使你花钱的潜在动机对于你存钱是很重要的。仅仅为了娱乐而消费是不明智的。事实上,我认为购买东西之前的欲望胜过一切。购买某种东西的欲望要比实际购买它了更有趣。
如果你因冲动而购买东西之后又发觉无趣，那么请停止。只有每周都减少那些不必要的花销，到年末你会节省相当可观的一笔钱。如果我们只因方便而消费，那么打消这个念头吧。一杯咖啡和一本杂志已经足够了。
我很乐于倾听你们是如何应付这种经济衰退的，你们做过哪些既可以省钱又能保护环境的事。
感谢浏览
莫妮卡