5 spending trends to help save the environment

1. Drink from reusable water bottles.

It might seem overwhelming to get rid of all single-use packaging in your daily life, but replacing plastic water bottles is easy. Not only are reusable water bottles more environmentally friendly than disposable ones, but they can also save you money in the long run.

What’s in it for you?
Depending on how much you use them, reusable water bottles can save you as much as $800 a year.

Your impact
According to the group Beyond Plastics, “The total energy required for bottled water production is as much as 2,000 times the energy needed to produce tap water.” But you can reduce your use of bottled water to reduce your negative impact on the climate.

What do you need to do?
Purchase a new reusable water bottle or two. It can be helpful to have a few different sizes. You can find decent plastic reusable water bottles for under $20, although premium stainless steel ones may run you more than $50. You can even buy reusable bottles that benefit environmental groups like the ones from the 4ocean organization.

2. Use energy-efficient household items.

Investing in energy-efficient household items like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and even TVs can reduce your utility bills and your carbon footprint. And don’t forget LED light bulbs, which use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs — and they last much longer too.

What’s in it for you?
Energy Star rated appliances can save you from 10% to 50% on energy costs, and your household can save about $225 a year by switching to LED lightbulbs. It might also be possible to get tax credits.

Your impact
According to the EPA, “Using energy more efficiently is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and meet growing energy demand.”

What do you need to do?
Start by replacing your old light bulbs with LEDs — that’s a quick, relatively low-cost switch you can feel great about. Then keep an eye on your appliances, and when they start to show their age, shop around for Energy Star rated replacements.

3. Do some thrift store or “good as new” clothes shopping.

Secondhand clothing has many virtues, including being relatively inexpensive and much easier on the environment than fast fashion.

What’s in it for you?
You’ll save money (per item, at least) while stocking your closet with great new outfits.

Your impact
In the fashion industry alone, what equates to a garbage truck full of clothes is “burnt or buried in landfills” every second. Cutting back on buying new items helps slow this cycle and plays into a more sustainable model advocates call circular fashion.

What do you need to do?
There are lots of shopping options both in person at thrift stores or online via sites like thredUP or Tradesy. Even popular brands like lululemon and Patagonia take back their clothes, refurbish and sell them at a deeply discounted rate.

4. Take public transportation.

Less cars on the road means less carbon emissions — at least until electric vehicles are more prolific. Public transportation can be a better option all around.

What’s in it for you?
You personally could save more than $9,000 a year, take in some incredible scenery and maybe even make a new friend or two.

Your impact
Estimates for the U.S. show that taking public transportation can save 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.

What do you need to do?
Search online or use the transportation agency’s app to find your nearest bus stops and train stations. Then, buy a pass or two (usually the more trips you buy, the greater the discount), and start planning how to take advantage of the time when you don’t have to pay attention to the road.

5. Trade in your old technology.

You can avoid contributing to electronic waste by safely trading in your old devices when they’re worn out.

What’s in it for you?
Many device manufacturers and carriers have trade-in programs that benefit both you and the environment. You get a credit toward a new device, and the old phone is removed from the waste stream with a process that can be seamless for you.

Your impact
You’ll directly contribute to the recovery of essential metals like copper, silver, gold and palladium.

What do you need to do?
Shop around for the highest value you can get online for your used devices. If not your main carrier or original manufacturer, consider using a marketplace such as Decluttr or Gazelle. For extra assurance, look out for the Better Business Bureau accreditation logo before you trade. BBB accreditation means businesses have been vetted for integrity and ethics.

A big part of saving money and reducing your environmental footprint is making small changes to your everyday habits. Every bit counts when it comes to caring for our planet.

By taking charge and making an effort to seek out new, more environmentally friendly ways of doing things, you can help build a cleaner and greener future for all.

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