4 Tips for Adapting Sustainable Living
You hear it every day: everything is expensive right now. Food, housing, gas, energy – it’s all on the rise with no end in sight.
Many people are turning to more sustainable practices at home to cut costs and reduce their dependency on these expensive commodities. Here are a few things you can try if you want to save money by living sustainably.
1. Grow Your Own Food
As food prices continue to rise, more people are growing food at home. Growing your food can look different for everyone. From full gardens to small vegetable patches to home-raised chickens, any amount can help reduce your grocery bill. Vegetables and produce can flourish in many types of containers, including space-saving verticle gardens, which are great for urban environments.
It may sound intimidating at first, but you’d be surprised how easy raising birds can be with the right poultry equipment. Poultry is a great grow-at-home option, especially given the price of eggs. Chicken and quail are two of the most popular species since both can be used for eggs and meat.
Quail produce more eggs and need less maintenance and space than chickens, but chickens usually yield bigger eggs and more meat.
2. Turn to Renewable Energy Sources
Using renewable energy like solar power is a great way to reduce – and even eliminate – your energy bills. Solar power systems can generate energy and, when paired with a solar battery, you can even store it for later so you’ll still have reliable energy on rainy or cloudy days. They can also be combined with traditional power, so you don’t have to pick one.
Solar power systems require an initial investment to cover the upfront costs, but many areas offer government subsidies and tax incentives to help you get started. In addition, if you don’t use all the power your system generates, many electric companies are willing to buy the excess.
3. Use Public Transportation
Public transportation can be a great way to get around, especially in urban areas. It’s often cheaper than the combined expense of a car payment, insurance, gas, and parking – and it’s better for the environment. Public transit is also often more convenient for getting around in cities and can be good over long distances where train or bus routes are available.
However, public transport isn’t available, convenient, or accessible in all areas. Carpooling can be a good alternative in places lacking public transit.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Secondhand
Today’s resale shops aren’t like the stereotypical thrift store. They’re quite picky about what clothing they’ll accept and resell. That often means you get to shop a curated selection of nice-looking, well-kept clothing.
You can often find big brand names or even luxury items at a steal, especially if you visit a store near a high-income area. Shopping secondhand is also great for the environment.
Final Thoughts
As the cost of living rises, more people are looking for alternatives to save money. Making sustainable choices can be great for your wallet – and the environment!
