7 Ways to Save Planet Earth and Save Money At The Same Time

Are you celebrating Earth Day today? Have you given a thought about the big price tag that comes with saving the environment?

While solar panels are now accessible to people, setting up one for your home may cause you to use a portion of your savings or emergency fund. Electric cars and bicycles can also be quite expensive and relatively “unsafe” given the current traffic situation and the poor road systems in the country today.

But if you really have a big heart for planet, you don’t really need to buy these Earth-saving devices for now. With a little sacrifice on your daily habits, you can contribute a lot to saving Mother Nature and your wallet as well.

Here are some tips for you to consider to help save the environment and your hard-earned money at the same time:

1. Stop drinking bottled water. 

The Philippines is the third highest producer of plastic waste found in oceans. It produces 1.88 million metric tons of mismanaged waste per year, according to a 2015 study by the Science Journal. It’s about time we play our part in reducing the plastic “footprint” in our environment.

While it is understandable that local tap water may not be “safe” because of possible contamination from pipe leaks, you can actually do several things to “purify” water at home. One way is by boiling it. Boiling kills the germs that you may get in case it is contaminated. Another way is to purify it using chlorine. You can check out DOH’s health advisory on water sanitation.

Another “bottle”-related tip: When visiting Starbucks or any other coffeeshop, bring your own mug and get some good discount. 

2. Bring your own “eco”-bags and containers to the grocery store or wet market.

Plastic bags are very harmful to marine animals because they are being mistaken for plankton or jellyfish that are parts of their diet. (In addition, please stop the tradition of letting go of your balloons especially during funerals or birthdays. When balloons lose their air, these usually go to the oceans and are likewise being mistaken for food by marine animals).

One major reason there are big floods during rainy season is the big amount of plastic wastes that are irresponsibly thrown by people in the streets, in rivers, and in drainage canals.

The best way for you to save wildlife and the environment is to invest in reusable eco-bags and your old plastic containers. I personally use our old ice cream containers when I buy meat or fish at the grocery store or the market.

The video below which I took when I was buying fish at the Lipa City public market has been our way of contributing to having zero-waste in our environment for several years already. Doing this has some perks also as some vendors would give us discount for not using their plastic bags.

3. Plant your own vegetables (and plant trees too).

There are several reasons why planting is in itself very good for your health. First, it exposes your body ti Vitamin D and it helps you relieve your stress. Second, planting vegetables can save you money.

Your expenses on food and groceries can be reduced since you will buy lesser vegetables or fruits than before. When your body is healthy, you save money from medical checkups and medicines. 

Start a sustainable living lifestyle today by sparing a little time planting vegetables and fruit-bearing trees in your garden or along your streets.

 

4. Recycle and sell old electronics 

You have to think twice before getting rid of your old smartphones or tablets. Not only you are hurting the environment but you are also missing the opportunity to earn some good cash.

There are few local companies that are actually buying old gadgets that they can re-use and recycle. One of them is HMR Envirocycle, Inc., a full service e-waste recycling company based in Calamba City in Laguna.  Their goal is to assure no potentially-polluting electronic equipment is deposited into landfill. Rather, it should be re-used or recycled through fully licensed and accredited channels.  Envirocycle claims to be the only full-service environmental processor of electronic waste in the Philippines.

You may get in touch with HMR Envirocycle via their website or through phonelines (632) 584-4478 / (632) 584-4516.

5. Sell your car. Choose your bike, walk or commute.

Really.

There are just so many cars in our streets that they are the main cause of heavy traffic in the Metro. Anyone can just buy their own with just a measly Php8,000 as initial downpayment. This may sound absurd but so many road accidents these days are caused by cars and vehicles that are fairly new and have just gone out of the car dealer’s shops.

The current transportation system in the country is very poor. It’s a given fact. But getting your own car is not helping it get better. If you can get to work without driving, why not do it?

Walking or biking can give you some exercise, save some cash and help the planet. Moreover, this research from McGill University’s School of Urban Planning suggests that people who walk, bike or commuting to get to work are generally more satisfied with life. Commuting can also be your way to help reduce carbon footprint on your way to work.

If riding a car is really necessary for you, then consider carpooling with your workmates.

Save on gas and toll. Reduce road accidents and carbon emissions.

*Personally, even though I have a car, I always prefer to take the bus whenever I need to go to Metro Manila. The photo below shows the P2P (point-to-point) bus that I rode in from Alabang on my way to Greenbelt in Makati after taking the bus from Lipa City.

 

6. Unplug your device when they are not in use. 

Save on electricity. Turn off the lights and your devices when not in use. Period.

Sorry, there’s more.

If you can purchase a power strip, then you can save more. Plug all your electronic devices into a power strip and turn off the strip before you sleep or when you leave your home.

There are affordable and safe power strips that you can order from Lazada or Shopee.

7. Replace your old light bulbs. 

Did you know that old light bulbs are another source of wasted energy? That’s because they use most of their power to produce heat rather than light.

The most recommended and becoming more popular type of light bulbs today are the LEDs. Light-emitting diodes or LED light bulbs in white light are generally one of today’s most energy-efficient type. Most LEDs use only 20%-25% of the energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents.

Still using the old light bulbs? Replace them soon with LEDs so you can help save the environment and save more money at the same time.

Got more money-saving tips to share on saving the planet? Leave a comment below.

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Rock your way to abundance! Happy Earth Day!

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