In preparation for Earth Day, Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC and Yukon (BBB) is reminding the public that going green to save money doesn't have to be difficult.
Even further, it can result in more savings than you might expect. “Many people assume that going green, or making environmentally friendly decisions, means spending more of your hard earned money,” says Aaron Guillen, media and communications specialist with the BBB.
“Others may avoid green options because of their busy schedules, opting for single-use plastics and takeout containers. However, there are many ways you can make small, inexpensive lifestyle changes to help improve the environment. We suggest taking an inventory of what changes you can implement in your day to day life.” Five Easy and Inexpensive Environmentally Friendly Tips: Change your shopping habits at the grocery store. Did you know meat and fish have seen some of the highest price increases across the country? Eating vegetarian a few nights a week may help reduce food costs. Also, getting serious about meal prep, shopping your pantry, and reducing food waste will help lower grocery bills. Lastly, if your city hasn't already ditched plastic grocery bags, be sure to bring your own reusable grocery bags to reduce your impact on the environment, versus loading your purchases into plastic grocery bags you’ll simply throw away when you get home. Walk, bike, or transit to your destination. You don’t have to purchase an eco-friendly car to do your part to reduce air pollution. Walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation, even part of the time, can have a big impact. In April, the provincial carbon tax added three cents to the price of a litre of gas. Next, the B.C. carbon tax is set to increase even further, adding 26 cents to the cost of a litre of gas by 2030. Turn off and unplug appliances. Everyone knows to turn off lights to save energy, but did you know that many appliances use electricity even when they are turned off? Unplugging appliances when not in use can save on your utility bill. Most appliances don’t need constant power; two that do need to stay plugged in are cable TV boxes and clocks. Small kitchen appliances however, (for example: toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) are easy to unplug when not in use, and it's a good habit to get into. Shop secondhand. Shopping from a thrift store or a consignment shop keeps clothing and accessories out of landfills and reduces pollution. Nowadays second-hand purchasing is not the same as it once was. There are many luxury consignment stores that also offer high quality pieces at a fraction of the price. When you are buying new, try to buy from brands that have documented sustainable practices, such as using high-quality natural fibres and don’t use synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. Unlike their short lifespans in our closets, clothing made from these materials do not decay. Cotton can decompose in a landfill in a handful of weeks, whereas fabrics like polyester take anywhere from 20 to 200 years. Perform an energy audit on your home. An energy evaluation is key to helping you identify options to reduce your energy bill. You may notice a spike in your energy consumption that helps you understand where you may have high energy usage. This is another good reason for hiring a professional with experience to draft proof various parts of your house. Look for the sign of a better business and find an Accredited Business at BBB.org to get the job done right the first time.
