on August 20, 2019
No matter your view on cutting one’s carbon footprint, I think we can all agree that the world is a better place when we can all breathe fresh air, drink clean water, and enjoy the great, green outdoors—whether on a hiking trail or the golf course. To put less pressure on the planet, we’re often advised to cut down on activities such as air travel, driving more than necessary, eating meat (which takes more energy to produce than plant-based food products), etc. It also means practicing the old reducing/reusing/recycling mentality.
Of course, those are all worthy endeavors, but what if we think about both our pocketbooks and the earth? The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, you might find that reducing your “financial footprint” often goes hand-in-hand with reducing your carbon footprint. Here are 4 areas in which the two areas collide:
1. Transportation
Buying an energy-efficient car isn’t only great for the planet, it can also save you a bundle in the long run. A hybrid car, like a Prius, averages over 50 miles per gallon, which means fewer of your hard-earned dollars are gobbled up in the gas tank. If you’d rather not buy a hybrid, there are plenty of other fuel-efficient cars out there, such as the Honda Fit, which averages about 40 mpg, or the Chevie Cruze, which averages 48 mpg (on the highway).
Another way to save money and cut gasoline usage is to carpool. Pair up with a co-worker, or share a ride with your significant other (if you both happen to be headed in the same direction). As an added bonus, you’ll have someone to talk to while stuck in rush hour traffic!
2. Housing
Your house takes a massive amount of energy to construct and run, and that energy usage directly correlates with the house’s size. According to a report by Property Shark, personal living space has increased 211 percent in the last 100 years. What is the environmental/financial cost? For one, living in a big house means there is a larger space to heat and cool, which drives up energy usage and gas and electric bills. Not to mention, everything will cost more to maintain—you’ll have a larger roof to replace, more windows to update, and more siding to fix or replace.
Do we really need so much space? Probably not.
With smart designs, we can take full advantage of a smaller space while still feeling like we have room to breathe. Plus, as they say, if you have a bigger house, you’ll end up buying more stuff to fill it! Do you really need single-purpose items, like quesadilla maker or panini maker? Do you really need to purchase a stand-up paddleboard if you’ll only take it out a couple times a year? Please take a look at my Marie Kondo post for a few tips on how to get rid of unnecessary items (or resist from buying them in the first place!).
3. Meals
I hear you, organic food can be expensive! However, plant-based food usually is not. Try having one or two meat-free meals during the week, and you’ll be cutting both costs and carbon emissions. It the idea of swapping out meat sounds intimidating, start small! Make a veggie stir fry with rice, fettuccini alfredo with garlic bread, or a Mediterranean quiche. This is one small change that will have a large impact over time.
4. Clothing
Resisting “fast fashion,” is smart on many levels. For one, it cuts down on the waste created by the fashion industry. Many clothing items are produced with toxic chemicals that are harmful to both the people who live nearby and the environment. Not to mention, it takes a lot of energy to ship all that clothing from Bangladesh or Vietnam.
Instead of opting for the latest trend or buying whatever is on sale, try investing in a few classic pieces that will last for more than a season or two. This will not only help cut down on the waste produced by the fast fashion industry, but will also help your wallet.
Another option? Buy American! Look for local or U.S.-based companies that are using nontoxic textiles and produce quality clothing that is made to last. A few examples are Amour Vert, Patagonia (outdoor wear) or Pact.
The small choices you make not only impact the planet, but also affect your personal finances. It’s all about making smart, intentional choices, whether you’re investing in a new sweater or a new car.