Earth day: Go green and save money

Earth day this year is on Friday April 22. It’s a great opportunity not only to pause and reflect upon the gifts that Mother Earth bestows upon us, but also consider

how what we do in our daily lives can help-or hurt.

The really, really good news? Employing environmentally friendly practices not only helps the environment, it saves you money. Win win! Here are some ideas as to how going green will get you more green.

Bottle it up

Ever grab a bottle of water on the go? That plastic bottle of water can range anywhere from under a dollar to a few dollars. That’s crazy! Not only will these bottles fill up landfills, they are draining your wallet. Get yourself a funky stainless steel or BPA free water bottle and fill it with filtered water at home. You’ll save a bundle.

Turn it up (or down)

How do you like getting those energy bills every month? Simply by turning the thermostat up in the summer and turning it down in the winter a couple of degrees, you’ll be making a difference for the environment and for your budget. Get out a sweater or a fan, depending on the season. You’ll be happy.

Buy local

When shopping for groceries, favouring local growers and producers accomplishes a lot of good things. Firstly, you are supporting the business of the local guy, which is nice.

You’re also helping the environment. Local growers and producers don’t have to transport their products nearly as far, which means less gas and less emissions. Better for the environment.

Also, generally speaking, when it comes to produce, locally grown is of better quality, because it didn’t have to travel across the country to get to your plate and is a lot fresher.