As the holidays come to an end, many of us reflect on our resolutions. Good news: some popular goals—like eating better, saving money, and getting organized—also help the environment. Here are some simple, low-cost choices to make a positive impact.
Saving Money on Bills
Want to cut costs? Start at home. Many electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. Unplug devices you aren’t using, like chargers or gaming consoles. Using a power strip with a switch can help you save on phantom energy.
Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees when you’re away can also lower your bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, changing your settings by 7-10 degrees for eight hours can save up to 10% annually on your heating and cooling costs.
Washing clothes on a cold cycle and air-drying them can further reduce costs. Heating water is the biggest energy drain in laundry, and dryers are major energy hogs. Matthew Gonzales, vice chairman of the National Hispanic Energy Council, emphasizes these easy swaps: switch to LED bulbs, seal drafty windows, and replace dirty air filters for better efficiency. “Using natural light and turning off unused lights can also help,” he suggests.
These small changes can lead to significant savings, especially in areas with high energy prices. Gonzales reminds us, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough.”
Eating Healthier and Wasting Less
Reducing food waste benefits your wallet and the planet. The average American wastes about $728 on food each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 42 coal-fired power plants.
Using what you have in your pantry before shopping can help. Cookbook author Anne-Marie Bonneau suggests, “If you’ve got an onion and some random vegetables, you can make soup.” Preserving food can also limit waste—fermenting vegetables is easier than it seems. For example, sauerkraut only requires cabbage, salt, and a jar.
Cooking in a multicooker can save time and energy, too. Eating fewer ultra-processed foods helps improve health and reduces plastic waste. “Fewer processed foods mean less packaging and a healthier diet,” Bonneau explains.
Decluttering and Buying Less
Getting organized doesn’t mean buying new storage. Often, it starts with using what you already own. Spending just an hour organizing can help you discover forgotten items, reducing impulse buys. Katrina Caspelich from Remake suggests a “one-in, one-out” rule. This way, every new thing you buy replaces an old one, keeping clutter at bay.
Unsubscribing from promotional emails can also reduce impulse purchases. Waiting 24 hours before buying often turns needs into “wants.” For a bigger reset, try a no-buy challenge for 30 or 90 days, focusing on reusing and repairing instead.
According to Remake, participating in a 90-day no-new-clothes challenge can save around $300 and prevent significant waste—about 9 kilograms (20 pounds) of clothing ending up in landfills. In 2018 alone, Americans generated about 17 million tons of textile waste, much of it clothing.
Feel overwhelmed? Remember, you don’t need to do everything perfectly. Start with one habit that feels doable. Small changes can lead to big benefits for your budget and the environment.
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from various private foundations. For more on their standards and funding sources, visit AP.org.
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