Ten ways to live more sustainably AND more affordably

In these days when affordability is so top-of-mind, there’s a common perception that living sustainably involves additional costs.  That perception causes many of us to bump sustainability down our priority list.

But here’s some good news: many sustainability actions you can take will save you money and make life more affordable.  Here are just a few:

1. Skip bottled water, when you can get (usually better quality) tap water essentially for free.  Huge plastic savings too, as many water bottles never get recycled anyway.
2. Brew your own coffee at a fraction of the cost of a purchased double-double, and avoid the disposable cup, lid, sugar packet, creamer, tray and stir stick; skip the drive through for fuel savings too.

Side note: if you’re tempted to scoff that saving on a coffee or bottle of water won’t amount to anything, consider this: if you save a modest $25 per week and instead invest it at five per cent interest, you’ll have $16,800 after 10 years and $44,525 after 20 years, thanks to the phenomenon called compound interest.  (Beware: it also applies to unpaid credit card bills!)

3. Turn off lights and anything else that doesn’t need to be on
4. Take fewer and shorter showers for significant savings, as hot water represents 20 per cent of a typical power bill.
5. Wash your clothes in cold water, and, even better, use a clothesline to dry them.
6. For bigger savings, turn down your heat two degrees and dress appropriately indoors (IE shorts in winter aren’t a great idea!). Heat represents 60 per cent of a typical power bill, so the savings potential is significant.  Many more tips here.

Side note: in New Brunswick, every kilowatt-hour of power you save will reduce your power bill by about 16 cents plus HST, and prevent about 300 grams of emissions.  Here’s a handy calculator to predict the energy consumption of your home’s appliances, lights and other electrical devices.

7. When driving, save on fuel by accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, avoiding high speeds and not ever idling; more simple tips here.
8. Choose an electric vehicle the next time you’re car shopping, to save 75 percent or more; here’s a handy fuel savings calculator.

Side note: intimidated by the cost of EVs?  Don’t be – fuel savings more than offset higher up front (or monthly payment) costs; and there are now many used EVs available at very affordable prices.

9. Buy raw ingredients at the grocery store rather than heavily processed and packaged food, for savings and far less packaging trash. Side benefits: more nutritious meals, becoming a better cook!
10. Avoid Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, Doordash and other similar services because their delivery is typically carbon-heavy and the food usually includes a lot of trash-bound packaging.

There are so many more ways to save money and live more sustainably! Do you have a suggestion? Why not hit reply and share it? Happy sustainable, affordable living!