10 Ways to Help Your Wallet & the Environment

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We are officially 3 days away from Thanksgiving, and I know that your wallet can be hurting this time of year. You're cooking tons of food, buying all the gifts, and going out to celebrate with friends more often this month than any other. Here are 10 ways you can help the environment and also keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

ONE | At home, use a reusable K-cup pod instead of the individual plastic ones. Not only will you reduce your plastic use, but you will also save money from buying bulk coffee and making your morning cup at home. When out and about, carry around a reusable coffee cup or water bottle (S'well is great for hot and cold drinks). Most coffee shops will give you a discount for bringing your own cup to the store.

TWO | Use cold water and turn off the water when brushing your teeth! This goes for all year round, but especially at this time of year when you should be brushing extra to make up for all the sweet treats. When I was little, there was an episode of Barney that I watched with a song all about why you shouldn't leave the water on while you brush. I haven't forgotten it since and for your viewing pleasure, I'll link it here.

THREE | Hang your clothes to dry instead of drying them in the dryer. This will save lots of energy (and money) and will also limit wear and tear on delicate items, so they last longer. You can always toss your clothes into the dryer for a short cold-air cycle for a few minutes if they feel stiff after air drying. Also, use cold water to wash most, if not all, of your clothes.

FOUR | Go through your closet regularly to assess what clothes you have and donate anything you don't want. Being able to see what exactly you have in your closet and keeping only what you want to wear will prevent extra spending on clothes.

FIVE | Along with carrying a travel coffee cup or water bottle, also keep a reusable straw on hand when traveling. At restaurants, ask to get drinks without the straw and use your own. You can do the same thing for utensils by carrying a fork, spoon and knife on you wrapped in a cloth napkin. This tip is better for reducing your plastic waste than your spending, but there are whispers here and there about some stores also taking discounts for bringing your own straws/utensils.

SIX | At least once a week, try to eat meat-free for the day. Studies show that even cutting back on meat one day a week is significant for our environmental impact. This is surprisingly easy to do! You can continue to use animal products (such as eggs and milk) that day, or challenge yourself further by going vegan one day a week. Save money by cutting back on how much meat you purchase, and you might discover some new favorite dishes made with staples already in your pantry. 

SEVEN | I know that this tip is not going to be for everyone, but, if you can, consider using a menstrual cup during your period instead of using traditional feminine hygiene products. This reusable tool will save you lots of money, and though I haven't tried it myself, I have heard tons of positive reviews from friends about how effective menstrual cups are!

EIGHT | Bring your own shopping bags with you to the store! Whether it be grocery shopping or going out to the mall, carry a reusable canvas tote bag that you can stash purchases in, and don't use the plastic shopping bags they would otherwise give you at the store. Lots of stores now are charging for you to use disposable shopping bags so this will save you a little bit here and there that can add up. This is also a fun opportunity to showcase your style or a cause you support on your bag!

 NINE | Easy beauty products like exfoliators, lip balms, and face washes can be made using products you already have at home! Not only does this save you money since you don't have to purchase expensive products at a Sephora or even a drugstore (we all know sometimes even the drugstore is pricey!), but it also allows you to see what exactly is going into your beauty products! You can make the products as clean as can be, and customize them to your liking with scent and color.

TEN | Move to digital storage of files and track your life on the computer. I have bought many a planner that goes to waste when I only write in a few pages a year. I have also been the culprit of printing 30-page articles in my room when I had assigned readings for school. Don't be like college me! Get yourself on Google Calendar or iCal and keep track of your events and to-do lists on your computer and phone. Also, try to read documents online instead of printing them out. If you must print, follow my tip -- eliminate the pages you print by printing either 2 or 4 sheets per page, and printing double-sided! I mind the small text much less than I mind the huge environmental impact of printing so much paper.