The 10 ways you can SAVE MONEY... AND THE PLANET
THESE GENIUS IDEAS ARE GOOD FOR BOTH THE WALLET AND THE ENVIRONMENT SWITCH OFF GAS
CONSIDER GREEN INVESTING
Want to make sure your hard-earned money is being invested responsibly, aligned with achieving a healthy environment? If you’re paying superannuation, you can make a change today. All you need to do is call up your fund to find out. It’s a good move for many reasons – clean energy is making good returns. The recent UN Climate Change Conference has increased demand for renewable energy worldwide. Companies like Responsible Returns can advise. responsiblereturns.com.au
If you’re running a portable gas heater, it might be an idea to look into installing a reverse-cycle air conditioner instead. According to energy.gov.au, they’re more efficient than a gas heater, making them cheaper to run. Also, consider replacing gas cookers with electric induction cooktops. Induction stoves heat quickly and are nearly three times as efficient as gas stoves.
USE A CAR-SHARING SERVICE – OR A BIKE
Do you need two or more cars within one household? Reconsider your family situation to judge whether you might be able to get by with one less car. Consider the alternative options such as car sharing, public transport and cycling. Think of all the money that will be saved on fuel costs, insurance, rego and repairs. An added bonus of cycling? It reduces your carbon footprint and it’s great for your health.
MAKE CHANGES AROUND THE HOME
Want to save on water bills? Consider the simple option of installing low-flow shower heads. It pays to look into technology that is energy efficient, so you can save long-term on energy bills. Consider installing energy-efficient and renewable-energy fixtures for heating, cooling, and lighting; improved insulation and water efficiency including solar panels and rainwater tanks.
Want to learn more? The government’s Yourhome guide to environmentally
sustainable homes is a good resource to visit. yourhome.gov.au
DISPENSE WITH DISPOSABLES
Do you have well-worn kids’ clothes not good enough to donate to charity? Maybe some old towels with holes, or sports gear that’s seen better days? Put them to good use and instead of using paper towels, make a pile of old rags for cleaning and wiping up spills. Simply rewash and reuse until they are worn out.
STOP UP GAPS
When it’s a bit chilly, it’s so easy to just turn the thermostat up (which of course means higher bills), but it pays to do a thorough check for any hidden draughts within the home. Stop up vents in the walls (often found in older homes) and look for places where draughts come through under doors and windows, and seal with weather strips. It is surprising how much warmer the house will be. Another tip? Pull out the mothballed woollen rugs from the cupboard and place on the couch as a reminder to use.
DON’T BUY NEW
Need a new bookcase or bunk beds for the kids? Before you head to the closest home centre, jump online at Gumtree, ebay or Facebook Marketplace and see what you can get second-hand or even for free in your area. Buying second-hand close to home saves money, miles and means less items in landfill.
SHOP AT FARMERS’ MARKETS
Go local and shop at the closest farmers’ markets for all your produce. It’s a common myth that farmers’ markets are a lot more expensive than supermarkets. Not only is it fresher, the produce can actually be a lot cheaper, especially if you go near closing time and vendors are keen to clear stock instead of taking it back.
RECYCLE PRINT CARTRIDGES
Save empty laser and inkjet cartridges from going into landfill by dropping them off at the closest Officeworks. Cartridges 4 Planet Ark is an innovative recycling program that provides Australians with a free and easy way to recycle their used printer cartridges.
While you’re there, check out the printing services offered on site. Maybe you don’t need to replace that home printer cartridge after all. recyclingnear you.com.au/cartridges
REGIFT
We have all received gifts such as scented candles, mugs, and bath gels, that are lovely but let’s face it, they can easily be regifted. Keep a stash of these ready for days like these. Another greener option? Make a tax-deductible donation in your friend’s name to an eco-friendly charity.