8 Ways Going Green Actually Saves You Money
Think eco-friendly living is expensive? Think again. Turns out, saving the planet can save your wallet, too.
From simple home hacks to making smarter daily choices, going green delivers savings that compound over time. These proven strategies do more than shrink your carbon footprint and slash your utility bills. They’ll also help you rediscover the money-saving wisdom our grandparents knew by instinct, proving that the best things for the planet are also the best for your bottom line.
1. Air-Dry Your Clothes
Swap the energy-guzzling dryer for air-drying, and your clothes (and wallet) will thank you. Using drying racks or outdoor lines costs zero dollars to run, unlike dryers that devour hundreds of dollars a year in electricity costs. Plus, air-drying actually extends the lifespan of your clothes and linens by by preventing heat damage and wear and tear.
2. Use LED Bulbs
Another easy way to slash energy bills and help the planet is by switching to LED light bulbs. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means a single $5 LED bulb can save you up to 75 times its cost in electricity over its lifetime. Multiply that across every light socket in your home, and the savings really stack up.
3. Grow Your Own Herbs and Veggies
A small bundle of fresh herbs can cost you $3 (and even more for organic produce) at the grocery store, but invest in a $3 packet of seeds and you’ve got yourself an unlimited supply of herbs to last a lifetime. If you live in an urban area with limited space, even a small windowsill garden can help cut down on grocery costs. Plus, homegrown veggies actually taste like real food and are safer to eat without added pesticides or chemicals.
4. Meal Plan Like a Pro
Impulsive trips to the grocery store and last-minute takeout can quickly add up (not to mention how it creates more waste). Instead, creating a weekly meal plan to reduce food waste can save the average family up to $1,500 a year, according to a study by Rogue Disposal. Consider also cooking batches of freezer-friendly meals that can be easily reheated during the week.
5. Embrace Buying Secondhand
Who says thrifting is just for vintage clothes? Thrift stores and garage sales can be goldmines for barely-used items — and with a bit of patience, you can score quality furniture, tools, and even working electronics for a fraction of the price. Consider also setting up alerts on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to get notified the moment something you’re looking for pops up.
6. Go Low-Flow Without the Low Pressure
Modern low-flow shower heads and faucets can slash your water bill by up to 50% — without the sad drizzle older models were known for. This means a $20 aerator will pay for itself in just a few months while giving your water heater a break. Since heating water makes up about 18% of the average home’s energy use, reducing water flow also means lower energy bills.
Pro tip: Many urban towns and cities also offer free water-saving kits or rebates just for making the switch. This way, you’ll save money and help conserve precious resources (water is life!) while still being able to enjoy a satisfying shower.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can cut HVAC costs by 10–20% by learning your habits and adjusting temperatures automatically when you’re not home. Some even allow you to control the temperature via your phone’s Bluetooth. No more “oops, left the AC on full blast all day” face plants. Some utility companies will even offer rebates to make these upgrades practically free.
8. Drive Slower, Save Fuel
Sure, speeding might shave off a few minutes, but it also burns through fuel way faster. Driving just 5–10 mph slower on the highway can improve your fuel economy by about 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That adds up to hundreds in annual savings — especially with gas prices on the rise. Wondering how else to save at the pump? We’ve got you covered.