# How To Lead A Green Lifestyle Without Breaking The Bank

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/how-to-lead-a-green-lifestyle-without-breaking-the-bank/
- Published: 2021-08-02T22:30:59-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

As environmental concerns mount, many people are looking for ways to try and lead
a more green lifestyle. The truth is that [we could all be making more changes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2019/07/23/77-of-people-want-to-learn-how-to-live-more-sustainably/)
to support the environment and help our planet to heal from the damage we’ve done
to it. However, for many people, the choice between sustainable living and being
[economically](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/06/ukrgasbank-ecobank-becomes-first-ukrainian-bank-to-join-carbon-pricing-leadership-coalition-to-boost-sustainable-and-environmentally-friendly-economic-growth/)
well-off is an unfairly unsustainable one.

Eco-friendly [options](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/eco-friendly-building-materials/)
can often cost more than their more damaging counterparts, leading to situations
where people who want to live green lives can’t do so for fear of poverty. It doesn’t
have to be this way, though. Here’s how you can lead a green lifestyle without breaking
the bank!

### Take advantage of loans

One of the reasons that you might be struggling to make better choices to lead an
environmentally friendly life is that you’re suffering from a bad credit rating.
This is all too common; debts or missed credit card repayments can lead you to have
a low credit score, which can, in turn, stop companies from lending to you and thus
make things even harder.

![Eco friendly options can often cost more than their more damaging counterparts
leading to situations where people who want to live green lives cant do so for fear
of poverty It doesnt have to be this way though Heres how you can lead a green lifestyle
without breaking the bank 
](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2021/08/image.jpg?resize=300%2C142&quality=89&ssl=1 "4 Things You Can Do to Live
Greener Right Now - The Green Living Guy")

You don’t need to suffer, though. There are plenty of companies out there who can
provide you with [bad credit personal loans](https://www.fairfinance.org.uk) to 
get you back on your feet. Once you’re financially solvent once again, you can start
committing your money to living a more [eco-friendly lifestyle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/01/5-amazing-ways-to-lead-an-eco-friendly-life/),
but until that time, don’t be afraid to look into loans!

## Eat less meat

Meat is costly. If you buy high-quality meat, you’re often looking at spending quite
a bit on cuts like chicken breast or beef mince, and doing so can really add up 
over time. One of the best ways to save money when you’re trying to be eco-friendly
is to [cut out](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/12/7-ways-your-food-choices-impact-the-environment/)
meat. A green lifestyle if not entirely. So then at least to the point where you’re
only eating it once or twice a week.

Cutting out meat from your diet to a degree is also great for the environment on
the whole. If we all consumed less meat, then fewer animals would need to be slaughtered,
which would reduce emissions from slaughterhouses and meat factories. Eating less
meat is a win-win for everyone!

### Ditch your car

Sometimes, it’s not possible to ditch your vehicle thanks to job commitments or 
other journeys you need to undertake. However, in a lot of cases, you [don’t actually need to use your car to get around](https://thinksustainabilityblog.com/2018/09/22/a-day-to-ditch-the-car/),
especially if you’re living in a major metropolitan area with lots of public transport
links.

Instead of driving everywhere, you may wish to consider taking public transport,
or – even better – walking or cycling. More and more cities are building cycling
infrastructure now. A green [lifestyle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/going-green-biking-saves-cash/)
that it’s probably possible to get where you need to go by riding your bike. I mean
rather than driving to your destination.

![Instead of driving everywhere you may wish to consider taking public transport
or   even better   walking or cycling More and more cities are building cycling 
infrastructure now meaning that its probably possible to get where you need to go
by riding your bike rather than driving to your destination](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/pexels-photo-276517.jpg?resize=780%2C520&quality=
89&ssl=1 "pexels-photo-276517 - The Green Living Guy")

### Switch to renewable energy

Current estimates suggest that the renewable energy industry will offer significantly
cheaper energy premiums to customers than the fossil fuel industry does. This means
that when you choose green energy alternatives, you aren’t just doing your bit for
the environment; you’re also [saving money](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/saving-money-12-amazing-apps-go-green/)!

Of course, [green energy companies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/boston-company-fastcap-unveils-ultra-capacitor-for-geothermal/)
are still, well, companies, which means it’s important to pick the right premium
for you. These companies will usually offer competitive rates, but you need to shop
around to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible before you commit.

#### Recycle and reuse

Moving recyclable material into the correct recycling bin isn’t necessarily going
to help you live cheaper, but it’s a great way to help the environment. What will
have a huge impact on your finances is trying to find ways to reuse materials and
objects that you were originally going to throw away.

You’d be amazed at just how much stuff you use on a regular basis that [you can find another use for](https://blog.nationwide.com/reuse-things-save-money/)
if you don’t throw it away. Egg cartons, cereal boxes, and even margarine or butter
tubs can all be used as storage or for other purposes, meaning you won’t have to
buy costly single-use plastics.

#### Grow your own fruit and veg

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then one of the best ways to keep your 
costs down is to [grow your own fruit and vegetables](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/12/how-to-setup-the-best-grow-room-for-your-vegetable/).
Of course, this will be dependent entirely on the space that’s available to you 
and the climate you live in, but there’s almost always something you can grow for
much cheaper than you’d buy it in a supermarket or shop.

This won’t be a possibility for everyone, but another great way of keeping the environment
safe and keeping your costs down is to use a compost bin. When you’re done with 
vegetables and fruit, don’t throw away the skins or the stalks; throw them in the
compost bin and use them to help you grow another batch!

##### Be economical with power

Switch everything off when you’re not using it. This might sound obvious, but it’s
actually one of the most effective ways to save money, and while you’re doing it
you’re

also having a positive effect on the environment. Remember – when you leave a room,
always turn the light off.
There’s actually an enduring urban myth that suggests
that turning off a light uses more electricity than simply leaving it on, [but this isn’t true](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-2061307/Can-really-save-money-switching-lights.html).
The energy you [save by turning off a light](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/viper-led-light-savings-for-municipalities-explained/)
is significant, so don’t believe this pernicious lie; switch off your lights whenever
you’re not in a room to enjoy them!

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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