For those with a lower income, cost can often be a deterrent to making decisions that are more environmentally friendly. This is because certain products can come with a heftier price tag, especially when it comes to making investments that can help a home become more energy efficient. That being said, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here are eight simple and cost-effective methods that come with financial benefits as well.
Climate change is seen by most Americans as a substantial hazard. However, the willingness or ability to lead an ecologically friendly lifestyle seems to depend upon the income level. In a recent Deloitte survey, 59% of higher-earning households always or often select sustainable items, versus 44% and 42% of mid- and low-income households, respectively. The statistics were the same in each nation, including the U.S., related James Cascone, partner at Deloitte. Sustainable purchases are generally designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, such as exchanging an appliance for an energy-efficient model or buying an electric car. Low-income consumers were more likely than higher earners to attribute cost as an obstacle to sustainable purchases, says Deloitte. Gregory Keoleian, director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan, noted: "Cost is a major factor." It was pointed out by Deloitte's Cascone that wealthier individuals often have larger carbon footprints, owning larger homes, multiple vehicles and often flying for travel. The regulation of their behavior, however, is within their economic capacity more easily than for others. Sustainable products usually come with a "green premium," i.e. they are usually more expensive than non-eco-friendly products, according to experts.
Despite the potential savings that arise from long-term investments like better insulation or energy-efficient windows, people who live paycheck to paycheck typically cannot shell out the expense, according to Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy and professor at Texas Tech University. To help, a new national rebate program has been implemented, hoping to alleviate the financial pressure associated with these innovations particularly for lower-incoming households. Further, electric vehicle tax credits have been established in order to lessen the overall cost of purchases. Fortunately, efficiency and environmental experts have some easy and mostly no-cost tips for lowering your carbon footprint without breaking the bank, so you may even reap the rewards in saved money.
According to Hayhoe, switching old lightbulbs in your home for LED bulbs is one of the most beneficial actions to take. "It's a no-brainer," Hayhoe noted. LED lighting is the most efficient lighting technology available, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs consume up to 90% less energy and have a lifespan that is up to twenty-five times longer. Moreover, LED bulbs tend to last three to five times longer than compact fluorescent bulbs. With LED lighting, the average household can save between $200 and $250 in energy costs per year, and while the bulbs are initially more expensive, costs have decreased drastically and will likely continue to decrease. Keoleian notes that the financial and environmental benefits of switching to LED lighting make it a good idea to switch now rather than later.
The average American throws away more than 400 pounds of food each year. On average, about 30 to 40 percent of all food is never eaten, according to Keoleian. Reducing this waste can significantly decrease the amount of emissions from the food production process, like the fuel used for tractors or the refrigeration used to transport food. Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of tips to help people reduce the amount of food they throw away. Ideas include meal planning before going grocery shopping and properly storing perishable items. Composting food waste also helps to reduce methane emissions. If you are interested in composting, find more information on the EPA's website.
Even when not in use, many common household appliances still draw power from electrical outlets. These so-called "energy vampires" – such as computers, hair dryers, cable boxes and coffee makers – can significantly add to the average household energy bill, with the Energy Department estimating an additional $100 to $200 a year. To avoid this, unplug these devices when not in use, or plug them into a power strip or wallswitch outlet and switch off the entire system when not needed.
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) reports that approximately half of the energy consumption of the average home pertains to heating and cooling. The CFA suggested that little gaps all around the house count for the same as a 3-foot-by-3-foot window being open, and "simple steps" such as caulking windows and installing draft guards can lead to a potential 20% decrease in heating expenses. As Dr. Hayhoe has experienced in her own home, even attaching a clear plastic film to windows can make a difference in insulation from both the heat and the cold, by creating a pocket of air between you and the outside.
It is important to conserve water as water and wastewater treatments, as well as heating water at home, are all processes with high carbon footprints. One way to reduce water use is to make sure appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines are always running at their full capacity. When washing dishes with by hand, one can be more efficient by opting for two basins rather than having the water running. Additionally, whenever possible, use cold water. It has been estimated that a washing machine uses 90% of its energy to heat water (per the Consumer Federation of America). Rather than using a dryer, hang clothes out when the weather is nice. Moreover, to save even more water, place something like a brick into the toilet tank, which will displace and thus conserve water.
Experts note that reducing the amount of red meat one consumes and increasing plant-based options can not only be healthier and cheaper, but it is also more environmentally friendly. Beef is particularly polluting as it emits seven times more greenhouse gases per kilogram than farm-raised fish, ten times higher than chicken and 230 times more than nuts or root vegetables. Red meat makes up only 10% of the average diet's calories, yet it contributes almost half of the emissions from agricultural production. As an alternative, individuals can still eat meat while also including a diversity of legumes, beans, nuts and lentils in their diets. Keoleian notes, however, that food and diet choices are based on culture, therefore not everyone may enjoy plant-based proteins.
Even those who own gas-consuming vehicles can be more efficient in their use of them. One way to do this is to combine trips, such as picking up groceries after work rather than taking a separate trip to the store. If there is more than one car in the household, it makes sense to pick the most efficient vehicle for each trip; for example, commuting to work in a sedan instead of an SUV or pick-up truck. Alternatives to driving such as public transit, walking, biking, and carpooling should also be considered.
Experts said that by reducing their personal carbon footprints, individuals can have a large impact on how businesses lower their greenhouse gas emissions. Hayhoe suggested that people communicate with their peers about how they managed to save money through eco-friendly living. She then urged people to take action and spread the word. "Do something - anything - and then talk about it," Hayhoe encouraged. "Make the idea contagious."
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