There are so many different ways we can both save money and reduce our impact on the planet. By reusing and reducing in our everyday lives, we can help reduce our carbon footprint.

16 Ways to Reduce Your Waste & Save Money

1. Replace Kitchen Roll with Reusable Alternatives
   Replace kitchen roll/paper towels with washable fabric squares. I have made mine out of old pyjamas, and just cut them up no is sewing required. Keep them folded in a little basket under the sink ready to go.
2. Keep Your Reusable Bags Where You Will Remember Them
   I am sure we all have a selection of reusable bags, keep them in obvious places so you don’t forget them. In the car, at work, in your handbag, and if you do forget ask for a box to carry your groceries. Never buy a bag again.
3. Buy Seasonal Foods
   Buying seasonal fruit and vegetables when there is an abundance of produce – the prices are at their lowest. October in the UK means apples, pears, beetroots, broccoli, butternut squashes, carrots, and marrows are all seasonal at the moment.

   

4. Try Alternative Cooking Methods
   Slow cookers and microwaves use much less energy than conventional ovens.
5. Packed Lunches and Reusable Cups
   Save money and plastic pollution by using a reusable water bottle and making a packed lunch every day. Most coffee shops also offer a discount if you bring your own coffee cup. You could save money for a holiday instead of buying your daily coffee!
6. Avoid Buying Air Fresheners
   Don’t buy air fresheners; open a window to air your home. Make your own scented potpourri from cut flowers. Simply hang your cut flowers to dry, once dried rub the stems to release the dried flowers over a bowl, place in pots of your choice and add a few drops of essential oil. Save money on Christmas presents by gifting homemade potpourri.
7. Reuse Bread Bags
   If you buy your bread in plastic bags, use the bags again and again. They make great freezer and fridge bags. No need to buy sandwich bags anymore.
8. Try Meat Free Meals
   Reduce your impact from animal agriculture by eating vegetarian meals, meat costs more. Try meat free mondays.
9. Avoid Single-Use Wraps like Cling Film
   Try using reusable food wraps, or washable plate covers to keep food covered.
10. Make Your Laundry Eco-Friendly
    Save money on your energy bills, wash laundry at 30 degrees using eco soap nuts, and homemade fabric softener. To make the softener mix 10-15 drops of essential oils or laundry perfume with a small capful of white vinegar for each wash.
11. Avoid Tumble Driers
    Line dry your clothes and in colder months use an indoor clothes airer placed in the warmest part of your home. Mine is on the landing upstairs, it’s out of the way and the warmest place. I sometimes use an eco dehumidifier, it is very efficient to run and draws the moisture from the air caused by condensation from wet washing, cooking and showering.
12. Turn Down the Heating and Add Cosy Touches
    Turn your thermostat down by one degree; get all your family in the habit of layering up with jumpers, fluffy socks and slippers. Use cushions, blankets and throws on the sofa, creates a very cosy home. Turn radiators down in the rooms you are not using. Cuddles are warm and free!
13. Keep Your Own Towel for Reuse
    Have your own personal towel colours, this way towels can be used more than once. Saving water, energy, and detergent.
14. Avoid Disposable Face Wipes
    Give up make up removal wipes, use old fashion washable face flannels. These can be colour coded per family member too.
15. Try Reusable Period Products
    Try out a menstrual cup or reusable pads, they initially cost more but it doesn’t take long to recover the costs and start saving.
16. Take Shorter Showers & Save Water
    Save water and energy by turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, by taking shorter showers and less baths. You can also try the BabyDam bath water barrier to reduce the amount of water you need to bathe your baby or young children. Try washing your hair less, swap out shower gels and liquid soap for soap bars.
17. Keep Your Reusable Bags Where You Will Remember Them
    I am sure we all have a selection of reusable bags, keep them in obvious places so you don’t forget them. In the car, at work, in your handbag, and if you do forget ask for a box to carry your groceries. Never buy a bag again.

Want to save money? Check out our amazing BabyDam. By shrinking your bath, this easy-to-fit barrier will help you run baths more quickly, use less water and reduce your heating bills. Save up to 56 litres of water per bath. Imagine what you would save in a year!

If you would like to make a difference, you can follow Rachael on Instagram  Be more like the green grandma!