Saving money is good for the environment.
Moving to Cairns has been growing experience. Mostly enlightening, exciting and an adventure and at other times frustrating, hot, and well... frustrating.
Obviously the biggest change is nature gone wild being at your doorstep (also on your veranda and in your roof), however it's made me ponder "In who's backyard are we living in?"
While living in Sydney or any other major city around the world it's easy to feel distant from nature.
Maybe it's why the National Geographic and Discovery Channel have become so popular i.e. in our DNA we are wired for a connection with nature, however until we urbanise Mars, we are still all here together living on earth.
The best things about Cairns is it's proximity to nature, and it's unspoilt, under developed beauty. I'd like to keep it that way so when you come up here we can share the beauty together.
The following are some of my personal favourite tips to save money and the environment; for your hip pocket and your children and their children's future.
Have a reusable bottle water and drink more water (as you drink more water you will eat less and drink less sugary drinks)
Eliminate your plastic bags from your life.
Install a programmable thermostat. Running your hot water full time is expensive on your water heater, set to 1hr before your regular shower time.
Ditch the dryer. Use a clothes horse or clothesline.
Access electronic info instead of paper e.g. newspaper, eBook, electronic statements and digital fax.
Ensure your residence is properly insulated (walls, floors, ceiling, doors and windows) or if you’re in the tropics your residence has high ceilings, shade and good airflow.
Install energy efficient lighting, or even get skylight.
Walk, and cycle more often
Declutter and give your accumulated stuff to charities.
Start a vegetable garden and compost. If space and time is an issue buy at the local growers.
Use biodegradable cleaner “baking soda, vinegar, find ways to make your own shampoos, shaving creams, suntan lotions, face masks, insect repellent etc.
Prepare your shopping list before you shop and shop at either 8am or 5pm to take advantage of the start or end of day discounts.
Buy in bulk essentials, cook more home meals and have a plan for left over foods.
Store your food smart i.e. keep potatoes and onions in dark (separately), biscuits in air tight container.
Buy farmed fish and locally produced meats.
Use coupons when dinning out and have more picnics.
Find a hobby that uses recycled material and make own stuff e.g. gift cards, recycled furniture, decorations, jewellery etc.
Unplug more often and chill out with nature and your spirit
Capture rain water and use it when watering the garden, flush, etc.
Embrace the share economy. Whether it be Share ride, House Swap, Open Shed, Student Edge Books, Go get, Vibewire, Pygg, Clothing Exchange etc.
This post was written by Me, as such they are my personal views and not financial or general advice.
You should always seek independent financial advice when it comes to choices about your personal finances. This is one area of your life where it’s worth paying for it to be done right.
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