Today on my blog, I welcome Nancy Cullen from www.granolagran.com  to share some eco-friendly tips for those of us who want to do more and live better but are concerned about the costs of changing up their lifestyle.

Below are three simple tips that you can make a difference on a budget. Remember that choosing reusable products may cost more initially but will save you more in the long run.

In this day and age, being environmentally conscious has become a way of life. More and more energy-efficient and eco-friendly products are coming out on the market, making it easier than ever to be a conscientious consumer. However, it seems that many of the green products on the market are often prohibitively expensive. To help you stay green, here is a list of ways to buy eco-friendly without breaking the bank.

Adopt Reusable Products

The next time you head to the store, consider the products you purchase on a regular basis and see if you can find reusable alternatives to disposable products. Cloth napkins can be used to replace paper towels, and stainless steel reusable straws are an excellent option instead of single-use plastic straws. If you are a coffee lover, reusable filters exist for nearly every size coffee pot.

When you are throwing a party or event, consider using durable reusable dishes, such as bamboo plates and bowls, and if you are eating out, consider carrying your silverware with you, rather than opting for the disposable plastic set. If the up front cost for reusable products seems high, look for coupons and discounts to stretch your savings.

Keep in mind that even though you may be spending more for reusable items up front, you will easily make up for it when you no longer have to purchase disposable products over and over again. Not only are you easing the burden on the environment, but you’re also saving money!

Purchase Longer Lasting Products

An excellent way to buy green is to consider the projected service life of the product you are purchasing. Anything that will require replacement contributes to waste in the environment; therefore, purchasing higher-quality products that are made to last will reduce your waste output. What’s more, paying more upfront for a longer-lasting product will help you save money that would otherwise be spent on repairs and replacements for lower quality products.

In addition, you can find products manufactured from materials that are environmentally sustainable, recyclable, or biodegradable. Not only do you save money, but you also minimize your waste footprint. There are a wide range of sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable products available for anything from furniture to household appliances. When you’re shopping for larger, high-quality pieces, try to tack on additional savings besides discounts. For example, you can turn to Rakuten coupons for additional promotions or even cash back on purchases.

Reduce Energy Usage

You can further reduce your carbon footprint by using energy-saving products and appliances. When you use energy-efficient appliances and products, you get the double benefit of reduced energy costs and lowered emissions. Take an inventory of your household energy usage, and find products that can help you to reduce that usage. This can be as simple as changing from incandescent to LED light bulbs, which last longer and use less energy or purchasing energy-efficient windows to insulate your home.

Look into replacing old appliances such as water heaters, refrigerators, and clothes dryers with energy-efficient alternatives. Your local utility company may even offer a rebate depending on the appliance you purchase. Remember, even if you spend more in the beginning, you will save on energy costs, repairs, and replacements. Contact a professional to audit your energy usage to determine which appliances to replace to ensure energy optimization.

Adopting a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. With all of the discounts and rebates available on the market to encourage consumers to go green, you are sure to find a variety of eco-friendly solutions to fit your budget.