Have you ever wondered why so many people are going green these days?  The motivation behind recycling, buying eco-friendly products and cutting down on waste is the desire to protect the environment, but it can also save you money and help you live a better life.
There are absolutely loads of financial benefits to adopting a greener lifestyle. As well as helping you save money on a day-to-day basis, eco-friendly living helps people with debt problems or poor money management skills to cut down on spending in the long term.
Here’s how to save money the green way, by:
Saving energy and water
It’s simple; cutting down on your household’s energy consumption will save you money on bills. Quick green tips include fitting energy-saving lightbulbs, getting your house insulated properly and turning all electronics and lights off when not in use Рrather than leaving them on standby.
Changing your buying habits
Instead of buying everything new, why not take a little more time to find cheaper, second-hand versions or give a new home to someone else’s unwanted stuff? Websites such as Freecycle can help you find items in your area. Doing this will save you money as well as promoting the green practices of recycling and reuse. If you’re in need of new clothes, it might be worth taking a trip to a nice local area and perusing the charity shops there. These often have some second-hand designer clothes, which have hardly been worn, available at bargain prices.
Planning ahead with food and drink
Try preparing your own meals instead of relying on ready meals and dining out. Buying fresh ingredients from local markets and green grocers is often cheaper than pre-packed produce or shopping at major supermarkets, and you’ll be supporting local farmers and communities.  The food will usually have travelled much less than shopping at the supermarket, so it’s good for the environment too.
Taking public transport
Public transport is greener than driving a car, but it’s also much cheaper compared to the costs of keeping a vehicle. If you’re worried about convenience, make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of cheaper ticket prices for booking in advance. There’s also the cheapest form of transport at your disposal for all shorter journeys – walking! Not only will you get fitter and burn off extra calories, but it’s absolutely free.
