MOGO INC.
Can you actually save money while saving the planet? For a long time, it seemed unlikely. In many cases, shopping on Amazon is still cheaper-at face value-than shopping at local small businesses.
Below, we've listed five ways you can save money while positively-or less negatively-impacting the planet. But naturally, the list goes on (and on, and on).
These fives modes are underscored by really simple logic: invest in things that last, opt for processes which use less energy, and make choices that decrease how far goods have to travel to reach you.
We challenge you to consider other simple changes you can make that will support a healthy planet and a thicc wallet.
When was the last time you bought a plastic water bottle? I bet ya it wasn't recently. And that's a good thing.
There are so many aesthetically pleasing and useful reusable water bottles on the market now that most of us are on board. We don't want our water bottles to wind up in the ocean and make dolphins sad. So we have a glass of wine one evening and buy a $40 Swell bottle online. But you know what, damn it? It's worth it. For the dolphins.
What other disposable, single use items can you ditch in favour of long lasting, good looking products? There's lots. Think cotton pads, tote bags, Q-tips, masks, ziplock bags, cling film, coffee pods, or razors. Yes! There are easy to use alternatives for all of these super common household items.
Wait a minute, we're supposed to be saving money here-and spending $40 on a water bottle or $30 on a safety razor is a lot more than we normally pay for water on the go and smooth gams.
2. Cut Down Your Meat Consumption
We're not here pushing a vegan or vegetarian diet, y'all, so don't get fussy. We're just here with some facts. You wanna save cash and the planet?
Beans, tofu, rice, nuts, and other legumes are often only a fraction of the cost of meat. You get way more nutrient dense calories for way less cash by going vegetarian.
And then there's the environmental impact of meat production. Y'all, it ain't good. Meat and dairy production accounts for around 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, according to the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization.
The change doesn't need to be huge to have an impact. Start with one day a week, and see how you get on.
You'll thank yourself, the planet will thank you, cows will thank you, and your wallet will thank you. That's four entire thank yous.
There are a multitude of hot takes on whether or not buying local is good or actually bad for our environment, economy, and social lives.
Our stance? We're on Team Local.
Why? Here are three really good reasons:
• Our local products travel much smaller distances to reach us, cutting down on carbon emissions produced by transport industries;
• A greater percentage of every dollar spent at a local, small business is recirculated in our own economies; and
• Locally made goods are usually produced by folks receiving higher wages and benefits; these products are also often made to higher standards and are less likely to obsolesce.
Again: invest in high quality products to spend less and create less waste over time. Bonus points for supporting local small business owners.
We're not saying you should buy every product locally. But there are lots of goods that just make sense to source from your own backyard.
A list, straight from the mouth of every Dad with that thermostat spidey sense:
Shut off the lights when you leave a room. Better yet: switch to LED bulbs. Unplug your appliances when they're not in use. Don't run the dishwasher unless it's full. Wash your clothes on a cold cycle. Turn off your TV when you're not watching it. Invest in energy efficient appliances. Replace or repair the weather stripping on your windows and doors to keep out draughts, or switch to double glazed panes. Keep your thermostat low and turn off the heat when you leave the house. Just put on a dang sweater!!
These suggestions are also total gimmes; saving cash and helping the environment is a straightforward operation.
Dare you to go shut off one unnecessary light right now! It's a dare, you have to do it!
Depending on where you live and your level of personal comfort and mobility, it may be necessary for you to own and drive a car everyday. You know what's best for you.
But if you're able to give up your car, or cut down on driving, you'll be shocked at how quickly savings could start to pile up.
Cars are money pits. They depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. And gas prices? Liable to give you an aneurysm every time you fill up.
Yep, you know the drill: trade your car for cycling or public transport and you'll be doing some seriously heavy lifting in the morality department.
In fact, according to the National Observer, Canada's cars are the dirtiest in the world! Woof!
Instead, pick up a sexy lil bike and start whippin' to work. You'll save money. You'll help the planet. And you'll wind up with real sexy calves.
For every dollar you spend using the MogoCard (which is free, btw), we're able to offset one pound of carbon emissions through our work with the REDD+ Amazon Forestry Project.
Because it's a prepaid card, you can't overspend. We give you regular reminders to keep you up to date on your remaining balance, and we also let you know how much you helped the planet when you purchased your locally made sweater and a brick of sustainably sourced tofu.
These simple changes can have a serious impact on your financial health and on our planet. The vibes? They are immaculate. Get your MogoCard and start saving today ~*~
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*Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under licence by Peoples Trust Company. Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company pursuant to licence by Visa Int. and is subject to Terms and Conditions, visit mogo.ca for full details. Your MogoCard balance is not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). MogoCard means the Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card.
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Mogo Inc. published this content on 26 April 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 28 April 2021 07:32:07 UTC.
