Go Green = Save Money- Tip 3
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 30-01-2009
Source Reduction, one of the best ways to Go Green & Save Money simultaneously.
Source Reduction= Not Buying the item.
Source reduction is the “method of reducing the amount of unnecessary material brought into a building. Examples include purchasing products with less packaging and sustainable design.” (USGBC)
You can utilize Source Reduction for anything you consider purchasing.
Example 1- How many Starbucks junkies are there? Many people get their fix from Starbucks daily, spending anywhere from $3-7/day, for their special drink. Stop going to Starbucks, or at least lessen your visits, you can save anywhere from $500 to $2,500 a year! Other bi-products of this action are: reducing your Carbon Footprint (reducing Global Warming), create less trash and leave those un-needed calories back at the coffee shop.
Example 2- Many people purchase 24 packs of water from the grocery store, let’s say once a month at $6.00/case. Buying this item is an expense to you, creates waste (packaging + empty bottles) and increases your carbon footprint.
You do not NEED water bottles, you can fill up a glass of water from your sink. Water from your sink is safe and drinkable.
If you did not purchase this item you would save money, reduce waste (because you will not have any) and reduce your carbon footprint. You can save $72/year if you stop purchasing water bottles.
Think of how much you can save by not purchasing items you don’t NEED.
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