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I recently realized that many of the things I do to protect the planet also save me money. I've been doing these things for years, starting in my first year of college.

Back then, I took an environmental science class. It was the first time I heard terms like "zero population growth" and "acid rain." My college boyfriend majored in environmental science, and since we lived together, I also learned more about the need to recycle, reuse, repurpose, compost, and cut down on overall waste. All of this happened in the mid to late '80s. Although my boyfriend and I didn't make it, my desire to find ways to decrease my footprint on the planet did, and with those changes, the money I saved increased. 

I currently have five habits that help the planet and my wallet, with plans to do even more.

One of the most significant savings I realize is buying used cars. Buying used anything means fewer products being manufactured and also less waste. I've saved thousands of dollars by buying vehicles that are five years old (you can save a lot of money buying a car that is just one year old). Also, my husband and I purchase cars that get good gas mileage. 

Although we use public transportation when possible because it is more climate-friendly, we still drive our car approximately 5,000 miles per year (Metromile reports that the average American drives 13,500 miles per year). Our savings on gas over the years has been significant. With gas costing almost $6 per gallon in Southern California, where we live, our savings are over $100 per month or more (savings improve with good upkeep on a car – like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance).

I also buy almost all items (except bedding, underclothes, and shoes) at thrift shops. My dining room table is secondhand, my couch is preowned, my recliners are hand-me-downs, and most of the clothes in my closet had a previous owner. Buying secondhand saves money and is also a way to keep valuable things out of landfills. 

When a pair of jeans can easily cost $100 to $200, looking at fashions on social media and then going to thrift stores to duplicate those fashions can quickly add up to significant savings. Plus, you never know what other treasures you will find, and many people make a side hustle out of selling thrift store finds on Etsy and other marketplaces. 

Some habits I have had for years, like recycling cans and glass and using canvas bags at the grocery store, and all of those actions can save money. 

Before my city had a recycling program, we used to take our cans and bottles to the recycling center and trade them in for cash (you can still do this in some areas). Where I live, the grocery stores charge a fee for bags, so bringing your reusable bags saves money every time we shop. 

The way we eat also impacts the environment and saves us money. I have practiced vegetarianism or pescetarianism (vegetarian + fish) for most of my adult life. I currently eat fish, but I only buy it about once a month from Costco. So, it is fair to say that my grocery bills are significantly impacted by not eating meat and only occasionally eating fish. Even if you give up eating meat a couple days a week, you can save significantly at the grocery store. 

Some quick swaps for beef that will save you the most money are beans and other legumes. We eat a meatloaf substitute made out of lentils instead of meat that costs a couple of dollars to make and provides several days of leftovers. Cutting down on meat cuts down on the greenhouse gasses that are warming our planet. So, it is another double win for the Earth and pocketbook.

Recently I switched from bottled shampoos and conditioners to bars (they look exactly like a bar of soap). There is no plastic bottle that could potentially end up in the ocean or a landfill, and the bar lasts me longer. The bars are cheaper than my old haircare products. 

Not everything environmentally friendly is less expensive, but how many things are is surprising. I'm currently looking into switching from bottled laundry detergent to paper-thin pads and from tubes of toothpaste to pellets. I'm always looking for ways to cut down on packaging, and I never lose sight of the financial benefits of what I consider my doubly-good choices. 

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