3 ways to live eco-consciously on a budget 🌏

Do you want to be more eco-conscious but feel like your tight budget makes it difficult?

Well, you're in for a big surprise! Being eco-conscious doesn't have to be expensive. Actually, unless you own a yacht, private jet, and mansion, you're already doing a pretty good job!

To continue to reduce your carbon footprint, you can make changes in three key areas of your daily life.

By now, we're all aware that humans everywhere burning fossil fuels is not the best thing for Mother Earth or us. That's why one of the biggest ways you can live eco-consciously on a budget is to use public transportation.

• Were you planning on going for a walk this week as part of your exercise routine? Walk to your closest store for the items you need and take a quick bus ride back.

• If you don't live in a walkable city, consider using a bike. You'll get some exercise, save money, and pollute less than if you would have taken a car round-trip.

Over 85% of the poor-quality, plastic-based clothes we buy ends up in landfills.

To stay eco-friendly while saving some cash:

• Audit your wardrobe. Most people only use 20% of the clothes they own 80% of the time. Keep what sparks joy!

• Buy used. Look for quality basics at thrift shops, yard sales, or swap meets.

From restaurant left-overs going in the trash to misunderstood expiration labels and "ugly" fruits at the store, Americans waste the most food out of any population on the planet. So, what can you do to reduce food waste?

• Take it home. Ask for to-go boxes at restaurants or bring your own reusable containers.

• Read the labels. Learn the difference between "expires by" and "best if used by" labels.

• Odd shapes are ok. Understand that wonky-looking, too big, or too small produce is still ok to eat!

• Buy in-season. Shop for local, seasonal produce.

It's not easy trying to be green while trying to save as much green money as possible!

Remember, though, you can continue to do your part by avoiding driving as much as you can, revisiting your closet or thrifting, and chomping on some not-so-pretty produce once in a while. Your efforts are appreciated!