Practical Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Save Money

The Secret Cost Saving Benefits of Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

Cash and eco-friendly woman split image

In a world facing increasingly serious environmental concerns, each of us has a role to play in reducing our carbon footprint.

However, did you know that many steps to become more eco-friendly can also save you money?

Here are some practical ways you can contribute to the health of our planet while keeping more green in your wallet.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Washing Machine Adobe

Energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs can significantly reduce your home's energy consumption.

Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also saves you money on utility bills.

Look for Energy Star certified products that are designed to use up to 25% less energy than standard models.

Unplug Electronics

Toaster Adobe

Devices consume power even when they're turned off, known as "phantom power".

This is true for your television, computer, and even small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and kettles.

To combat this, unplug your electronics and small appliances when not in use, or invest in a power strip with an on/off switch.

This simple habit can help reduce electricity usage and lower your utility bills.

Mind Your Commute

Bus Adobe

Choose biking, walking, or public transportation over driving whenever possible.

If driving is necessary, consider investing in a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric vehicle. Carpooling is another great way to reduce CO2 emissions.

These methods not only decrease your carbon footprint but also save you money on fuel and car maintenance.

Go Local and Seasonal

Shop Local Adobe

Choosing to buy local and in-season products supports local agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

Often, these items are also fresher and cheaper.

Rethink Your Diet

Plant Based Diet Adobe

Cutting back on your meat and dairy intake, especially from factory farms, can drastically reduce your carbon footprint.

Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet.

When you do consume meat, opt for locally sourced, sustainably raised options.

Not only is this better for the planet, but it's often cheaper too.

Lean on Laundry Efficiencies

Clothes Line Adobe

Opting to wash your clothes in cold water can save up to 90% of the energy used per load when compared to hot water.

Additionally, air-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer extends the life of your clothing and reduces energy consumption, helping you save money on your energy bill and clothing costs.

Reusables to the Rescue

Reusable Lunch Adobe

Investing in reusable products like lunch containers, water bottles, shopping bags, and rechargeable batteries significantly reduces the waste produced from single-use items.

Though these products might cost a bit more upfront, they save money in the long run by eliminating the need for continuous purchases.

Waste Not, Want Not

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Adobe

Following the mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" isn't just eco-friendly—it's budget-friendly too.

Buy used or repurposed items, compost organic waste, and recycle as much as possible.

These habits save you money and help reduce the resources needed for new production and waste management.

Reducing your carbon footprint isn't an insurmountable task.

By implementing these simple, practical steps, you can foster a more sustainable lifestyle and save money simultaneously.

So, why not start making these changes today? Both your wallet and Mother Earth will thank you.

GUIDE

I put a $12k purchase on my credit card, and my brother says it’ll be reported to the IRS. My dad says only cash purchases are reported. Who’s right?

Will a $12,000 credit card purchase be reported to the IRS? Learn the truth about the $10,000 reporting rule, cash vs. credit transactions, and when large purchases actually raise tax concerns.

February 12, 2026 Allison Robertson

SMART SAVING

I prepaid for my dad's funeral. I just learned funeral home went out of business. He passed, and now I need to start all over. Can I get that money back?

When a family prepays for a funeral, it’s usually done with a sense of relief as a gesture of one major burden being lifted. But that relief can turn into panic when the funeral home suddenly shuts its doors, and leaves families wondering what became of the money they trusted someone else to safeguard. This situation is more common than people assume, and the first instinct is often fear that the money is simply gone. Yet the reality is more hopeful: most prepaid funeral funds are legally protected through state-mandated trusts or insurance, though risks of mismanagement persist as seen in recent fraud cases, and families often have multiple paths to recover what they put aside, as long as they understand who still has authority over it.

February 12, 2026 Miles Brucker

THE WORLD OF WEALTH

Don't ask a bank teller for $50 bills, but don't worry, there's actually a reason banks avoid that specific bill.

Unlike other denominations, the $50 bill sits at an uncomfortable crossroads between daily spending and large transactions. Over time, technology, security concerns, and consumer behavior quietly pushed it out of favor across the modern American economy.

February 12, 2026 Marlon Wright

SMART SPENDING

I hired a contractor to remodel my kitchen. He left halfway through, then he sued me for “breach of contract.” How do I fight this?

You're standing in your half-finished kitchen, surrounded by exposed drywall, disconnected plumbing, and cabinet doors leaning against walls. Your contractor stopped showing up two weeks ago, won't return calls, and now you've received legal papers claiming you breached the contract.

February 12, 2026 Marlon Wright

SMART SPENDING

I always know what I'm buying, and I was heavily overcharged at checkout. The cashier said it was because “exchange rates changed.” Is that legal?

Many shoppers have faced a frustrating surprise at checkout when the final price suddenly rises due to so-called exchange rate changes. A product advertised at one price quietly becomes more expensive at the final checkout stage. For consumers, this raises immediate questions about rights, fairness, and legality. Is a business allowed to change prices at the last moment? Should customers be warned more clearly? And does consent actually exist when the change appears after a buying decision feels complete? Exchange rates do fluctuate, yet responsibility does not disappear with volatility. This issue sits at the intersection of consumer protection and trust. Understanding how pricing shifts occur helps buyers judge whether the practice reflects reasonable business reality or crosses into unfair treatment.

February 12, 2026 Miles Brucker

Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk speaks with Lt. Gen. Richard Clark

CAREERS

America’s One Percent Prefer To Live In These US States, According To Data

While billionaires appear in dozens of states, the vast majority of extreme wealth funnels into a surprisingly small number of places. In 2025, residents of 38 states and Washington, DC made the Forbes 400 list, but more than half of the total $6.6 trillion represented lives in just a handful of states. Ranked from tenth to first, these are the states that America’s one percent clearly prefers—along with the single richest resident anchoring each one.

February 12, 2026 J. Clarke

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.

It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.

Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money

The Secret Cost Saving Benefits of Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Unplug Electronics

Mind Your Commute

Go Local and Seasonal

Rethink Your Diet

Lean on Laundry Efficiencies

Reusables to the Rescue

Waste Not, Want Not

READ MORE

I put a $12k purchase on my credit card, and my brother says it’ll be reported to the IRS. My dad says only cash purchases are reported. Who’s right?

I prepaid for my dad's funeral. I just learned funeral home went out of business. He passed, and now I need to start all over. Can I get that money back?

Don't ask a bank teller for $50 bills, but don't worry, there's actually a reason banks avoid that specific bill.

I hired a contractor to remodel my kitchen. He left halfway through, then he sued me for “breach of contract.” How do I fight this?

I always know what I'm buying, and I was heavily overcharged at checkout. The cashier said it was because “exchange rates changed.” Is that legal?

America’s One Percent Prefer To Live In These US States, According To Data

5 Free Online Education Platforms

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money

The Secret Cost Saving Benefits of Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Unplug Electronics

Mind Your Commute

Go Local and Seasonal

Rethink Your Diet

Lean on Laundry Efficiencies

Reusables to the Rescue

Waste Not, Want Not

READ MORE

I put a $12k purchase on my credit card, and my brother says it’ll be reported to the IRS. My dad says only cash purchases are reported. Who’s right?

I prepaid for my dad's funeral. I just learned funeral home went out of business. He passed, and now I need to start all over. Can I get that money back?

Don't ask a bank teller for $50 bills, but don't worry, there's actually a reason banks avoid that specific bill.

I hired a contractor to remodel my kitchen. He left halfway through, then he sued me for “breach of contract.” How do I fight this?

I always know what I'm buying, and I was heavily overcharged at checkout. The cashier said it was because “exchange rates changed.” Is that legal?

America’s One Percent Prefer To Live In These US States, According To Data

Want to read more?