5 easy ways to save money and live a more environmentally responsible lifestyle

Global warming' is no longer a myth. The reality is that the consumption of our planet's resources every day and every year that passes feels more and more unsustainable. Finding a balance for everyone is difficult. In Costa Rica there is visible garbage in many places and it is known that many rivers in the cities are polluted. Also every day more and more images are shared of melting glaciers, plastic in the oceans and black air over cities around the world.

In order not to prolong the tragedy, and to shed some light on the problem, here are 5 easy ways to save and have a more environmentally responsible lifestyle. There is no need to become a 'hippie' and live with candles and no showers. Extremes are never good. In fact, there are practical ways that we mention here. In fact, there are also many economic benefits that each individual can have while taking care of the environment.

1. Lighting: invest in 'green' light bulbs and appliances, open windows and use sunlight. 

20% of the electricity produced in the world is used for lighting, and of this percentage, some statistics indicate that 70% is wasted due to careless habits or simply because of the use of old technology. Nowadays there are new technologies that allow saving light and saving money.

It is as simple as replacing old 'incandescent' bulbs with new 'fluorescent' bulbs. The latter have a life of 10,000 to 12,000 hours while incandescent bulbs have a life of only 1,000 hours. We encourage you to change all the light bulbs in your lamps, ceilings and all your rooms, you will save 80% of your electricity costs and you will help the environment!

Additionally, if you want to invest a little more, you can set your home with a 'smart' electricity system. The new Canal apartments have as an extra the option that all the lights in all the rooms are controlled from your cell phone. They can be pre-programmed to turn on and off and you can save electricity.

We also recommend investing in 'energy efficient' appliances. This new technology must be taken advantage of. Nowadays there are stoves, heaters, ovens, and all kinds of household appliances with the certificate and the option of being highly energy efficient. They produce the same amount of heat or light and consume less energy. The appliance packages we offer when it comes to equipping your apartment mostly run on brands that work this way.

Finally, take advantage of natural lighting. Our windows are designed for it. The benefits of having direct sunlight in your home are many. Opening your curtains to let natural light into your study or work spaces is a very simple recommendation and an easy habit to start. Forget the desk lamp, open your window, open your curtains and let the sun shine in. Another thing you can do to take advantage of natural light is to paint the walls in light colors. This will reflect the light and create an environment where you can concentrate and relax.

2. Disconnect when not in use

If you are not using the microwave and the cord is within reach, unplug it. All electronics plugged into the wall have a 'standby' consumption that you can save as easily as unplugging it when you're not using it. Even your cell phone, television, computer and other cables that you leave attached to the plug during the day should be unplugged. It's an action that takes less than ten seconds that can help you save money and energy for the planet. A recent study estimated that 5% of a household's total consumption is from appliances on standby that are not used during the day.

3. Bike, bus or walk

Public transportation is a healthy option for your body, for your pocket and for the environment. The carbon dioxide emissions emitted by transportation, including cars, motorcycles and the buses themselves, are increasing every day. Costa Rica, like many countries, imports gasoline and that has an impact on the economy. Not only this but also the impact on our health and that of the rest of the population is directly affected.

Biking to work or to the supermarket, even walking or using public transportation is a great option. You will move your body, save gas costs, parking time and traffic time, and contribute to minimize one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. Nowadays there are applications like Moovit that make it easy to move by bus in any country. Consider this option and forget about taking your car out so many times a day.

4. Water

One of the most abundant, yet most wasted resources in the world is water. It is important to avoid and check that there are no leaks or leaks in the pipes of the house or garden. Nowadays it is possible to install toilets and showers that use less water. Taking short showers is another option. At the end of the month, your water bill will be less and you will have done your part.

5. The food

An easy way to save and create 'awareness' is to stop and analyze if you really need that product. Next time you go to the supermarket, think about what basic need you are fulfilling by buying that product and what superficial need is extra. Buy foods that you know you will always cook and eat. If you know it will end up being thrown away, don't buy it. You are wasting money, time and the food itself!

Grow your own vegetables. All you need is a small space to put pots, seeds, commitment to water and care for them, and sunlight. You can grow your own tomatoes, beans, rice, corn, avocado, squash, lettuce, chili peppers, peppers, among others. It is simple and it is a relaxing and even therapeutic activity. Harvesting your own food is a source of pride. You will have saved and you will be providing health to your family and the planet. In the Canal community we hope to soon inaugurate the communal garden and create spaces for all the condominiums to harvest their own vegetables.

Saving money, time and wasted energy for the planet is easy! Here are just a few ways to do it and we invite you to give it a try. By changing small habits, you will be able to make a difference in this world and also take care of your finances.

Sources :

-https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/arteseideas/8-consejos-para-ahorrar-y-cuidar-el-medio-ambiente-20160727-0015.html