We’re all trying to find new ways to get more money nowadays, but one uncanny source of extra cash is actually from the environmentally friendly realm. What if we can get on the green bandwagon and live an eco-friendly lifestyle for a little extra money?
Going green in order to save more green or money could actually be a great decision for you and your family. Here are a few tips on how to start:
Going Green For More Green: 5 Eco-Friendly Tips
1. Switch from gas guzzler to hybrid. Did you know that you can get tax rebates of up to $3,000 for switching from gas-powered vehicles to energy-efficient hybrid vehicles? Check this IRS chart to see which vehicles qualify for rebates.
2. Trade in your old cellular phones for cash. CellForCash.com lets you turn in your old phone for, well, cash. While really old models are recycled for free, newer models, especially smartphones, fetch prices of up to more than $100. That’s more than enough the ROI of your phone, especially if you factor in the depreciation due to wear and tear over time. Plus, the amount is enough to get you a new phone.
3. eBay your stuff. We have to face the fact that the regular American home is filled with clutter, even stuff that nobody uses anymore. Rather than beat yourself up for accumulating too much stuff or buying too many things on impulse, why not move forward and just dispose of your stuff via eBay instead? Not only are you clearing up your home of the crazy things you bought in the past, but you can also earn something from your used items.
4. Recycle PET bottles and soda cans. Despite the effects of the recession, a guy in the Bay Area was able to get by on collecting cans, PET bottles, and even newspapers around his neighborhood. In fact, he was able to earn more than the typical worker by doing this sort of thing. And while you may not turn this suggestion into a full-time job, it’s a good idea to collect your household bottles and cans in order to recycle them. In some situations and places, you may actually be able to return you milk bottles for change. As an additional suggestion, save money on groceries using online coupons.
5. Find ways to use green alternatives and get tax rebates in the process. Do you know that by upgrading your insulation, windows, doors, metal roofs, water heating system, and cooling and heating systems in your home in order to make it more energy-efficient, you can receive up to $500 in tax rebates? As long as your new systems and home components meet the Energy Star requirements, you may be eligible for a tax cut. You may also be able to get tax rebates by donating to environmental organizations. Giving green has never been more rewarding.
Living a green lifestyle allows you to save more money, which you can use towards your groceries or to add a little extra to your savings. In order to save more, you can try using cash back credit cards and gas credit cards along with your going-green-for-more-green lifestyle. This ups the ante on frugal living by merging it with a newfound environmentally-friendly lifestyle.