At a Glance
- Cut energy bills with simple tweaks
- Reduce food waste and lower carbon footprints
- Declutter to save money, water, and emissions
- Why it matters: Everyday habits can trim household expenses while easing climate impact
After the holiday rush, many people look for ways to ease their wallets and the planet. Simple adjustments to how we use energy, eat, and shop can cut costs and lower emissions-without major effort.
Save Money on Bills
Unplugging electronics, adjusting thermostats, and washing clothes in cold water can slash energy use. The Department of Energy says a 7-10°F thermostat shift for eight hours a day saves up to 10% a year on heating and cooling. Matthew Gonzales, vice chairman of the National Hispanic Energy Council, said:
> “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough.”
- Unplug chargers and entertainment systems
- Use power strips with on/off switches
- Adjust thermostat when away
- Wash clothes cold, air dry
- Switch to LED bulbs, seal drafts, replace filters
Eat Healthier, Waste Less
Food waste costs U.S. consumers $728 a year and equals the emissions of 42 coal plants. Using pantry staples before shopping, preserving foods, and cooking with a multicooker can cut waste and energy. Anne-Marie Bonneau, cookbook author, said:
> “If you have fat and an onion and a couple of random vegetables – or even one random vegetable or some leftover cooked proteins or grains – you’ve got soup in the making.”
> “If you’ve cleared out so much food that you don’t even have an onion and fat, it’s probably time to go shopping.”
- Use pantry items first
- Preserve by fermenting or freezing
- Make sauces from seasonal veggies
- Cook in multicooker to save energy
- Cut ultra-processed foods to reduce plastic packaging
Declutter and Buy Less
Organizing and applying a one-in, one-out rule can curb impulse buying. A 90-day no-new-clothes challenge saves water, cuts CO₂, and reduces landfill waste while saving money. Katrina Caspelich, communications director for Remake, said:
> “Most impulse purchases start with a notification, not a need.”
> “Waiting 24 hours before buying something new often turns a ‘must-have’ into a pass.”
> “The key is flexibility. Framing it as an experiment rather than a strict rule makes it feel empowering instead of restrictive.”
| Metric | 90-Day Challenge |
|---|---|
| Water saved | 3,900 liters (1,030 gallons) |
| CO₂ avoided | 300 kg (~661 lbs) |
| Clothing waste avoided | 9 kg (~20 lbs) |
| Savings | $300 |
- Spot duplicates and rediscover forgotten items
- Unsubscribe from brand emails
- Wait 24 hours before buying
- Try no-buy or secondhand options
Key Takeaways
- Simple energy tweaks can cut bills by up to 10% a year.
- Reducing food waste saves $728 annually and cuts emissions.
- A 90-day declutter challenge saves water, CO₂, and money.
Starting with one low-effort habit can trim expenses while easing climate pressure-watch the ripple grow.
