6 Shopping Tips To Help Save Resources

You can shop and have fun but still be sustainable. You must think about the impact of your actions on the environment when you are shopping. 

Here are 6 top tips to help save resources as you shop smarter. 

1. Don’t Buy More Than Your Needs 

Have a checklist before going to a grocery store or buying online. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when presented with choices. However, if you have a list, you can stick to it. You will only purchase what you need. It prevents potential waste. 

It also helps you save more money, which is always helpful these days. 

2. Bring Your Recyclable Bag 

You can bring your own bag to pack the items you shopped for. It doesn’t take much to bring these bags. You can also keep as many items as possible using these bags. We already face overwhelming issues with landfills these days. With single-use plastic, it’s only getting worse. Therefore, you can help prevent pollution when you bring your bag. 

Since you’re already recycling plastic, you can also consider metal recycling. You might have scrap metals that are worth recycling. Work with reliable recycling companies to ensure that these materials don’t become waste. Creating new metals from recycled materials is cheaper and requires lesser energy than making new ones. 

3. Partner With Sustainable Online Shopping Sites 

If you prefer buying items online, you should choose sustainable options. Some companies have sustainable practices. Patronizing them allows you to contribute to environmental conservation indirectly. 

You also help put pressure on companies that are yet to follow these practices. 

4. Reduce Online Deliveries 

There is nothing wrong with buying online. During the pandemic, it was even more critical to buy online to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it helps if you buy everything you need from the same store and do so once a week. Reduce the number of deliveries to help save the environment. The number of trips will decrease, but companies will still profit. 

You can also save money since you don't have to pay delivery fees frequently. 

5. Avoid Impulse Buying 

Again, it helps to have a checklist before heading to a store. Impulse buying will lead to waste. You will bring home things you don’t need. They might look good when you’re in a store, but everything is different upon opening the box at home. 

Impulse buying also hurts your financial resources. 

6. Consider Used Products Or Buy From Second-Hand Stores 

Another way to recycle is by patronizing recycled products. You can buy pre-owned items. You will still get what you need by salvaging things that could have ended up in the trash. Besides, you can also save money by purchasing these items. 

Be patient and find valuable items. You will be surprised at what you can see as you shop around. 

Shop Smarter And Sustainably

We have limited resources, and our shopping habits can affect them. These product purchasing tips aren’t too difficult to follow, and you can also save money by doing them. 

There are no downsides to these sustainable shopper practices, and they are worth doing. Every little bit helps!

Big Business Benefits Of Solar Panels Installation

When you think of solar energy, your mind may immediately go to the rooftop setups that have indeed become more and more prevalent on the roofs of homes in recent years. While there is no doubt that homeowners have started to depend on solar energy for some – if not all – of their energy needs, there are some really great reasons why business owners should also be considering using the power of the sun to help get their business the energy that it needs. 

After all, as a business owner yourself, you know how much it can cost to power a business. So, let's break down the top reasons why solar installation can be a fantastic investment for any kind of business. 

Solar Panels Lower Operating Costs 

Just as is the case for homeowners who install solar panels on the roof of their homes, a business owner can enjoy a massive offset of their annual electricity costs thanks to solar. In fact, depending on some different variables, electricity costs can be offset entirely in some cases. No matter what size your business is, shaving off any percentage of your previous electricity bill will help you grow your business. 

Truthfully, solar panels offer your business the chance to exist free of electricity bills. Beyond that, there are federal and state tax opportunities that companies can take advantage of. 

Solar Energy Is Essential For Environmental Sustainability 

Sure, as a business owner, being environmentally conscious may not be your first concern. After all, you have to worry about paying your employees, satisfying your customers and clients and growing your business. Still, if you are environmentally conscious, there are few better ways to help give back to the planet as a business owner than seeking green alternatives to the way that you do business. 

In the end, solar energy is only going to get more and more critical as our society continues to pivot to renewable energy. It helps you get ahead of the curve and get ahead of your competitors. 

Beyond that, being able to say that you are environmentally conscious can help build up some precious goodwill among your existing customers and potential customers who have just heard of your business for the very first time. 

Solar Panels Provide Great ROI 

Though investing in solar panels may seem like a large amount of money to spend on something that your business does not technically need, the return on investment is quite impressive. There is no doubt that, over time, solar panels pay for themselves. Beyond that, it doesn’t even really take that long for businesses that use them to recoup the original investment that they made, thanks to an extensive array of rebates, incentives and more. 

Solar Panels Have Low Maintenance Costs 

Overall, solar panel arrays are incredibly low maintenance when compared to other energy systems. The primary reason is that they do not have any moving parts, which drastically reduces the need for care from the very jump. On top of that, they are explicitly built to withstand a vast range of weather systems and stand up year after year for a long time. Truth be told, the only maintenance that you will definitely need is simple cleaning from time to time. 

Finally, solar systems these days will almost always come with a warranty of up to 20 years! 

Solar Panels Potentially Increase Property Value 

Finally, solar panels are a great way to boost the value of the property itself. Whether you are thinking of possibly selling your business or simply want to sell the property that the business currently is in, having solar panels on your roof can boost the value! Not only this but properties with solar installations are known to typically sell quicker than those that do not have solar panels. Whether you are leasing or buying your solar panels, the transfer of ownership is relatively easy and will not cause a snag in the building sale process. 

Solar Power Profitability For Business Conclusion 

As you can see, there are many great reasons to purchase and install solar panels on the roof of your business. Now all you have to do is start looking for the best solar panel providers and offers in your area and get the ball rolling!

7 Eco-Friendly Ideas for a Sustainable Neighborhood

If you want to make a difference to the planet, one of the best places to start is your own backyard. There’s plenty we can do to make our own homes and neighborhoods more eco-friendly. 

With towns and cities facing major problems caused by pollution, littering, and climate change, there are plenty of issues that are negatively impacting the areas where we live. However, concerned citizens can make a huge difference. 

To learn more, keep reading to find seven eco-friendly ways that you can create a more sustainable neighborhood for your children, friends, and family. 

1. Start a Community Garden 

A useful and fun element in sustainable neighborhood design is community gardens. Why not start one for your town? 

A community garden can be started on any area of communal land, with volunteers taking turns to tend to the fruits or veggies that you plant. When the produce is ready to harvest, you could sell it at a local market, split among volunteers, or donate to vulnerable members of your community. 

A garden is a delicious way to enjoy fresh, local produce, without needing to depend on big chain grocery stores, which often ship in produce from thousands of miles away. This is no good for the environment, as you want to eat local food as much as you can. 

Gardening is also a fun way to teach kids about sustainability and nutrition. 

2. Encourage Sustainable Transportation 

Eco-friendly neighborhoods discourage residents from driving everywhere, as pollution is no good for the planet. Instead, encourage residents to take public transport, bike, walk, or drive electric vehicles. 

If your town can afford it, installation vehicle charging spots in town is a huge incentive for people to ditch fuel for good. You can find out more about EV charging station costs here. 

You can also lobby the town government to add more bike lanes or sidewalks, making it easier for people to get around safely. 

3. Shop Local 

An easy way to be more sustainable is to shop local and encourage others to do so. Supporting local businesses creates jobs, keeps money in the community, and helps the town thrive. 

Many local businesses are forced to close down to chain shops coming to town, which can offer lower prices. However, this isn't always helpful for the community. 

Why not organize a local business week, highlighting local businesses, restaurants, or services on social media? This can help residents discover exciting businesses that they can support. 

4. Form an Environmental Committee 

To help advocate for sustainability in your town, think about starting an environmental committee. A group of passionate citizens can come together to work with local or state government, helping to get funding for new initiatives. 

There are also plenty of free ways the committee can help encourage green choices, such as helping with e-recycling days for electronic waste or free workshops to teach kids about the environment. 

There’s power in numbers, so a committee can often achieve much more than an individual can do on their own. 

5. Create More Green Spaces 

Your neighborhood is sure to benefit from increased green spaces. Green areas, like playgrounds and parks, can have a huge impact on your town. 

They protect biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and can even help mitigate extreme weather events like heatwaves and flooding. 

If there are any other run-down or abandoned parks in your town, grab some volunteers and bring them back to life! Everyone in the community can appreciate green spaces, especially those who live in apartments with limited access to gardens and fresh air. 

Encourage your residents to spend more time enjoying the outdoors by developing more green spaces, if you can. 

6. Organize a Clean-Up Day 

Eco-friendly neighborhoods can organize a neighborhood clean-up day to keep their community looking its best. Trash is no good for the environment, as it can often end up in streams, backyards, or wildlife habitats. 

Plan a Saturday morning where everyone can come together for a few hours, picking up trash from parks or local areas. Then, sort out the recycling and make sure everything is disposed of properly. 

It can be a fun and meaningful way to spend time with your neighbors and also help keep your community cleaner. Just be sure to thank your volunteers after with coffee and donuts! 

7. Set Up Public Recycling Stations 

Have you ever walked through a city and ended up throwing a recyclable item in the trash because there were no public recycling facilities available? Unfortunately, it happens often and means that lots of recyclable items don’t get recycled. 

Talk to your town government about installing public recycling bins, which will encourage people to recycle more. Just make it clear which can is for trash and which is for recycling, so people choose correctly. 

While there will be a small cost to the town to make the changes, it will make a huge difference over time when it comes to sustainability. 

Start a Sustainable Neighborhood Today 

If you want to live in a greener, healthier town, there’s plenty you can do! Use the ideas above to think about how you can create a more sustainable neighborhood. 

With the help of friends and neighbors, work together to make the changes you want to see. It may take some time, but the result is a community that’s biodiverse, clean, and sustainable. 

Get started today and be the catalyst for change that your community needs! 

Was this article on sustainable neighborhoods helpful? If so, please keep reading to find more interesting blog posts on sustainability.

9 Effective Ways To Be More Sustainable

Did you know that to have the best chance of avoiding a global temperature increase of 2°C (which is around 35°F), the average global carbon footprint must drop below 2 tons per year? 

Currently, the average carbon footprint of a U.S. resident is 16 tons. That can make a drop to 2 tons seem wildly unrealistic, right? 

There are actually a lot of ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably! So, which little changes can you introduce into your life? 

We're here to fill you in on sustainability strategies! Keep reading below to learn 9 ways to be more sustainable! 

1. Buy Locally 

Buying locally is a wise option because you'll know exactly where your food and goods are coming from. Additionally, it's more sustainable because it cuts out the energy it requires to transport goods from their place of production to their retail location. 

2. Ways To Be More Sustainable Through Your Clothing: Earth-Friendly Shoes 

By choosing sustainable footwear you can help reduce your carbon footprint—both figuratively and literally! It's important that you choose brands that utilize earth-friendly practices, such as using recycled or biodegradable materials and sourcing their products responsibly. 

3. Ditch The Plastic Bags 

In 2017, the U.S. generated over 35,000 tons of plastic waste. Only 2,960 tons of that were recycled. 

One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable is by stocking up on reusable tote bags to keep on hand for shopping trips. Keep a few in your car, and you'll no longer have to use the plastic bags stores offer! 

4. Reduce Your Miles: Alternative Transportation 

A great way to carry out a more sustainable lifestyle is by cutting down your car usage. By finding alternative modes of transportation, such as the bus or bike, you're reducing car emissions. If your route requires a car, consider carpooling with coworkers or friends instead! 

5. Cut Down On Your Paper Consumption 

Did you know the equivalent of nearly 270,000 trees is flushed or dumped in landfills worldwide every day? 

About 10% of that figure is attributed to toilet paper. Switching to a recycled toilet paper is an easy way to make your paper product consumption more sustainable. You can also get recycled tissues and paper towels. 

If you want to cut out paper towels altogether, you can switch to washable rags! 

6. Be Thrifty: Shop At Secondhand Stores 

Buying clothes at thrift stores has become trendy the past few years, but you don't have to limit yourself to clothes! Thrift stores are a great place to find home decor, furniture, and houseware. You'll be cutting down on waste production and saving money simultaneously! 

7. Reusable Food Storage 

If you haven't invested in a reusable water bottle yet, you're behind the times! 

Cut the Tupperware out of your life as well by buying reusable food wraps! Reusable food wraps are often made with beeswax, and you can even make your own at home! 

8. Go Digital: Switching To Paperless Bills 

Most companies and landlords allow customers to pay their bills online these days. It's a great way to cut down on paper products and reduce the energy that goes into transporting a physical payment. Going paperless makes a positive impact on our planet.

9. Build A Compost Pile 

Creating a compost pile is a great way to get extra mileage out of food scraps. Not only are cutting down on your waste, but you're also creating hearty compost which you can use in your garden. Compost is a fantastic alternative to store-bought fertilizers, which are often ridden with harmful chemicals. 

Go Green With Smart Sustainability

As you can, there are plenty of ways to be more sustainable. Many of these changes are easy to make, and you'll hardly notice the difference in your daily routine after a while! All of the small sustainability strategies will add up to a big impact on our environmental health.

Going Green: Top 5 Reasons to Go Solar

The advent of solar power is probably one of the most sustainable methods of generating power in today's world. It produces no harmful by-products and is a long-lasting solution to powering homes, businesses, factories, farms, and more. 

If you're thinking about making the change to solar power for your home or business, learn more about the top reasons to go solar with panels in this blog. 


Do Your Part: The Top Reasons to Go Solar 

No longer just a common search phrase entered on Google, ''solar providers near me'' has become part of daily conversation amongst home and business owners across the U.S. If you don't operate on solar power, it's most likely that you know someone who does or someone who provides the service. 

With this in mind, here are 5 reasons why you should be the next to switch over to solar power: 


1. Reduce Your Energy Costs 

This is probably one of the most common reasons why home and business owners choose to migrate to solar power. Going solar helps you to cut back on your energy costs month-to-month. 

It all depends on your daily energy demand, though (DED). If your solar system covers 100% of your energy demand, then you can start saving from day one. The only energy overhead is the cost to install the solar panels and the inverter. 

However, you can choose to pay this cost upfront. But if not, there are 10, 13, and 20-year loans that help you to pay off the installation of a solar system.

You can also choose a system that covers a portion of your energy demand, and only pay for the balance of what's not covered by solar power. Whatever you choose -- you're saving money in the long-run.


2. Ramp Up the Value of Your Property 

If you plan on selling your home a few years down-the-line, you may be wondering whether it's worthwhile to install a solar system.

Solar panels are one of those home additions that really bolster the value of a property. On the other hand, if you plan on renting out your property, adding solar panels is also a worthwhile investment.

Simply include the cost of electricity in the price of your rent and your solar system is being paid for you! 


3. Become Fully Energy Independent 

Going solar means you don't have to rely on others for your energy needs. You can, therefore, become independent of utility companies, their fees, and increasing costs. 

However, your only connection with the grid is when you tally your energy consumption based on how much you've produced, versus how much you've used. If you find yourself with a surplus of energy production, a utility company may offer to buy the energy from you. It's a win-win all around.


4. Do Your Part for the Environment 

It's no secret that going solar means you are reducing your carbon footprint. Energy consumption from buildings and homes across the U.S. accounts for a large percentage of all carbon emissions. 

By decreasing your energy consumption, you are doing your part for the environment. To add to this, you could also receive a tax credit based on your solar system investment. This is known as the solar investment tax credit. 


5. Boost Your Local Community 

One out of every 50 new jobs in the U.S. in recent years is attributed to the solar industry. By going solar, you are boosting your local community with job creation, and the overall U.S. economy, too. 


Frugal Finance Is Found Here 

We hope these reasons to go solar have been enough to entice you. Ultimately, it's not only an investment in your future but other generations to come. 

If you're looking for a touch more inspiration, explore the rest of this website for all things finance, investing, business, and take control of the health of your wealth! Read more articles on going green, reasons to go solar energy, and sustainability here on Frugal Finance.

What is Your Company ESG Rating and Why Do You Want a High Score

In today's society, consumers want to do business with a company they believe in. People are putting their dollars into companies that are transparent. Investors and customers want their money to go to businesses that value the environment and social values.

It's not a small audience either. The market for sustainable goods and products in the US is expected to reach $250 billion by next year. The value of a company's ESG rating is skyrocketing.

ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. The three categories refer to a company's actions and policies related to those three things. Businesses that score well in ESG ratings tap into a rapidly growing investment sector valued at $30.7 trillion.

Do you know what your company's ESG rating is? If you want to succeed in the new decade, your ESG score needs to be as high as possible. 

Read on to learn what you need to make sure you're raising your environmental, social, and governance rating.


The Value of the Environment

Climate change. Wildfires in Australia. Plastic filling our oceans. Environmental concerns fill the headlines and our news feeds. According to a recent Nielsen study, 81 percent of people believe companies should do something to improve the environment. 

With responses like that every company should pay attention to how its investors and consumers view its ESG rating. The value of commissioning an ESG report or using a reporting service is high enough that the cost is well worth it.

The relationship between a company and the environment needs to be demonstrated. Investors and consumers want transparency. They want to know that their dollars are supporting environmental change and health.

One reporting option is the Global Reporting Initiative. The GRI standards are used by 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The reports produced by GRI offer the transparency stakeholders want and need.

Spend time on your ESG rating. Companies need to know how the environment and how they interact with the environment can affect their rating.


Why a Social Conscience is Good for Your ESG Rating

It's not just about the environment. A company with a good social conscience will also score well in ESG reporting. 

Social conscience for business involves the relationships that business holds. Donating to charities, investing in local communities, staff that volunteer and employee safety are all part of the factors that make up a good ESG rating. 

As Forbes noted a few years back, 81 percent of Millenials expect businesses to be good citizens as well as produce good products and services. Millennials are the now and future of investing so valuing the same things they do will help businesses thrive.

The media is interested in socially responsible companies. Reporting from the media, as well as ESG reporting agencies, is increasing. Consumers and investors value socially responsible companies so headlines reflect that. 

Many well-known companies have featured in the media because of socially responsible policies. Examples of these companies include TOMS, Zappos, Virgin Atlantic, and Ben & Jerrys. Good media coverage leads to increased exposure and better ESG ratings.

ESG ratings that show a business is committed to its staff's wellbeing, its community, and sector-relevant issues boost the value of that business. Find an ESG consultant that understands the value of social conscience. 


Good Governance is Key 

Intending to make a business adhere to environmentally and socially responsible goals is a good first step. But internal and external governance is key to making that happen. Environmental, Social, and Governance ratings are also important in terms of reporting to stakeholders, customers, and investors.

Companies need to align environmental and social initiatives with criteria that ESG reports value. There are many ESG reporting agencies. Some of the best ESG reporting consultants and agencies in the world include Truvalue Labs, KPMG, and MSCI. 

But not all businesses can afford to use a global ESG consultant or reporting agency. Small businesses, in particular, often find these services too expensive. That's a shame because small businesses are often at the forefront of adopting ESG policies. 

There are cheaper options than big reporting agencies. One example of a more frugal ESG company is is B Lab. 

Whichever route a company chooses for ESG reporting their ESG ratings it will need internal metrics. Establishing good internal metrics forms the basis of good governance. Those metrics can then be used to tell the company's ESG story to external stakeholders. 

The value of having good governance and useful ESG metrics is that it will increase a company's ESG rating. Those ratings are valuable to savvy investors. The ratings show transparency. A TD Ameritrade survey found that 67 percent of investors are more concerned with a company's social and environmental causes than the rate of return they get on their investment. To get powerful information about ESG ratings, consultants, and reporting, read more here.


Invest in Your ESG Ratings

Investing in your ESG rating and how you report it is like investing in your company. Consumers want a high ESG score and that means investors do too.

If ESG reporting shows a business values social and environmental change investors and consumers will flock to that brand. The report on a business's ESG rating is becoming as valuable as the end-of-quarter sales report. It's a key performance indicator. Don't ignore it.

Find out your ESG score and you'll have a better understanding of how external stakeholders view your company. Once you know how your business scores you'll be able to introduce measures that will see it rise the ESG ratings table. 

Enter ESG Excellence

Remember, ESG factors involve many different indicators. From company culture to employee health and compensation to environmental footprint, ESG ratings impact how we all view a business. 

Investing in an ESG consultant to take your business to the next level and to ensure it is positioned to take advantage of the surge in ESG awareness among consumers is a smart move. 

How to Go Paperless at Home or in the Office | A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever had the feeling that your home or office is cluttered? Are you tired of shuffling through drawers of loose paper to find the receipt for that expensive work expense?

Receipts, sticky notes, and crumpled papers somehow have magic ways to end up in the weirdest places.

It's time to end the clutter, save the trees, and switch to paperless. 

Keep reading to learn how to go paperless at home and in the office.


Scan Everything

Your boss says it’s time to stop and count every single receipt that you have on your desk right now. Don’t forget the ones in the trashcan, too.

If you had already switched to paperless, this would be a simple task that could be completed in 10 minutes. But, if you are still buried in paper clutter, you’re probably thinking about setting your boss on fire right about now.

This is just one prime example of why you should scan everything into a digital software program. 

From receipts to invoices, work life is 100% easier with digital copies and going paper free.

Even if you aren’t in the office, it’s a good idea to scan everything onto your home computer. That way when tax season comes around, you can easily deduct all of those receipts and bills. 


Switch to Paperless Billing

Every month you probably get a bill in the mail for electricity, water, credit cards, phone, etc.

It may not seem like a lot of paper, but if we told you to leave every single bill on your kitchen table for a year, you’d be pulling your hair out.

Most companies offer paperless billing options, and many offer incentives, such as lower rates, to switch. Once you switch, you’ll start getting emails instead of letters. This could be particularly helpful if you’re looking for a specific bill, as you can just use the search bar. 


Opt for Digital Alternatives

Don’t get us wrong, we love sticky notes. Sticky notes are the perfect bite-size reminders for everything in your life.

But aside from eating up all the trees, these single-use notes are particularly bad for the environment, as they tend to cause recycling problems due to some of their components.

The good news is that most computers have digital sticky notes already programmed in. Just search for sticky notes in your search bar and in no time you can clutter your home screen with all the digital notes.

If this doesn’t prove that you can digitize anything, we don’t know what will. From sticky notes to books, to note pads and sketch pads, there’s a digital version out there.


Digitize Your Signature

How many times has someone sent a document over to you in need of a signature?

Whether it’s the boss or the kid's teacher that’s demanding a signature, you can easily comply and still be green. Simply ask for an electronic copy of the document that needs your signature and with one click you can add a real, personalized signature.

Once you find the right software, it’s easy to sign documents online.


Remove Temptations

Three steps to remove Temptations:

1. Go to your printer
2. Unplug it
3. Throw it out the window

Easy as 1,2,3… 

Okay, please don’t throw your printer out the window. But you should remove any temptations from your home. There are tons of tech companies out there that offer recycling options for old computers, printers, etc.

You can also recycle or donate the notepads and pens that you have just lying around.


Stock the Shelves With Reusable Items

Going paperless means more than tossing the notepads. If you really want to make an impact, you’ll need to purge all the paper. This means paper towels, paper coffee cups, and paper straws, too. 

Once you’ve gotten rid of the paper products around your home and office, you’ve got to replace them with something reusable or you’re going to be left with messy hands and dirty countertops.

Opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels, invest in a nice coffee mug to go, and get yourself a silicone straw.


Recycled Toilet Paper Is a Thing, and You Should Be Buying It

Yes, you can even get rid of the toilet paper in your life.

Some people completely stop buying toilet paper and use washable rags and tissues instead. It’s the same idea as reusable baby diapers, but for us big kids.

If you’re not ready to cut out toilet paper, we get it. But there are steps that you can take to make potty time a little greener, such as using recycled toilet paper.

It sounds gross at first, but once you realize that it’s not recycled from previously used toilet paper, it’s not so bad.


Recycle Everything You Can’t Cut Out

If you feel like you just can’t cut out every single piece of paper, it’s okay. Most people take a long time to transition to completely paperless.

In the meantime, be sure to purchase eco-friendly, recycled products, and re-recycle when you’re done with them.


Teach Your Friends How to Go Paperless at Home and in the Office

Man has been using paper since around 100 BC. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re having trouble breaking a habit that’s been around for more than 2,000 years. 

Every piece of paper that you remove from your life is a step in the right direction of going green. 

So just do your best, and don't forget to teach your friends how to go paperless at home and in the office.

Browse through the rest of our site for more ways to declutter your life and stay green. We have a lot of great budgeting and DIY tips to help you stay green while saving some green!