Today is Earth Day. That’s an important day for cheapskates, because saving money is almost always good for the environment – and vice-versa. It’s easy to forget that, in a world of overpriced food, toiletries, and cleaning products passing themselves off as better for the environment. Whole Paycheck, I’m looking at you.
If you eat less meat, you will save money and do less damage to the environment than those who meat three meals a day, even if you eat conventional produce. If you use half as much toothpaste and shampoo as you do now, you’ll save money and have less of an effect on the environment. A damp rag from an old t-shirt can handle many cleaning jobs; add a little vinegar if you’re worried about windows streaking.
In economic terms, the environmental effects of things we use are called “externalities”. These are costs of one person’s choices that end up being borne by everyone. We’re all paying, one way or another. Do we need to?
The point: feel good about what you’re doing. Saving money on everyday items like window cleaner you security, and it gives you more money to spend on the things that matter to you. The environmental benefits are positive externalities, and they are real.
(This is cross-posted on Chicago on the Cheap.)
