I’m not sure exactly when the green movement started, but I remember the celebration of the first Earth Day. It’s only been in my lifetime that we’ve really brought the environment into the forefront of our focus, even though we’ve been encouraged for longer than that to recycle and make the most of the things we have. We’re encouraged to use less water, less electricity, less paper, and to reuse as much as we can. Every day, we hear tips on how to conserve energy and how to preserve these precious resources we’ve been given.
Today I got to thinking – what if we were that focused on our money? Our money is a resource, just as surely as water or electricity, and if we use it too quickly, it will be gone, just like the rain forests or the other beautiful, natural places left on the earth. The difference, though, is that we’ll feel the effects of running out of money much more quickly. If we use up the rain forests, it might take a while before we really feel their loss, but if we use up our money, we’ll start suffering immediately.
So, what are some ways we can use “going green” principles to conserve money as well as energy?
1. Think about the “going green” principles for a minute—use less water, use less gas and electricity, walk instead of driving, get a more fuel-efficient car, reuse containers instead of throwing them away. Each of these ideas not only saves energy, but money as well.
2. As you make your budget, really focus on the dollar amount you have to work with, and treat it with respect. Don’t develop a casual, “Well, I guess I’m a little over budget this month” attitude. Keep your expenditures within those limits. If you were on a lifeboat and you only had water for three days, you wouldn’t drink it all on the first day – you’d ration it out. Do the same thing with your money, and take it just as seriously.
3. Play a game with yourself and see how long you can make certain things last. Spruce up your wardrobe with a cute scarf instead of buying new clothes. Polish your shoes instead of buying new ones. Experiment with different hair styles and see if you can save money at the salon. A little creativity in this department could go a long, long way.
Remember – money is a resource, just as surely as electricity or water, and we should become more mindful of the ways we use it. As a result, we’ll have a little more of it to spend on the things that are really, truly important to us instead of watching it go swirling away.
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