Low-Income Earners

 Low-income individuals who think they cannot contribute to the environment are wrong. If you act responsibly, you could reduce your carbon footprint while keeping more money in your pocket at the same time. You will be less tempted since you have a smaller budget.

 Let’s go over some tips for low-income earners that enable you to be more eco-friendly every single day.

1. You can pay your bills online and save yourself time and money by using your bank account. By setting up your bills to be delivered digitally, you will reduce the consumption of trees and fuel and save yourself money.
2. Buy Second Hand – You are not adding anything to your carbon footprint when you choose to buy secondhand instead of something new. Plus, you can save money. Do be very careful about some second-hand stores, though; check the pricing and don’t be afraid to make a fairer offer. (Reducing your carbon footprint at home generally means using less energy. Use Energy Star-certified appliances, unplug electronics when not in use, heat and cool your home efficiently, use Energy Star-approved lightbulbs, and use hot water efficiently.)
3. Paper is a resource you likely use a lot in your home. You are likely to print out things on your printer, use paper towels, or do various other activities that require a lot of paper. Did you know it costs about an average of a dollar a page to print at home compared to 20 cents if you go to OfficeMax? HP Instant Ink Program has several plans, and one plan allows you to print 300 pages for only 5 cents. Buy some used clothes from the thrift store and use them instead. Try to read things on your screens instead.
4. It's quick to go to a fast-food place, but it's cheaper and better for the environment to cook at home. When you plan recipes that use fewer ingredients and have fewer prep steps, cooking doesn't take a lot of time. The cost will be lower, and you'll produce a great deal less carbon.
5. Start a Garden – This is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a low-income earner. When you grow your food, you can eventually, once you learn, practically have a free meal every day. That’s both a carbon and a cash saver.
6. Change your light bulbs - LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but if you buy a good brand, they will last much longer. Replace one light in one room a month for incredible savings.

 Last but not least, don't get sucked into using credit. It is possible to become a high-end consumer with credit even if you earn a low income, and then you can never escape the cycle of working and paying bills. When you're careful, live within your means, and use these tips (along with the ones your mom taught you about unplugging things and turning off lights when you leave a room), you'll start collecting pennies that will soon become dollars in your savings account.