We know inflation has been hitting everyone hard. Just the price of basic goods like eggs has increased tremendously in the last few months. When we’re trying to get by, we may not always be thinking how can I help the planet, but we want you to know that there are many ways to be green while saving your green! Buying solar panels and electric cars aren’t the only ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll be surprised to know that developing countries actually have a much smaller carbon footprint than developed countries. Here are a few tips on how you can do sustainability on a budget:

1. Shop secondhand, whether locally or online.
2. Replace single-use products with reusable alternatives such as:
   1. Opt for a reusable water bottle versus buying plastic bottles
   2. Use washable cloths instead of napkins/paper towels.
   3. Bring your own bags to the store.
   4. Use reusable plastic bags versus buying Ziploc bags which can get pretty expensive.
3. Make your own cleaning products; many cleaning products are mostly water, but they are marked up like crazy. Check out these recipes; most use ingredients you probably already have in your home!
4. Did you know if everyone in the U.S. ate no meat or cheese, just one day a week, it would have the same environmental impact as taking 7.6 million cars off the road? That’s huge. Plus, meat always makes a meal more expensive, even when cooking at home.
5. Turn off your lights! Remember to turn it off or unplug it when you’re not using something. Saves the planet and money on your electric bill.
6. If you’re able to, grow your own food. How often do you need a little bit of cilantro or oregano for a recipe, but it comes in such a large amount that you end up throwing over half of it away?
7. Upcycle items like jars, wood, and cardboard boxes.
8. Use what you have before buying more.
9. Cut down on those Starbucks runs and make your coffee at home or bring your own cup when you go.
10. Opt for paperless billing.

As an Earth Charter Partner, we at Medcom Benefit Solutions are always thinking of ways to reduce our carbon footprint. We recently eliminated plastic cups opting for biodegradable ones and mugs instead. We also set up recycling bins in the office. As businesses, we have a significant impact on the environment. What is your company doing to save the planet?