Sustainable does not have to be expensive: 10 tips to save energy and money
Everything we do at Nationale-Nederlanden is based on our three values: care, clear, commit. This is because the choices we make today affect what the world looks like tomorrow. As an example, we make sure we invest your pension responsibly. But you can also personally contribute to a green future. And this is cheaper than you might think. Here are 10 tips that will make your wallet and the planet happy.
1. Flip the switch: check your energy consumption
Gas and electricity prices are still high, so it pays to pay attention to your energy consumption. To save energy on a daily basis, you do not necessarily need to remodel your whole house. Small actions will go a long way:
reduce your time in the shower or use a water-saving shower head. Do not leave lights on unnecessarily and turn down the heating in winter. Did you know that you can save between 370 and 900 euros a year by heating only the rooms where you spend most of your time and by closing dividing doors? If it is still chilly indoors, draught excluders and insulating foil can help.
2. Reduce your waste
According to Milieu Centraal, we produce about 1.5 kilos of waste per person every day, from plastic packaging to newspapers. Fortunately, it is not very difficult to reduce your waste. For example, you could take your own water bottle, coffee mug or lunch box when you go out the door. Use a bag for life when you go shopping and put a ‘no leaflets’ sticker on your letterbox.
’Each year, we throw away over 33 kilos of good food per person.’
3. Avoid waste
Each year, we throw away more than 33 kilos of good food per person. A shame, right? By buying groceries smartly (with a list!), you can avoid food waste. Leftovers can be frozen, taken to the office as lunch or turned into a meal soup, salad or omelette.
Are you already using the Too Good To Go app? With this, you order a surprise package of good food left over from restaurants or shops in the area. This is a fun way to make an impact. You can also increasingly pick up leftover food at supermarkets.
4. Eat a little less meat
By eating a vegetarian diet, you can save plenty of carbon emissions, water and often money. For a long time, meat substitutes were more expensive than meat. Thanks to inflation, however, that price difference has narrowed considerably. On average, the cheapest meat substitutes are now more affordable than the cheapest animal products. This is according to a study by supermarket researcher Questionmark.
The very cheapest option? Omit both meats and meat substitutes. Generally, you do not even need it! With the right herbs, spices and legumes, for example, a pasta, couscous or risotto dish is just as tasty.
5. Buy local and seasonal produce
In the supermarket, you can buy almost all kinds of fruits and vegetables all year round – but this is not always sustainable. Quite often, vast amounts of energy are needed to grow and transport these products.
Eating local and seasonal produce is better for the climate as well as your wallet. Think strawberries in summer and carrots in winter. Want to make a climate-conscious choice? Visit the market a bit more often, or pay a visit to the local farmer or grower.
6. Grow your own food
An even more sustainable option: grow your own food. How fun (and delicious) it is to eat apples, potatoes or tomatoes from your own garden. If you do not have a garden, you can grow your fruits and vegetables in planters on the balcony or participate in a community vegetable garden. Growing food will also reduce your grocery shopping bill.
7. Repair items before buying new ones
Is that laptop really at the end of its useful life or could it perhaps last a little longer? And maybe, with a little effort, those trousers with the broken zip can still be fixed. Do not write your possessions off too quickly, but see if you can repair them instead. Reusing them is always more sustainable than throwing them away.
‘How about a clothes swap?’
Not so handy yourself? Repair cafés can be found in more and more cities. Still want to get rid of your things without throwing them away? You might want to donate them to someone, sell them or take them to the thrift shop.
8. Share, borrow or swap
How often do you use a standing table, beer tap or drill? There are plenty of things you only need once every few years. It would be a waste of money to buy them new. On a sharing and exchange platform like Peerby, you can borrow items from people who live near you for a small price. You can also offer your own tools, skates and turntables on this platform.
And how about a clothes swap? This way, you give your own clothes a new lease of life and at the same time replenish your wardrobe – often for free.
9. Opt for second-hand
From books to wardrobes and clothes, a vintage purchase will bring something special into your home. Moreover, shopping second-hand is better for the environment and saves a lot of money. Stop by a flea market or thrift shop, or search for second-hand items online.
10. Ride your bike more often (or drive economically)
Admittedly, sustainable means of transport like trains are quite expensive. The bike, however, does come cheap – and saves a considerable amount of carbon emissions. See if you can use your bike instead of the car a bit more often, for example to run errands or take your children to school.
In cases when the car is more practical, try to drive more economically. With an economical driving style, you will save around 10% on your fuel consumption, which is also better for the environment. Alternatively, car sharing might be an option.
A sustainable pension
With the tips above, you can do a lot yourself to save energy and money. But companies can contribute to the future of our planet as well. For example, Nationale-Nederlanden takes sustainability criteria into account when investing your pension premium. Would you like to know more? Read in what ways Nationale-Nederlanden is working towards a sustainable future and find out how green your pension is in these 8 facts and fables about a sustainable pension.