eco-friendly Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

6 Practical Solutions For A Sustainable Home

These practical lifestyle changes can often save your money and energy.

LET LESS WATER FLOW

Score up to 60% less than your regular water usage by installing a low flow shower-head. Some modern shower-heads are adjustable, which means that you can change the settings to low flow. Imagine having a controlled water flow while lathering up and an active rush while rinsing!

Alternatively, you can buy a low flow shower-head for only S$14.74 at Monotaro. Installing one could mean huge savings on your water bill.

CREATE PROPER VENTILATION

There are two ways to freshen up your space naturally. You can either build a proper ventilation system or make use of shading. Install ventilation by switching to ceiling fans that can facilitate air flow throughout the room. On the other hand, shading is done by closing the blinds at certain times of the day.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are undergoing the process of renovation, ask the architect to include passive cooling designs to put your air conditioner to rest.

PATRONIZE INTELLIGENT DESIGNS

Energy (and cash) is wasted when there is a mismatch between your appliances and your lifestyle. Instead, you must patronize energy efficient appliances that boost its intelligent designs. Pick the right appliances by understanding your family size, frequency of use, and capacity requirements.

You may also adjust the energy consumption of your appliances with the innate smart programming.

COOK WITH RESIDUAL HEAT

I can still recall the day when my uncle imparted a practical solution, which saved me a considerable amount of cash. He knew that I usually boil pasta on a regular basis due to my fondness for Italian cuisine. So, he taught me to cook with residual heat. Simply cover the pot and switch off the stove after the pasta has been boiling for 7 minutes. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes more.

You may also apply the same technique when boiling noodles.

SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT BULB

If environmentalists were tasked to replace your bulbs, they would turn to the power of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL). CFLs were introduced in the ’80s and were improved a decade later. These are perfectly suited for study rooms, home office, and other spaces that need extra brightness. You see, CFLs last longer than traditional bulbs and use up to 80% less energy.

Philips Singapore has a range of CFLs. The only catch is that the price of these bulbs are more expensive upfront. However, the steeper cost of your utility bill makes it worth your money.

HOST A RUMMAGE SALE

Embody the “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” slogan by hosting a rummage sale in your community. Doing so allows you to save more space in your closet and to earn extra money on the side. There will be no resources or energy wasted on producing new stuff.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Furthermore, you may include your neighbors to attract more customers.

Source: Greatist

Household Items You Should Not Be Spending Too Much On

Whether you are living alone or you have kids, it can be difficult to manage your finances regardless of how much you make. One of the best ways to improve your situation is to trim your daily costs. Figure out what exactly you are paying for by knowing which things you are spending too much on.

Reduce your household items spending by following these tips:

1. PAPER TOWELS

Instead of buying paper towels constantly as they ran out, purchase Scotch-Brite’s sponge clothes for S$3.50 at Fairprice. This is an amazing product that wipes as a paper towel or a cloth but absorbs like a sponge. All you have to do is to cut one piece in two to make the most of your dollar. Since you can reuse it, this will last you for a month or so. Not only did you help clean your kitchen but you also help save Mother Nature.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

2. COFFEE FILTERS

A pack of disposable coffee filters can cost you as low as S$2, which you have to restock depending on your needs. Thankfully, they have invented the reusable coffee filters. You can purchase in Qoo10 for as low as S$8.90 – S$11. It can save you so much in the long run!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

3. COOKING AND BAKING MOLDS

No need to buy perfectly shaped molds for your cookie dough, meatballs, or patties. Use well-cleaned Styrofoam egg cartons instead. Place the ingredients inside to help you freeze each individual portion. Also, you can use this cartoon for potting a small seedling for your garden or for arranging your golf and table tennis balls.

4. COMMERCIAL CLEANERS

You can save more by making your own yet effective counter and shower cleaner mix. For the kitchen counter cleaner, all you have to do is mix water with 5% of vinegar.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

For the shower cleaner, simply mix three parts water to one-part vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for an enticing scent. This is useful for the tub, shower door, and walls.

BONUS: WRAPPING PAPER

Use your old fabrics to make a reusable gift bag to substitute for a wrapping paper. Kids would throw the wrapping paper anyway! Just cut one rectangle off the fabric then one long one for the “ribbon”. Sew through the fabric seams. Get the full instructions, here.

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Awesome And Inexpensive Green Things You Should Try In Singapore

In Psychology, the color green signifies harmony, balance, and growth. It has been the fixed color of important objects such as money and the Earth itself. In fact, the green lifestyle has been encouraged all over the world but, one of the longest running eco-friendly campaigns is found in our country. The Clean & Green Singapore launched the Clean and Green Week campaign in 1990 and since then, Singaporeans were inspired to protect the environment.

That said, here are the top 7 green things every Singaporean must try:

FOOD

1. VIETNAMESE FOOD

Serving meals that are mostly low in fat, gluten-free, MSG-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals…Vietnamese food proved to be a healthy cuisine above the rest. In the heart of the city center, you will find a store called Wrap & Roll. The first to serve freshly made steamed rice paper rolls; Wrap & Roll offers casual yet genuine Vietnamese dining experience. They serve morning tea to start your relaxing day. You shall expect tasty dishes at the affordable price range of S$7-20. Call 6694 4111 for reservations and enquiries.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wrap.roll.sg

2. PICKLED GREEN CHILI

How do I begin to tell you how much chilies are adorned here? Let me start by saying that it complements most of the flavors of Singaporean and Malaysian noodles very well especially with Wanton noodles. You can make your own pickled green chilies by following the simple steps here.

3. ORGANIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Looking for an organic grocery that is within your budget? Look no further as local groceries such as Green Circle Eco Farm and Quan Fa Organic Farm have you covered.

A place with luscious greenery and farm animals, Green Circle Eco Farm not only welcomes educational tours for the public and schools but it also sells food without artificial chemicals and pesticides. These produce are mostly locally grown. There is a minimum amount of S$30 for home deliveries of products listed on their vegetables, fruit, herbs, and condiments tabs. Delivery fee of S$5 is one of the lowest delivery service among other organic groceries in Singapore. Visit Green Circle Eco Farm at 41 Neo Tiew Road Singapore 719028 or at greencircle.com.sg.

While, Quan Fa Organic Farm abstains from the use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers. They offer about 40 varieties of hard vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, and fruits that are from our local roots. Aside from Asian produce, they also sell imported organic produce from Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. Their products are at available at Sheng Siong outlets. Visit Quan Fa Organic Farm at 35 Murai Farmway Singapore 709145 or at quanfaorganic.com.sg.

DECORATIONS

4. POT OF GREENS

Instead of purchasing the S$299 branded air purifier, go natural and grow your own succulents. Plants are more than just decorations as it can improve the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Go for the inexpensive and easy to maintain plants such as ferns, green spider plants, English Ivy and dracaenas. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed. My personal picks for affordable plants are from Far East Flora and Chye Heng Orchid Garden.

5. GREEN ORGANIZER

GLES box from IKEA Singapore is the perfect organizer for your food, gardening tools, sports equipments, school books, laundry, and other accessories. We have one at home and it has been useful for over 4 years. What is shocking is that it is priced at S$1.90 a piece.

ATTRACTIONS

6. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Whether you are on a date with a special someone or yourself, nothing beats a refreshing day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG). Sandwiched between the busy vicinities of Bukit Timah Road and Holland Road, the SBG is opened from 5 am all year round. Feel the chirping of the birds, the sound of the crickets, and the hush of the trees as you enter the garden – for free!

7. FIVE GARDENS AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Aside from the SBG, every “Type A” individuals on the go can relax at the five indoor gardens located at the Changi Airport. These are namely: Cactus Garden (T1), Orchid Garden (T2), Fern Garden (T2), Sunflower Garden (T2), and the Butterfly Gardens (T3). While you are in there, enjoy the breath of fresh air, may your kids count the species of succulents and take colorful selfies that you can upload right away because of the Free WiFi!

Image Credits: facebook.com/fansofchangi?fref=photo

For a cleaner world, let us push through a greener Singapore! 🙂

Guide To Singapore’s Public Transport: Saving Benefits And Tips

Singapore’s Public Transportation aids in the nation’s economic and environmental challenges. Most locals prefer to travel via train or bus just because it is safe, fast, and efficient. On that note, here are the background, tips, and benefits of traveling thru Public Transportation…

BACKGROUND

1. TRAIN OR MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)

As most parts of Singapore are accessible by the MRT, it proves to be an affordable and convenient option. Get cheaper rates by traveling with a concession card (i.e., Child Concession Card, Student Concession Card, NSF Concession Card, and Senior Citizen Concession Card). In fact, Senior Citizen Concession Card get 25% off adult fares all day.

If you are a tourist, you are in luck! The MRT stations are made to be merely walking distance from the notable attractions such as the museums.

2. BUS

The buses provide the most picturesque view of the Lion City at budget-friendly fares ranging from S$1-3. All the children below 7 years old get to enjoy free travel. It is important to know that all commuters are charged based on their total distance traveled (i.e., no transfer costs) whether it is by bus or by train. So, the fares depend on your location and destination.

TIPS

1. MOVE TO THE CENTER OF THE TRAIN

Moving to the center of the MRT does not only help passengers to smoothly go in and out but it will also help you to get a seat.

2. CHECK YOUR BELONGINGS

Always take care of your valuables. Although your lost item can be retrieved, there is a slim chance that the finder may choose to keep it.

3. GET AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR DISTANCE FARE

Use the standard online calculator available here to estimate your travel costs. Find alternative routes to get the cheapest fare.

BENEFITS

1. SAVE CASH

It is no surprise that Public Transportation saves you more money as the price of owning a car here is overwhelming. Adding to that, going by bus or by train can help you beat the petrol price hike and the cost for maintaining a vehicle.

2. SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Public Transportation saves our environment as it reduces carbon emissions, petrol consumption, and congestion. Imagine if every family owns a car, given the scarcity of land, congestion will unfold.

Aside from preventing congestion, it is more energy efficient that private cars. According to the Land Transport Authority, the average carbon footprint per 10 km released by bus is 0.19kg while the by train is 0.13kg. This is smaller compared to the carbon footprint released by a private car (1.87kg)!

3. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Access to Public Transportation enables you to walk to and from the bus or MRT station. That is a no-cost way to exercise! Also, it avoids the stress you may get from driving especially during rush hours.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

Extend The Products’ Longevity And Save More Money

Stretching the use of a product as much as possible will not only reduce waste but also save you a couple of dollars. These hacks ahead will help you extend the lifespan of your soaps, printer inks, laptop batteries, and more.

1. SAVE MORE BY SPENDING LESS

The basic mindset that you should adopt is to regulate the consumption of household products. For example, to ensure that you would not waste your dishwashing liquid, use an olive oil bottle as its container. Just make sure to label it correctly to prevent confusion.

2. BE WISE WITH SOAPS

Use only the necessary amount of soap. No more and no less. If you are using a hand soap dispenser and there are still left over soap at the bottom that you cannot squeeze then, add few drops of water inside by unscrewing the top. Use this leftover soap before refilling it.

3. USE FONTS THAT HELP SAVE PRINTER INK AND TONER

If you want to save money on printer ink or toner, one thing you should do is to change the font size and the fonts that you use for printing. Ecofont, Century Gothic, Times New Roman, Garamond, and Courier are some of the fonts that naturally use less ink. Also, you can print fewer pages by converting the file’s format to PDF.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR LAPTOP’S BATTERY LIFE

A few steps can maximize your laptop’s battery life (i.e., the amount of time your device spans before it must recharge). You may bring down your screen’s brightness, turn off the Bluetooth connection, and calibrate your battery every 2 to 3 months. To calibrate your battery, follow these simple steps. For MacBook or Apple laptop users, Apple suggests to upgrade to the latest software as the updates often include advanced energy-saving technologies.

5. STRETCH THE USE OF YOUR DISPOSABLE RAZOR

Disposable razor maybe cheap but if you have to constantly replace it, is it really worth it? The good news is that your may extend its use by keeping it sharp. To maintain its sharpness you can try to rub the razor backwards across an old pair of blue jeans. Also, always dry your razor after use.

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Make-a-Disposable-Razor-Last-Longer

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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