7 Eco-Conscious Family Routines That Actually Save You Money

Eco-conscious family routines can help your family save time, money and energy. This is a welcome experience given just how much electricity, gas, and water costs right now. But what changes are needed to actually make a difference? It varies from family to family, but with a minor shakeup, you can teach the children about energy conservation and help them actively contribute to saving across the home. From electronics to cooking, here are some ideas.

Smartphone LED Lighting Routines

Are there any kids who don’t have a smartphone? Of course, some don’t, but the vast majority of children, even as low as four years old, have access to mobile devices. While they are great for entertainment and communication, smartphones have tons of uses. Unless you have a residential solar installation that saves you tons of money, you may want to save, and smart LEDs can be turned off remotely and even set to timed routines for an easier bedtime.

Eco-Conscious Family Routines with Electronics

Further to smartphones, there are tons of electronics in a typical family home. Laptops, video game consoles and TVs are among the most enjoyed at home but also the most power hungry. However, you can reduce how much they cost with routines for the most-used electronics:

• As part of the bedtime routine, have the kids unplug their electronic devices.
• If the children stay up late with gaming, set a switch-off time with parental controls.
• Gamify energy conservation with Q&A and rewards for the children when they save.

Washing Clothes at Lower Temperatures

Does the laundry of a family home ever end? Like a scene from a movie, the undies just keep coming, and the machine needs feeding! All that washing and drying can add up to a pretty penny, contributing to a large portion of your monthly costs. However, great strides have been made to reduce costs. Washing tablets can now wash clothes effectively at low temperatures. So, an off-peak laundry routine can help save more money when combined with eco-mode.

Morning Ritual Eco-Conscious Family Routines

Family surveys have revealed that 80% of parents in the UK feel like they have worked a full day before 9 am when getting the kids ready! A strict routine with a younger child can help, but there are usually more kids and a never-ending list of things to do. So what can you actually do?

• The kids can time themselves in the shower and make it a game to save time and water.
• Develop a schedule at a family meeting and allow everyone to contribute their ideas.
• Set days where the family eats cold breakfasts to conserve energy and mix it up a bit.

Every family is different, and some have chaotic mornings while others behave like the von Trapp kids! However, most parents aren’t that lucky, and you might need a plan to get through a low-cost and friction-free morning with timers, a schedule that works and a bit of variation.

Conscious Buying as a Family

Shopping is probably the biggest expense a family has these days. A family of four can expect to pay up to £500 or more for groceries each month, and that doesn’t include essentials such as clothing, which the kids always seem to need! So a new approach to shopping is needed. Before adding something to a trolley, ask if you really need it. Also, make a list and stick to it. Don’t be tempted by offers and base your list on a meal plan so you buy only what you need. 

Eco-Conscious Family Routines when Cooking

When do the kids become all-consuming monsters after being so cute and involved in cooking? Younger kids love cooking, and it can become an amazing bonding experience while they learn valuable life skills. To save time, money and friction, try these small tips for family meals:

• Give the children options for meal choices that they prefer when shopping.
• Get the kids involved in making the meals to save time during a busy evening.
• Designate days for cold meals or low-effort prep to reduce the energy needed.

Changing Up Travel and Transportation

Even travel is getting pretty expensive these days. Just taking the bus in a modern city will cost around £25 per week, and that’s for one person. However, most of us could do with some more exercise and fresh air. If possible, designate a day or two for walking, jogging or cycling to work. This can be an excellent family activity that not only gets everyone healthier but also actively reduces your carbon emission contributions, so you have double the peace of mind!

Summary

Using smartphones for LED lighting control and timers is one of the easiest eco-conscious family routines to try when you want to save some money. However, the morning ritual can also become something of a game to save water, and mixing up travel plans can help you get fitter.