Home is where most of our energy consumption occurs. It’s a smart place to make eco-friendlier and more efficient, both for the planet and your wallet over time. And it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg right now.

Here are a few ways to help improve your home’s carbon footprint for less:

Choose refurbished or second hand
Manufacturing uses significant energy to make the things in our home, and the decomposition of things thrown in a landfill can release lots of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Buying used, second hand, or refurbished items for anything from furniture to appliances can really save your budget while also cutting down on waste. Check out thrift stores, estate sales, overstock sections at your local shops or free-and-for-sale groups on social media to score new-to-you items.

Play the long game
Although some of the most impactful eco-friendly upgrades, such as new windows or a heat pump, may feel out of reach cost wise, remember that with good planning and patience, you can always go step by step.

Reaching the green home of your dreams doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re taking steps towards it. Do your research and choose whatever update makes the most sense, then make a plan to work towards others. You’ll save money in the long run.

Apply for benefits and credits
Make sure to file your taxes every year to get the benefits and credits you’re entitled to – you might even get a tax refund. For help with going green, there’s also the Climate action incentive payment. It’s paid out quarterly by the federal government to residents of Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta to offset what you pay for the federal price on pollution.

To receive these payments, you need to file your tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency will assess your eligibility when you file. If you’re eligible, you can expect to receive payments in April, July, October and January. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, only one of you can get the credit for the family.

If you’re a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island, you may be eligible for the CAIP later this year. But since the federal fuel charge will only begin in those provinces on July 1, 2023, the April 2023 payment will not apply to them.

This climate-oriented cash might be a helpful cushion to use towards green updates, whatever they look like for you. Find more information at canada.ca/cai-payment.

credit – newscanada