By Danielle Barron, Irish Times

Whether your inner climate critic is a whisper or a deafening roar, most of us are now trying to make more sustainable choices. One unexpected benefit of living more sustainably is a healthier bank balance, as careful shopping, energy efficiency and repairing and upcycling our belongings can significantly reduce outgoings.

Food waste alone can cost a household up to €700 a year, while turning the thermostat down just one degree can take as much as 10 per cent off heating bills. Similarly, using smart plugs and lightbulbs is a way of cutting those hideously expensive electricity bills. But are Irish people fully embracing the sustainable lifestyle and availing of the associated money savings?

Daniel Peng is an assistant professor at the School of Business in University College Dublin. Having lived elsewhere before coming to Ireland, such as the US, Canada and Germany, the economist has observed stark differences in the approach to living sustainably between populations.

First appeared on IrishTimes.com on January 26th, 2024. Read the full article here.