Five sustainable lifestyle choices you can make today that will save you money

Want to save money AND the environment? Here are five sustainable lifestyle choices you can make today that are kind on your wallet.

More and more people every day are become concerned at the state of the world today. Not only is a significant amount of waste accumulating in the ocean, but the World Health Organization has reported that one-fourth of all diseases, acquired by both adults and children, are attributed to environmental exposure.

To embrace a sustainable lifestyle means becoming more aware of the impact of your everyday choices on yourself, your community, and the environment. And it CAN have a significant effect. Just look at how quickly pollution decreased and nature bounced back during lockdown.

But a greener lifestyle isn’t just better for us all – it can also help to save you money! To help you with your journey towards sustainable (and more frugal) living, we’ve listed five sustainable lifestyle choices that you can make today.

To embrace a sustainable lifestyle means becoming more aware of the impact of your everyday choices on yourself, your community, and the environment. And it CAN have a significant effect. Just look at how quickly pollution decreased and nature bounced back during lockdown.

As you explore these five eco-conscious choices that not only benefit your wallet but also the planet, you may be inspired to seek further ways to enhance your sustainable lifestyle. Discover a wealth of ideas to live a more sustainable life that encompass eco-friendly practices, from reducing waste to conserving energy, and find additional steps to tread lightly on the Earth while saving money in the process.

1) Boycott single-use products

Using disposable products may be convenient, but a few minutes of using these products are not worth the 400 years of them staying on the planet. And worse, they often have ill effects on our health and infiltrate the ecosystem and harm innocent animals.

Here are a few things that you can do to reduce both your plastic consumption and your expenses at the same time:

  • Always bring an eco-bag with you when you buy your groceries.
  • Bring a water bottle whenever you plan to spend hours outside.
  • If you plan to dine-out, bring utensils with you. If you’re ordering food or planning to go on a drive-thru, simply note that you won’t need disposable utensils and straws. If you’re eating at home, make use of your reusable tableware.
  • Switch to eco-friendly and sustainable products that can last you from months to years! There are a lot of products in the market, from food storage such as reusable Opt for package-free purchases. Bring old containers and have them refilled.
  • Shift to Xomoo’s silicone storage bags and reusable wraps to toiletries, hygiene products such as menstrual cups from Nixit, and these cool, reusable cotton pads by LastObject!
  • Buy items in bulk. This reduces packaging waste and the use of plastic bags. Not only that, shops typically offer discounts for bulk buyers. Also, there are much higher stock turn-overs in stores that sell in bulk. This means that there is a slighter chance that your product is old and won’t be near its best before date. More fresh goods for you!

2) Be conscious about your traveling decisions

Transportation in the form of cars, planes, and motorbikes accounts for one-fourth of the world’s CO2 emissions. Traveling by car is a necessity for most people, especially if your area is not served by public transport or if your intended destination is far.

However, seeking alternatives such as using public transport, using a bike, or simply walking is not only a healthier and cheaper option, but it is also better for the environment.

When traveling to work, carpooling is a good option to lessen gas costs and carbon emissions. You can also ask your employer if a work from home setup is possible.

If you need to travel long distances, opt to use the train or the boat over traveling by air, if possible. This is since the CO2 emission of planes is almost triple that of a train. You will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also meet other people and have a fun adventure.

3) Buy and sell second-hand items

Instead of buying new items, you can visit flea markets, thrift shops, and charity shops. You can also visit online second-hand outlets such as Stuntkoop for a convenient shopping experience with more products to choose from. Using a reputable seller such as this also ensures that every item is in working condition. You can get things second-hand in excellent, almost brand-new condition.

Also, instead of buying new items, you can visit flea markets, thrift shops, and online platforms. There’s a big chance that you’ll get things in excellent, almost brand-new condition.

4) Grow your own food

While buying organic produce in the market is good, it may come with a price. To cut on the cost, grow your own garden. Some of the easiest and simplest vegetables to grow include staples like beans, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Not only will there be zero plastic packaging, but you can also make sure that what you’re eating is fresh and chemical-free.

5) Conserve energy and water at home

Have a sustainable home by adopting simple practices such as switching off appliances on standby, hanging clothes instead of using the drier, and turning off the tap while washing your hands and brushing your teeth.

Another good alternative if you have the budget is to invest in renewable energy such as solar panels. Since these will produce as much energy as you consume, they will massively cut your electric bills expenses. Best of all, it is natural and it is free.

Make sustainable living your lifestyle today

Switching to a sustainable living doesn’t have to be drastic. Even embracing just a few of the tips mentioned above can help to have a substantial positive impact on the environment and on your savings.