Living waste-free on a budget: practical tips from eco-savvy influencers
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What if I told you that living waste free on a budget is not only doable, but also super easy?
When I first became interested in making sustainable changes around the house, I wanted to rush out and by the fancy lunchboxes, mason jars, water bottles and glass containers I associated with being “successful” at zero-waste.
Maybe you can relate? The good news is that you don’t need to do this!
If you want to know how to move towards a zero-waste lifestyle without spending a heap of money, then keep on reading.
9 tips for living waste-free on a budget
Use what you already have
It’s easy to go down a Pinterest Board hole when looking for zero-waste inspiration. Having an Instagrammable pantry or the latest stainless steel lunch box set won’t make you more “successful” at zero-waste living. Using the old containers or drink bottles in the beginning is a lot cheaper!
I know a lot of people who, when they want to go zero waste, go out and buy all these fancy jars. A lot of the time you’re already bringing in jars from grocery stores, like pasta sauce or salsa jars that you could easily use. Just use boiling water to get the sticker off. I’ll use them for bulk shopping or to store leftovers in.
Jhánneu
(Jars also make great a great zero-waste gift packaging option!)
People often ask me if they should throw out their Tupperware that they’ve had 8-10 years, and my answer is no, use them! Yes, Tupperware is made out of plastic but it’s durable AF and if you like your containers, then keep them. You don’t need to acquire new things – if you can avoid spending money on extra stuff, then do that!
Gittemary johanesen
Stop purchasing non-essential single use items
An easy place to start is by thinking about all the single use times you purchase on a regular basis and simply not buying them anymore! Plastic cups, paper napkins, paper towels, zip lock bags, tissue paper, plastic water bottles, cotton rounds, makeup remover wipes just to name a few.
Lindsey Hughes
use your network
Ask your community, family and friends for products your looking for. You have no idea how many things are out there that people just don’t need anymore. Not everyone declutters as much as they should so there are probably garages full of exactly what you need. One of my mum’s friends had an almost brand new juicer that she gave to me when I was thinking about getting into juicing. It was just collecting dust in her garage!
Manuela Barón Girl Gone Green.
use cutlery from your house
There are definitely utensil kits that you can buy that are made from bamboo, super light and wrapped in a nice little package. But if you don’t want to invest in one yet, something you can do that is absolutely free is take utensils from your house. Carrying around my own zero-waste kit with my water bottle and cutlery has helped my reduce my waste probably the most out of everything else I’ve done in my life.
shelbizleee
Make your own cleaning products
Save money by skipping mainstream, toxic cleaners and trying this cheap and simple DIY all purpose cleaner from sedonachristina
1. Eat a yummy orange. (Preferably one that hasn’t been dyed to enhance its orange color… p.s. oranges aren’t naturally perfectly orange)
2. Soak citrus rinds in white vinegar (opt for buying it in glass, or bulk if possible) for a few days to a week (or two) to let the aroma infuse. It will help to fill down the vinegar’s scenty punch. Then remove the rinds.
3. You can also use 10ish drops of essential oil if you need the spray asap!
4. Feel free to dilute with some water if the vinegar is too strong smelling for you.
5. Then pour some in a spray bottle and voíla!
Shop zero-waste products Secondhand
If you find that you really do need some things for you zero waste experience, see if you can find those products secondhand first. Ok, a bamboo toothbrush is probably something you’d want to buy fresh and new but you could totally hunt for a travel coffee mug at your local thrift shop. I have found some really great high-quality reusable water bottles and travel mugs while shopping secondhand in my town.
TINY YELLOW BUNGALOW
Simplify your routines
Is your toiletries bag overflowing? Maybe it’s time to reassess your beauty routine. Stick to the necessities; after all, how many lipsticks or colognes does one person need? (that’s a trick question, because obviously we don’t need any, but perhaps reduce to one or two of your faves and stop buying any more). Simplify all of your daily routines and reduce your stuff down to what you actually use, and when you do that, be sure not to buy anything other than replacements as required. You’ll save money for sure!
TARA – zero waste collective
say no to trends
Whether it’s a fashion trend or the latest gadget that everybody else has, step back and ask yourself, ‘Will I use this a year from now’? ‘Will I regret spending x amount of money on it in the future?
Madeleine olivia
creating a waste free lifestyle doesn’t need to be expensive
In fact, it should be the opposite! There are many ways to live waste free on a budget. In fact, it’s possible to actually save money thanks to these eco-friendly habits and swaps.
Before rushing out to the eco-friendly store to stock up on Pinterest-ready pantry staples and items to make the perfect flat lay, remember to focus on what’s really important – actually putting zero-waste actions into practice instead of simply creating the illusion of a zero-waste lifestyle.
You might not be able to make dozens of zero-waste swaps overnight, but small changes add up over time. And if these tips are anything to go by, your hip pocket with thank you, too!
Do you have any tips to add? Share them in the comments below!
