Since eco-friendly materials and organic food tends to be on the pricey side, being a conscious consumer on a limited budget can sometimes seem impossible. However, believe it or not, it really is possible to save money while saving the planet. Shoppers have a variety of opportunities to cut the costs of natural foods, biodegradable products, and green alternatives. Everyone can do their part for the planet without sacrificing their financial security. Here are some excellent ways to save money and shop sustainably at the same time.
Buy Products Built to Last
One of the best ways to shop more sustainably is to buy items that will last a really long time. Low-quality products can wear out quickly, ending up in the landfill and costing you more money in the long run as you replace the same items again and again. This is especially true for clothing, shoes, and accessories. If possible, spend a little more money on your clothing so you can get quality pieces that are made to last. While you might think of these purchases as an investment, they don’t have to be overwhelmingly expensive. Clothing deals and coupon, for example, can help you save a lot of money on quality products.
The same goes for furniture, bedding, kitchen tools, and appliances. Generally, you’ll save money over time by splurging a little in higher-quality options. You may even be able to find durable, gently-used products at thrift stores or garage sales — these are great places to grab deals on wooden furniture, books, kitchenware, and tools. Giving unwanted items a second life is a fantastic way to support the environment!
Stock Up During Sales
If you’re trying to be frugal, pay close attention to store discounts so you can stock up on your favorite green products while they’re on sale. This works great for environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycled toilet paper, and biodegradable pet waste bags. You may also want to try building your meals around the eco-friendly groceries that you can find on sale instead of searching for pricey ingredients for specific recipes.
According to MoneyCrashers, coffee and beef can be particularly destructive to the environment when grown conventionally, so consider waiting for grass-fed beef and fair-trade, organic coffee to go on sale before buying. Organic veggies may end up even cheaper than their non-organic counterparts during store sales! Use grocery apps like Flipp and Grocery Pal to stay on top of store sales, so you’ll never miss a great discount again.
Stick to a Whole Food Diet
Not only are processed foods bad for our health but for the environment as well. According to Science Daily, healthier foods almost always have the lowest environmental impact. Think whole-grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Plus, processed foods come wrapped in loads of single-use packaging that just ends up in the landfill. Try to avoid buying packaged items and try shopping for whole foods by sticking to the perimeter of your grocery store. Better yet, pay a visit to your local farmer’s market. Buying local fruits and vegetables that are in season will ensure your produce hasn’t traveled far to get to you!
Smart shopping is the key to living sustainably on a limited budget. When you spend the time to hunt down store sales and take advantage of cashback opportunities, you will save a lot of money and enjoy higher-quality products at the same time. Any shopping strategy that helps you buy less stuff will ultimately reduce your environmental impact.
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