With so much talk about global warming and other environmental issues, you would be hard pressed to find a consumer who wouldn’t prefer to buy more sustainable products. Still, many consumers avoid going green with their shopping habits because they simply think these eco-friendly purchases cannot fit into a limited family budget. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though, especially when using coupons and discounts can make reducing costs and carbon footprints less of a hassle. Here’s how to do so:
Use Crate and Barrel Coupons to Buy Quality, Not Quantity
Buying sustainable furniture and decor for your home doesn’t have to mean missing out on savings. You can use promo codes and cashback offers that will make eco-friendly housewares from brands like Crate and Barrel more affordable. Finding ways to save on higher quality items for your home is a much more sustainable alternative to purchasing fast furniture. Even though many fast furniture manufacturers claim to use recycled and reclaimed materials in their products, other elements of manufacturing can lead to even more of a carbon footprint. Not to mention that those cheaper products are far more likely to end up in landfills than premium, eco-friendly Crate and Barrel finds.
Look for BYO Deals to Save at Local Retailers
Grabbing a cup of coffee or a quick lunch may not seem like a big deal when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. However, if you’re opting for single-use containers when you pick up those quick snacks and meals, you could be contributing to the planet’s plastic problem in a pretty big way. Single-use plastics, including bags, straws, lids, and cups, will usually wind up polluting landfills, waterways and even the ocean. In fact, a recent news story about a sperm whale washing up in Sicily with a stomach filled with plastics is just one of many instances that has highlighted this issue. So how can you stop using single-use plastics and save money at the same time? Well, many restaurants and stores offer discounts to customers who bring their own bags, cups, or containers, so you can help the planet and your budget at the same time.
Score Used Treasures at Thrift Stores and Online Retailers
If you love finding killer deals at your local thrift store, you should know that those secondhand purchases could also be helping the environment. Some of the many benefits of thrifting include reducing the amount of clothing and goods that end up being tossed out, as well as helping to offset the carbon costs of manufacturing and supplying new items. In terms of coupons and savings, many of the most popular thrift sites offer discounts to first-time customers as well as sales throughout the year. You can also save on secondhand clothing and accessories by selling or trading items from your closet, so you can reduce your waste and your spending. Sites like Poshmark even allow you to trade with other sellers, so you can score fashion for free.
Upcycle Household Waste into Something Sustainable
When you are looking to lead a more sustainable life, reducing your waste should be a top priority. One creative way to cut down on the amount you toss out is to upcycle old items into useful projects all around your home. With a little time and a few supplies, you can turn mason jars into lanterns, trash cans into container gardens, and twigs into beautiful home accents. Before you begin any of these DIY craft projects, you may need to visit a store like Michaels to pick up glue, paints, and other essentials, but you should never pay full price for those supplies. For example, Michaels always offers some sort of coupon or discount if you do a little digging first. Some craft stores will also accept competitor coupons, which can save you even more.
Being eco-friendly with purchases doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when the internet is full of so many coupons, promo codes, and cashback opportunities that can help save money on sustainable goods. So don’t let your own budget concerns keep you from going green.
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