8 Easy Ways to be More Sustainable on a Budget

BY JENNIFER LARKIN

I get it, sometimes when you think about sustainability, you think about the price tag, but I’m here to tell ya that it doesn’t have to break the bank. It is so important to shine light on how easy it is to be sustainable with a little bit of extra intention. 

Please don’t think that just because you are one person, you cannot make a difference. Imagine if 8 billion people said that? We wouldn’t get anywhere. Change happens in small numbers, consistently, that ripple effects to the masses. 

I promise, you have an influence and at least one person looks up to you.

Why can’t you be the one that influences another to make more sustainable choices? That’s what I always tell myself.

So, without further adieu, here are 8 ways to be more sustainable on a budget:

1. UPCYCLE

This can be used in so many different areas of life. Get creative! Ideas: 

⊹ When you buy products in glass jars, repurpose it for other things like storing your bulk product (nuts, oats, etc.), glasses to drink out of, & plant flowers in them

⊹ Another great way to up-cycle is to sew or bring to a tailor old garments or recycled materials & turn them into new garments (there are great YouTube videos, and patterns on Etsy!)

⊹ Lastly, give new life to your old furniture, or furniture you buy on consignment — again, get creative! I’ve been seeing so many amazing projects on TikTok.

2. BULK BUY

My favorite place to buy in bulk is Thrive Market — it is an online marketplace for ethical products ranging from Seventh Generation toilet paper to Cocokind skincare– use my code for $25 off your first order!

⊹ This helps reduce my plastic consumption & they ship everything in sustainable packaging! You gotta love it!

3. RENT YOUR CLOTHES

This is a HUGE one for me!

NUULY & Rent the Runway both have great sustainable options, although not all of the garments are deemed *sustainable* it is a great way to reduce your shopping habits. I’ve cut mine by more than 50%! This allows several renters to wear a piece of clothing and the option to buy the garment at a reduced cost if they wish (I RARELY buy)–Use my code for $10 off your first NUULY box!

4. BYOF: Bring your own food!

Whether it’s while driving, flying, or taking public transit, I think we often overlook how much plastic is used at these to-go places at airports, rest-stops, and train stations.

⊹I love my reusable bowl for salads, grain bowls, etc. 

⊹I always bring my reusable cutlery, reusable straws just in case I grab a latte 🙂

⊹I also save so much $$ this way and eat healthier on the go! Especially as a vegan, there are often very few options at places like this.

5. PURCHASE CLEAN CLEANING SUPPLIES

⊹If I’m not using my Kangen water machine, I purchase non-toxic products from Thrive Market or Grove Collaborative, and even my local grocery store now! 

⊹Some brands are Meyers and Seventh Generation

6. MAKE YOUR OWN SMOOTHIES & JUICES

Invest in a blender & or juicer. This cuts the use of plastic & or styrofoam cups and straws from getting from a juice bar.  *I cant believe places still use styrofoam cups*

⊹This is also usually a healthier option because you know 100% what is going into your juice or smoothie & you’ll save a TON of money.

⊹You’ll get your investment back in only a few drinks.

7. INVEST IN REUSABLE BAGS

This is a great option to use for so many things!

⊹I.e bring on the go to the grocery store, a local market, or trips to the beach

⊹Check out these tote and market bags from my sustainable shop 🙂 here & here

8. BUY ECO / REFILLABLE DEODORANT

This is another I think as a collective we often overlook! The plastic used, the chemicals in the leading brands… don’t even get me started, lol.

⊹I use an amazing brand called MYRO that has a handful of amazing scents & different color containers. You can also subscribe to save on your monthly subscription(s).

I hope these options help you get creative and realize that it isn’t as hard as you may think to switch to more sustainable practices in your life!

Remember, a lot of little actions add up.