Go zero waste with these 5 budget-friendly sustainable alternatives!

A zero waste lifestyle is all about embracing a simpler living to reduce consumption and waste. Fighting against waste will save you a lot of money, and it is the most important step we need to take if we want to be intentional about reducing our carbon footprint. The good news is, a minimalist living is not as difficult and expensive as you might think. A few simple budget-friendly zero-waste swaps in your daily routine can really make a big difference without breaking the bank.

Is eco-friendly living possible?

If you are reading this post, you are probably interested in finding out what’s all this fuss about zero waste and minimalism, or maybe you’ve already taken some steps towards a clutter-free existence. Either way, when researching this topic it becomes clear very soon that leading a waste free life has its challenges and can be overwhelming. Everything in today’s world seems to conspire against whoever is environmentally conscious and would like to take active steps in reducing their carbon footprint. Despite governments around the world planning to ban it, single use plastic is still all around us at home, at work and in the shops. We are told that we should consume less resources. But at the same time we are bombarded with ads telling us that we need to buy more stuff. Companies are increasingly offering eco-friendly versions of their products. But they are often more expensive and not always ‘green’ as they claim to be.

So how can we embark in this journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle, without losing our sanity? In this post we will discuss a number of practical steps we can all take to reduce our waste and contribute to a healthier environment.

Easy, affordable zero-waste tips to try today

These 5 budget-friendly zero-waste swaps will trim both your waste and your expenses.

• Use durable storage solutions. Reuse plastic containers or glass jars you already own to store your food as long as they last. If and when you need to replace them, invest in durable glass, pyrex or stainless steel containers.
• DIY cleaning products. You can clean most surfaces in your house using only a homemade mixture of water, vinegar and baking soda. You can make cleaning wipes out of old clothes or sheets, instead of using paper towels. Old socks are great for dusting.
• Swap paper with fabric. Replace your paper napkins with fabric ones. You can also use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
• Refillable water bottles & coffee cups. Reduce disposable bottles and cups waste by bringing your reusable water bottle and coffee cup with you wherever you go. Some coffee shops will even offer a discount on your drink if you bring your reusable cup!
• Reusable shopping and produce bags. Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable cloth or mesh bags when shopping, and when buying loose fruit and veg.

What’s the zero waste movement REALLY about?

This is not an easy journey, and it involves some soul searching. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, especially at the beginning. And some might feel the desire to find some shortcuts and “buy their way” into a zero waste lifestyle, thinking that it can be achieved only by replacing what you already own with the latest trendy gadgets.

The truth is, the key concept of ‘zero waste’, ‘plastic free’ and all those other fancy terms is to reduce waste, and reduce our impact on the planet. Any of us who decides to do that will need to take different actions, depending on their lifestyle and circumstances. There isn’t one right way to do this. And there are soooo many options and opportunities to live a more sustainable lifestyle on any budget!

Do you want to know how you can save money while living sustainably? Read here!