Save money while helping the planet—here’s how!

We as human beings all have an impact on the environment we live in. According to WWF, we are using the equivalent of 1.5 Earths to produce all the renewable resources we use. An increasing number of people are becoming more conscious of the ecological issues the world is facing, and would like to do something about it. However it can feel overwhelming. There seems to be so many problems and so little time, and we might be left thinking that whatever small step we take to reduce our carbon footprint, it won’t even scratch the surface. And even if we decide to do our part as much as we can, living sustainably on a budget can be challenging as we often have to pay a higher price when buying products labelled as ‘eco-friendly’.

But there are ways you can live a more sustainable life without overspending. In this post we will list our top ten simple sustainability hacks you can all implement to save money and protect the environment.

Eco-friendly living without breaking the bank

Thrift shopping. Finding secondhand items for everyday needs is personally my favourite way to contribute to a circular economy, where everything is reused as long as possible. And thrifting you can easily build a sustainable wardrobe without overspending, more tips on that here. Break the consumerist waste cycle!

Community swaps. Nowadays there are also places where you can borrow or swap items like tools, books, or clothing. Just have a look in your local community! It is a good way to reuse items while meeting like minded people. And don’t forget to ask also friends and family!

Repairing. When an item is broken, see if it can be repaired. Learn to mend your clothes.
Upcycling and DIYing. The internet is a treasure trove when looking for DIY upcycle projects, bringing new life and purpose to items instead of sending them to the landfill. Check out some DIY zero-waste alternatives that can save you money here.

Simple green hacks to shrink your bills

Live in a sustainable house. You can implement green and low-cost measures to lower utility bills and protect the environment. Check out our tips for energy efficiency and water conservation in your house.

Minimalist Lifestyle. Focusing on real ‘needs’ instead of fleeting ‘wants’ will make living more sustainably easier, even on a tight budget. And you will be surrounded by things which add value and joy to your life. You can find our favourite zero-waste swaps here.

Urban Gardening. Grow your own produce at home or in community gardens to cut food expenses and reduce environmental impact.

Eco tricks for a green life

Sustainable Meal Planning. Create budget-friendly, eco-conscious meal plans with seasonal, local produce. Read how you can reduce your food waste here.

Eco-Friendly Transportation. Whenever possible use biking, walking, or public transit to save money and lower emissions. You can find our tips on how to travel sustainably here.

Embrace digital minimalism. Adopt a sustainable approach to technology and reduce your e-waste while saving money on your electronics. Don’t know how to recycle your old electronics? Read this post!

Be the change…step by step!

These are all actionable tips that will make possible living sustainably on a budget. As human beings we all have an impact on the planet, but there are a lot of things we can do to minimise our environmental footprint. Small changes in your daily life can bring a huge benefit to our planet, and once you realise that and start making informed decisions, all your subsequent actions will come naturally, and before you realise you will be living a life truer to nature and yourself.

And remember…no step is too small towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle!