Ways To Be Eco-Friendly On A Budget

Do you want to live in a way that is better for the environment? Are you also living on a budget? If so, you might feel it’s impossible to live within your means while being sustainable in your choices.

Taking steps to limit your impact on the environment might sound like something only rich people can do, but the opposite is actually the case. Many efforts to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle are cheaper in the long run.

So, it’s not difficult to follow some steps to help your wallet while making you feel good about helping the planet.

Here are some tips you can follow to live eco-friendly while on a budget.

Why These Two Goals Go Hand In Hand

Many choices, personally and globally, that impact the environment adversely are motivated by having as much as possible. The attitude of having many things and consuming no matter the cost hurts the environment, and it’s also bad for a budget.

Many sustainability tips are about doing more with less or repurposing items. It’s an attitude and lifestyle that focuses less on having a bunch of stuff and more on having the necessary items that last.

Five Specific Tips To Live Sustainably With A Budget In Mind

Eco-friendly and wallet-friendly are compatible ideas, so now let’s look at some of the ways you can achieve both of these goals at the same time.

Use one multi-purpose cleaner: While the stores are packed with lots of cleaning solutions for different areas of the home, you can use a multi-purpose cleaner for most things. Vinegar and baking soda are two of the best cleaning ingredients and are pretty affordable.
Save money when doing laundry: Many expert sources recommend washing your clothes in cold water and line drying items. These two steps can help minimize energy use when doing laundry.
Don’t eat as much meat: Beef is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting down on the amount of meat you eat can be cheaper and better for the planet. Even Dave Ramsey recommends following this step, so you know it will help you save.
Think sustainable fashion: Staying up on fashion trends can be expensive if you buy new things. But, even people who love clothes are trying to be more conscious of their choices. You can start by thrifting and learning to repair minor issues in clothes. Also, don’t forget to make better choices with accessories by avoiding leather and seeking out lab-grown diamond earrings or necklaces instead of real jewels.
Repurpose everything you can: When you’re on a tight budget, using what you have is essential, and this approach is also great for the ecosystem. You can repurpose things like glass jars and plastic containers. It’s also wise to learn basic skills to help you upcycle used items like furniture.

The above steps will help you cut what you spend each month, and you’ll also feel good knowing that you aren’t harming the planet. While they might not seem like much, they really can go a long way in saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.

Make Small Changes As You Go

Because minor changes to your lifestyle can help you save money and make more sustainable choices, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Start with one item on the list and focus on that, and then you can incorporate a new tip the next month.

You should also do what works best for you and your lifestyle because you know the actions you will be able to commit to in the long term.