How To Live Sustainably On A Budget: 30 Simple and Effective Tips

Ready to be more eco-friendly but not sure how to live sustainably on a budget? Try these 30 approachable and affordable tips.

health and well-being, foster a better sense of community, improve our connection with nature, and save some money while doing so!

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It All Begins With Awareness and Simple Changes

When Bea Johnson’s Zero-Waste Home Blog popped up on our radar almost a decade ago, we were ready to jump in with both feet and fully commit to reducing our household waste to a single pint-sized jar, just like Bea. But boy, did we find out fast what a monumental task that would actually be!

When we started becoming aware of just how much we were throwing into the trash each day, our bad habits became really obvious, and we quickly started to notice wasteful purchases that we could easily cut out. 

And that’s where it all begins, with awareness. While we’ve still not perfected living the zero-waste lifestyle, we sure have learned a lot of easy and effective tips for living more sustainably.

In this post, we’re sharing our favorite practical hacks for sustainable living on a budget that we've learned over the years. From budget-friendly cleaning supplies to reducing energy usage, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in together!

Quick Reference:

1. Choose natural products that are good for you and the environment
2. Ditch paper napkins for cute cotton reusable ones
3. Replace your paper towels with cotton reusable kitchen towels
4. Skip bagging your produce with single-use plastic bags and opt for reusable produce bags
5. Buying in bulk is also a great way to reduce packaging waste
6. Eat more veggies and be mindful of food waste
7. Choose seasonal and locally grown produce
8. Plan meals before heading to the grocery store and use leftovers when you can to reduce food waste
9. Opt for plant-based protein sources like peas, beans, and lentils
10. Limit your incoming purchases 
11. Use glass jars for storage
12. Turn old clothing into rags
13. Reuse gift wrap for future presents or to create gift tags
14. Recycle items you can no longer use the right way
15. Shop mindfully
16. Make your own cleaning supplies
17. Buy refurbished electronics
18. Buy secondhand
19. Borrow items from friends and family members
20. Grow your own food
21. Unplug small household electronics
22. Replace old light bulbs with LEDs
23. Use power strips to turn off electronics when not in use
24. Opt to take advantage of natural light when you can instead of relying on artificial light
25. Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer
26. Use a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot to cook meals faster and use less energy
27. Use a toaster oven instead of the oven when making small meals
28. Opt to use a laptop instead of a desktop computer for lower energy usage
29. Need to run a quick errand? Why not bike or walk if the weather is nice?
30. Look for ways you can incorporate eco-friendly transportation into your weekly routine

Practical Tips for Sustainable Living on a Budget

1) Choose Natural Products That Are Good For You and the Environment

Making the switch to natural products is one of the easiest switches to make and will have some of the furthest-reaching impacts. Opting for natural products, whether it’s cleaning supplies, personal care products, or natural fibers for the clothes you buy, has a lot of important implications:

• Reduces your exposure to chemicals that can cause long-term health problems

• Reduces the amount of toxic chemicals polluting our environment

• Reduces waste going into landfills

• Decreases demand for new plastic production

• Supports ethical and fair labor practices

Choosing eco-friendly alternatives sends a message to corporate companies that there is a growing demand for eco-friendly products. This will encourage them to produce more sustainable items in more ethical ways in the future.

Switch to Reusable Products When Possible

Single-use products like plastic bags, plastic water bottles, cardboard coffee cups, dental floss, and plastic straws (just to name a few) are one of the largest contributors to our global waste crisis.

By choosing to find reusable alternatives for only 25 disposable items in your home, you can have a significant positive impact on reducing global waste. While 25 items may sound like a lot at first, check out our posts on sustainable swaps for the home, and we’re sure you’ll find 25 alternatives pretty easily!

Making the switch to reusable and biodegradable products requires a small mindset shift towards prioritizing the long-term environmental impact of our choices over short-term convenience.

These changes aren’t difficult. They just require a little planning and thinking ahead. We promise you won’t even miss those single-use items since the more sustainable, reusable versions are usually better designed and better quality, so you’ll be happy to keep them around longer.

Sustainable Alternatives To Reduce Waste In Your Home

2) Ditch paper napkins for cute cotton reusable ones

3) While you’re at it, why not replace your paper towels with cotton reusable kitchen towels

4) Skip bagging your produce in those flimsy single-use plastic bags at grocery stores (you’re going to wash your produce once you get home anyway, right?) or opt for reusable produce bags

5) Buying in bulk is also a great way to reduce packaging waste, as it avoids the need to buy disposable items repeatedly. There is no shame in bringing your own refillable glass jars with you to the store. So hang on to those old glass peanut butter and mayonnaise jars.

6) Eat More Veggies and Be Mindful of Food Waste

Choosing to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based foods is another avenue to explore if you’re looking to make more sustainable lifestyle changes. With 99.48 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents per kilogram, beef production remains the biggest source of greenhouse gases.

We’re not saying to remove meat completely from your diet, but simply reducing the amount of meat you eat every week can help reduce carbon emissions and preserve more natural resources. If every person in the U.S. cut their meat consumption by 25 percent, it would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1 percent.

Also, limiting the amount of highly processed foods in your diet is a good sustainable choice as the production and transportation of processed foods involve more energy and resources, with a significant impact on climate change. This is also a good way to avoid the single-use plastics that processed foods often come in.

Tips for Sustainable Eating:

7) Choose seasonal and locally grown produce

8) Plan meals before heading out to the grocery stores and use leftovers when you can to reduce food waste

9) Opt for plant-based protein sources like peas, beans, and lentils.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle for Greater Impact

This one may be really obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves now and again that staying on top of ways to reduce waste and looking for new ways to reuse and repurpose what we already own is the best way to keep up with our sustainability goals while keeping a lot of money in your bank account. 

10) Limit Incoming Purchases 

It goes without saying that the first step to reducing waste is limiting your new purchases. Carefully evaluating each new purchase can help curb the habit of just acquiring more "stuff" that ends up unused or discarded. This also cuts down on the resources and energy used to produce those goods.

Before buying something new, ask yourself:

- Is it something I need?

- Is it something I will use?

- Will it add value to my life?

Remaining more mindful about your purchases is one of the easiest ways to start your more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

• It leads to buying higher quality, longer lasting items. Thinking through purchases may mean opting for better-made goods that will last for years vs. cheaply made disposable items. Higher quality items often can be repaired rather than replaced.
• It helps identify redundant or unnecessary purchases. Do you really need another gadget or kitchen tool similar to what you already have? Critical thinking can prevent duplicate or unneeded items.
• It supports buying used, recycled, and upcycled goods. Thrift stores, yard sales, or second-hand markets are great places to find quality used items before buying something new.
• It reduces packaging waste. Carefully choosing products with minimal, recyclable, or plastic-free packaging makes a difference in waste output.
• It enables buying local products which don't have to be shipped long distances. Supporting local artisans and farmers is more sustainable.

Making deliberate purchases aligned with your values is an impactful habit that reduces waste and excess. It enables you to make choices that genuinely improve your quality of life without unnecessary environmental costs.

Reuse House Hold Items When Possible

Reusing household items is another way to live sustainably on a budget. By finding creative ways to repurpose household items, we can save money in the long term. 

11) Use glass jars for storage

12) Turn old clothing into rags

13) Reuse gift wrap for future presents or to create gift tags

14) Recycle Items You Can No Longer Use The Right Way

Recycling is an essential part of sustainable living. While it can take a little more legwork, it’s important to know what items can and can’t be recycled and how to recycle them properly to make sure we are maximizing our opportunities for keeping renewable resources out of landfills.

The Recycling Partnership has created a really cool chat tool that provides you with real-time answers about what’s accepted for recycling based on your zip code. It's super quick and easy and takes out all of the guesswork.

Suggested Reading: Simplify Your Home and Clear the Clutter with These 5 Surprising Tips

How to Make Sustainable Living Affordable

15) Shop Mindfully

Mindful consumption is about really getting clear on your personal values and priorities and aligning them with your consumption habits. It also means being informed about the environmental and social impact of products you buy and making conscious choices to reduce waste each time you buy.

Once you’re really clear on your personal philosophy, what items you know you will use, and that will provide purpose and value in your life, saying no to anything else becomes really easy. And if that something provides no other value than simply providing a smile each time you look at it, that counts, too!

Tips For Staying Mindful While Shopping:

• Avoid impulse purchases. Try to be intentional with each and every purchase you make. If it isn’t something you need right away, think about it for a week or two before buying. If you’re still wanting to make the purchase, this is usually a good indicator that it’s something that will add value to your life.

• Consider the impact of your purchases on the environment- is it adding to single-use plastic waste? Is there a ton of packaging that can’t be recycled?

• Prioritize quality over quantity- choose durable and long-lasting products

• Buying second-hand or rent when you can (this is great for the environment and for saving money!)

• Opt for sustainable, no-tox, or low-tox and eco-friendly products with minimal packaging whenever possible.

• Try to support local and ethical businesses whenever possible

• Repair or repurpose old items

Suggested Reading: Non-Toxic Food Storage: Breathe Easy With These 5 Upcycled Plastic-Free Food Storage Ideas

16) Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Making your own cleaning supplies is a budget-friendly and sustainable way to keep your home sparkling clean. Not only are homemade cleaners eco-friendly, but they're also free of harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

Plus, you can customize your cleaners to your liking, and the ingredients can be found in your pantry or local store. From all-purpose cleaners to glass and bathroom cleaners, making your own cleaning supplies is an easy way to save money and feel good about how you’re cleaning your home.

We love this article from Good Housekeeping on 8 Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work. This has totally revolutionized how we clean at home, and most can be made with supplies you probably have around the house already.

17) Buy Refurbished Electronics

This is one of our go-to secrets for saving big-time money. From noise-canceling headphones to iPads, smartwatches, and blenders, we’ve saved thousands of dollars over the years by purchasing refurbished electronics.

You can also feel good about your purchases since buying refurbished electronics reduces electronic waste, which is a growing problem around the world.

Amazon has a whole storefront dedicated to sourcing expertly refurbished and pre-owned products called Amazon Renewed. Most refurbished products are repaired and restored to like-new condition and often come with a warranty or guarantee. Most of the time, you can't even tell they've been used. 

18) Buy Secondhand

Buying secondhand, whether it's from a thrift store, off NextDoor, or OfferUp, is a great way to find unique and often higher-quality items for less while also reducing waste by giving new life to pre-owned goods. You're helping to keep items out of landfills and reducing the need for new production. Plus, it can be really fun to discover hidden treasures and unique finds that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

19) Borrow Items From Friends and Family Members

Instead of buying a new tool or outfit for a one-time use, consider reaching out to someone you know who may have the item you need. If you need an item that you know you’ll only be using for a limited time, borrowing these items from friends and family members, such as books, tools, or clothing, can help reduce waste and is a good excuse to keep in touch.

If you’re picking up a new hobby and not sure if it’s going to stick, borrowing can also help you discover new items and interests without having to commit financially. And you can avoid cluttering up your garage or attic with relics of hobbies that never took off.

If you’re working on a DIY project, often your local energy provider or local library will lend out tools. It’s worth a quick internet search before running out to buy expensive tools you may only use once.

20) Grow Your Own Food

Growing your own food at home or in a community garden is a great way to embrace a sustainable lifestyle. When you grow your own food, you are reducing your carbon footprint by minimizing the distance your food travels from farm to table.

Additionally, growing your own food allows you to control what goes into it, ensuring that it is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. This not only benefits your health but also contributes to the overall health of the environment. Plus, growing your own food can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

If you’re short on space, that doesn’t mean that you can’t grow your own food at home. We have a whole post on How to Grow an Eco-Friendly Container Garden in Small Spaces. You’ll be amazed at how much food you can produce on a porch or on a windowsill.

Community gardens are also a great option if you feel like you don’t have the right environment or resources to start gardening at home. Community gardens are typically maintained by local volunteers and are open to the public. It’s a really fun way to get to know new people in your community while enjoying the benefits of fresh produce.

Suggested Reading: Sustainable Life Hacks: How to Grow an Eco-Friendly Container Garden in Small Spaces

Reduce Energy Consumption at Home

We’ve found that making a few simple changes around the home is one of the small steps that has helped us to see significant savings on our energy bills. And as an added bonus, we feel better about reducing our environmental impact.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to save energy at home is just to stay mindful of your daily habits. For example, turning off lights and electronics when you're not using them.

Are you guilty like we are of letting your computer run for weeks on end without shutting it down? Try to make a daily habit of shutting it off completely when you’re ready to shut down for the day. It's a good way to save energy and your sanity. 

21) Unplug Small Household Electronics

Unplugging small household electronics when they're not in use is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption since many appliances continue to use energy even when they're turned off. Not only are you saving money, but you’re extending the longevity of your electronics. Take a quick scan of your household. Can you unplug any of these items right now?

• Electric kettle

• Electric toothbrush

• Toasters and toaster ovens

• Phone chargers

• Coffee maker

• Printer

More Energy-Saving Tips for More Sustainable Living 

22) Replace old light bulbs with LEDs

23) Use power strips to turn off multiple electronics when not in use

24) Opt to take advantage of natural light when you can instead of relying on artificial light

25) Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer

26) Use a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot to cook meals faster and use less energy

27) Use a toaster oven instead of the oven when making small meals

28) Opt to use a laptop instead of a desktop computer for lower energy usage

29) Need to run a quick errand? Why not bike or walk if the weather is nice?

30) Look For Ways You Can Incorporate Eco-Friendly Transportation Into Your Weekly Routine

Since opting to walk and bike to more local destinations in the evenings and on the weekends, we’ve started to see a good bit of savings on our weekly gas bill. Opting to walk or bike is a great way to slow down a little bit, get out in the sunshine, and incorporate a little more movement into your day.

We realize, though, that walking and biking might not be realistic options depending on where you live. If that’s the case for you, try checking out public transportation options if you live in a place that has a well-thought-out transit system. It's often more affordable than driving and can help to reduce congestion on the roads.

Carpooling is also a great option for those who live in areas without reliable public transportation. By sharing a ride with others, you can save money on gas and reduce the number of cars on the road, which helps to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

Trying to live more sustainably on a budget can often feel overwhelming and expensive. However, it doesn't have to be! These 30 simple and effective tips on how to live sustainably on a budget show that living sustainably doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save resources, and even save money in the long run.

• Choosing natural personal care and cleaning products, as well as switching to reusable products like cloth napkins, reusable produce bags, and refillable glass jars rather than single-use products, is a good place to start.
• You may want to consider eating more veggies and reducing meat consumption to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle can also have a big impact.
• Mindful consumption, shopping secondhand, and borrowing items from friends and family can also reduce waste and save money.
• Finally, incorporating eco-friendly transportation into your routine can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save money.

Recommended Reading:

• Zero-Waste Home Blog
• Sustainable Swaps for the Home
• Non Toxic Food Storage: Breathe Easy With These 5 Upcycled Plastic-Free Food Storage Ideas
• Simplify Your Home and Clear the Clutter with These 5 Surprising Tips
• How to Grow an Eco-Friendly Container Garden in Small Spaces
• 8 Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work
• 4 Slow Living Habits To Naturally Reduce Cortisol Levels

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