How Going “Zero Waste” Accidentally Saved Me $5,000 a Year
I tried to live “zero waste” for a year, and it had a massive, unexpected impact on my finances. By refusing to buy things with packaging, I stopped buying processed foods, which are expensive. I made my own coffee instead of buying it in a disposable cup. I bought all my clothes secondhand. I realized that our consumer culture is a “disposable” culture. By rejecting disposability, I was rejecting a huge amount of unnecessary spending. The environmental goal led to a five thousand-dollar savings without me even trying.
The Best Affordable Swaps for Single-Use Plastics
The most affordable and impactful swaps for single-use plastics are simple. Instead of buying plastic water bottles, I use a reusable stainless steel one. Instead of plastic grocery bags, I use a few canvas tote bags that I’ve had for years. For food storage, I use glass jars from pasta sauce and other foods instead of buying plastic containers. My favorite swap is using a set of reusable produce bags instead of the flimsy plastic ones at the grocery store. These swaps require a small upfront cost or no cost at all, and they save money over time.
I Tried Composting in My Apartment. Here’s How It Went.
I wanted to compost in my small apartment, so I tried vermicomposting (composting with worms). I bought a simple, tiered worm bin online for about fifty dollars and a batch of red wiggler worms. I keep it under my kitchen sink. There is no smell at all. I feed the worms my fruit and vegetable scraps, and they turn it into incredibly rich compost, which I use for my houseplants. It’s a fascinating, easy, and contained system that has drastically reduced my food waste.
The Truth About “Eco-Friendly” Brands That Are Just Greenwashing
“Greenwashing” is when a company uses misleading marketing to seem more eco-friendly than it is. I used to buy laundry detergent from a brand that had green leaves all over its packaging and used words like “natural.” I looked closer and found it was full of the same synthetic chemicals as regular detergent. A truly eco-friendly brand will have specific, third-party certifications (like USDA Organic or Fair Trade) and will be transparent about its ingredients and supply chain. Don’t be fooled by vague, “earthy” marketing.
How to Build a “Buy Nothing” Lifestyle in a Consumer World
A “buy nothing” lifestyle is about being a conscious consumer. My first step was to join my local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group. It’s a community where neighbors offer up items they no longer need for free. I’ve gotten everything from kitchen supplies to kids’ toys from this group. I also prioritize borrowing or renting items I only need once, like a specific tool for a DIY project. It’s about shifting my mindset from “I need to own this” to “I need to use this.”
The Best Affordable and Reusable Alternatives to Paper Towels
I stopped buying paper towels and now use a combination of reusable alternatives. For general cleaning and wiping up spills, I use a stack of cheap, cut-up flour sack towels. They are super absorbent and wash easily. For bigger messes, I have a few “unpaper towels,” which are flannel squares that snap together to form a roll. These simple swaps cost about twenty dollars upfront and have saved me over one hundred dollars a year on disposable paper towels.
I Made My Own Cleaning Supplies for a Year. The Financial Results.
For one year, I made all my own cleaning supplies using three simple ingredients: white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. My all-purpose cleaner was a solution of vinegar and water. For scrubbing sinks and tubs, I made a paste of baking soda and water. The financial results were staggering. I used to spend about twenty dollars a month on various specialized cleaners. My new routine cost less than five dollars a month. I saved over one hundred eighty dollars a year, and my house was just as clean.
The Best Affordable Electric Company That Uses Renewable Energy
You can power your home with renewable energy, often for a low cost. I went to my state’s official energy choice website and compared suppliers. I found a company that offered a plan where 100% of my electricity was sourced from wind and solar power. The rate was only slightly higher than my old, fossil-fuel-based plan—about five dollars more a month. For me, the small extra cost was well worth it to significantly reduce my carbon footprint. In some areas, renewable plans can even be cheaper.
How to Drastically Reduce Your Food Waste
The best way to reduce food waste is to do a weekly “fridge audit.” Every weekend before I go grocery shopping, I take stock of everything in my fridge. I find the vegetables that are about to go bad and make a plan to use them. That might mean making a “kitchen sink” stir-fry for dinner or a big batch of soup. This simple habit ensures that I use up what I have before buying more, which has cut my food waste in half and saved me a significant amount of money.
The Best Affordable and Ethical Clothing Brands
Affordable and ethical fashion is possible, but it often means buying secondhand. The most sustainable outfit is the one that already exists. I do most of my shopping at thrift and consignment stores. When I do buy new, I look for brands that are transparent and use sustainable materials. A brand like Pact offers affordable basics made from organic cotton in fair trade factories. Another great option is Quince, which has a direct-to-consumer model that allows them to sell high-quality, sustainable items (like silk and cashmere) at lower prices.
I Used a Safety Razor for a Month. My Review.
I switched from expensive, disposable razor cartridges to a classic safety razor. The initial investment was about thirty dollars for a nice, metal razor handle. A pack of 100 high-quality replacement blades cost only ten dollars. Each blade lasts for several shaves. The shave itself is closer and less irritating than my old cartridge razor. The long-term savings are huge. I used to spend over one hundred dollars a year on cartridges; now my shaving costs are less than five dollars a year.
The Best Affordable Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups
The best reusable bottle is the one you’ll actually use. For water, a simple, single-walled stainless steel bottle from a brand like Klean Kanteen is a durable, affordable, and lightweight option. For coffee, a double-walled, insulated tumbler from a brand like Contigo is fantastic for keeping drinks hot for hours and preventing spills. An initial investment of about twenty dollars in a good cup will save you money on bottled water and can even get you a small discount at many coffee shops.
How to Conduct a “Trash Audit” to See Where Your Money Is Going
I did a “trash audit” by saving all my non-food trash for one week. I was horrified by the results. The biggest culprit was packaging from snacks and convenience foods. I realized I was literally throwing money away. The audit prompted me to start buying more food from the bulk bins at my grocery store, using my own reusable containers. This simple, eye-opening exercise showed me the direct link between my consumption habits, my waste, and my spending.
The Financial Case for Mending Your Own Clothes
Learning to mend your own clothes is a simple skill with a big financial payoff. I used to throw away a shirt if it lost a button or a pair of jeans if they got a small hole. I invested ten dollars in a basic sewing kit and watched a few YouTube tutorials. Now, I can easily sew on a button, patch a hole, or fix a fallen hem. This has extended the life of my wardrobe significantly and saved me hundreds of dollars on buying replacement clothes.
The Best Affordable Farmer’s Markets and CSAs
Farmer’s markets can be affordable if you shop smart. I go near the end of the day when farmers are often willing to give you a deal on their remaining produce. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program is another great option. I paid a farm upfront for a “share” of their harvest. Every week during the growing season, I get a box of fresh, local, seasonal vegetables. The per-pound cost is often much lower than the grocery store, and it supports a local farm directly.
I Used Reusable Menstrual Products for a Year. Here’s How Much I Saved.
I switched from disposable tampons and pads to a menstrual cup and reusable cloth pads. The initial investment was about forty dollars for the cup and a set of pads. I used to spend about ten dollars a month on disposable products, which is one hundred twenty dollars a year. The reusable products have a lifespan of several years. In the first year alone, I saved eighty dollars. It’s a simple swap that is better for my body, the environment, and my wallet.
The Best Affordable Non-Toxic Cookware
For affordable, non-toxic cookware, cast iron and stainless steel are the best choices. I bought a 12-inch cast iron skillet for about twenty dollars. With proper care, it will last a lifetime, and it becomes naturally non-stick over time. For pots and pans, a good quality set of stainless steel cookware is a fantastic investment that contains no harmful coatings. I avoid cheap, non-stick pans with coatings that can scratch and degrade over time.
How to Create a Sustainable “Gift-Giving” Philosophy
My sustainable gift philosophy is to give experiences, consumables, or secondhand items. For my friend’s birthday, instead of buying her more stuff, I bought her tickets to a concert. For the holidays, I bake cookies and make homemade jam for my family. When I do give a physical gift, I always try to find it at a local antique or thrift store. This approach reduces waste, supports local businesses and artists, and often leads to more meaningful and memorable gifts.
The Best Affordable Ways to Conserve Water at Home
Conserving water is easy and can lower your utility bill. I installed a low-flow showerhead for about twenty dollars, which uses significantly less water without sacrificing pressure. I also make sure to only run my dishwasher and washing machine when they are completely full. The biggest and cheapest change was simply being more mindful: turning off the tap while I brush my teeth and fixing a small, dripping leak in my faucet. These small habits add up to significant water and money savings.
I Built a Rain Barrel for My Garden for Under $50
I built a rain barrel to water my garden for free. I bought a food-grade, 55-gallon plastic barrel from a local supplier for twenty dollars. I then bought a cheap spigot kit from the hardware store. I cut a hole for the spigot near the bottom and a hole in the top to connect to my gutter’s downspout. The entire project took about an hour. Now, I have a constant supply of free, chlorine-free water for all my plants, which has lowered my summer water bill.
The Best Affordable Secondhand and Thrift Stores
The best thrift stores are often the ones run by local charities or hospitals, as they have a steady stream of good quality donations. For furniture and home goods, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a goldmine. For clothing, I find the best deals at Goodwill or Savers, especially if I go on their discount days. The key to successful thrifting is to go often, be patient, and have an open mind. You never know what treasure you might find.
How to Make Your Laundry Routine More Eco-Friendly and Cheaper
I made my laundry routine cheaper and more eco-friendly with two simple changes. First, I wash all my clothes in cold water. Modern detergents are designed to work just as well in cold water, and this saves a huge amount of energy that would have been used to heat the water. Second, I stopped using disposable dryer sheets. Instead, I use a set of reusable wool dryer balls. They reduce drying time and static, and a set costs about ten dollars and lasts for years.
The Financial Benefits of Biking Instead of Driving
I started biking for my short, daily commute, and the financial benefits were immediate. My commute is three miles each way. By biking, I save about five dollars a day in gas and parking costs. That adds up to one hundred dollars a month. I am also getting free exercise, which means I don’t need a gym membership. While the initial investment in a used bike was about two hundred dollars, it paid for itself in just two months and has significantly improved my health and my budget.
The Best Affordable, Natural Beauty and Skincare Brands
For affordable and natural skincare, a brand like Acure, which is available at Target, is fantastic. They use plant-based ingredients and are very reasonably priced. For makeup, the brand Pacifica is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and offers a wide range of products. My favorite trick, however, is to use simple, single-ingredient products. I use jojoba oil as a makeup remover and moisturizer, and apple cider vinegar diluted with water as a clarifying hair rinse. These are incredibly cheap and effective.
How to Recycle Properly (You’re Probably Doing It Wrong)
I learned I was recycling wrong when I took a tour of my local recycling facility. The biggest mistake people make is “wish-cycling”—tossing things in the bin hoping they are recyclable. Greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, and coffee cups are common contaminants that can ruin an entire batch of recycling. The key is to check your local municipality’s website for their specific guidelines. It’s better to throw something in the trash if you’re unsure than to contaminate the recycling stream.
The Best Affordable Solar-Powered Gadgets
Affordable solar gadgets can be a great way to reduce your energy use. I have a set of solar-powered string lights on my balcony that automatically turn on at night, creating a beautiful ambiance with zero electricity cost. I also have a small, solar-powered charger for my phone that is perfect for camping trips or power outages. These small, practical devices are a great, low-cost introduction to the power of solar energy.
I Started a Neighborhood Tool-Sharing Library
My neighbors and I started a simple “tool library” to save money and reduce consumption. We created a shared spreadsheet listing all the tools we owned that we were willing to lend, like a power drill, a ladder, or a lawnmower. Now, when I need a tool for a specific project that I’ll only use once, I can just check the list and borrow it from a neighbor for free. It has saved all of us hundreds of dollars and has also built a stronger sense of community on our street.
The Best Affordable Ways to Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Reducing your energy bill is easy with a few affordable changes. I replaced all my incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. I also plugged my electronics into a smart power strip that automatically cuts off power to them when they are not in use, preventing “vampire” power drain. In the winter, I used a cheap window insulation kit to seal drafts. These small, affordable actions have lowered my monthly electricity bill by about 15%.
How to Make Your Own Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps are a great, reusable alternative to plastic wrap, and they are easy to make at home. I took some cotton fabric scraps, cut them into squares, and laid them on a baking sheet. I sprinkled them with beeswax pellets, which I bought online. I then melted the wax in the oven at a low temperature until it had saturated the fabric. The total cost was about fifteen dollars for enough supplies to make a dozen wraps, which is much cheaper than buying them pre-made.
The Financial and Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion—the cheap, trendy clothing from stores like Shein and H&M—has a huge hidden cost. The clothes are designed to be disposable, falling apart after a few washes, which means you have to constantly buy more. This cycle is a massive drain on your finances. Environmentally, the industry is incredibly wasteful and polluting. I quit fast fashion and started buying secondhand or investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces. I spend less money overall, and my wardrobe is much more durable and stylish.
The Best Affordable Non-Toxic Mattresses and Bedding
For an affordable, non-toxic mattress, a brand like Avocado Green Mattress offers a “certified organic” option. They are an investment, but they are made without the harmful chemicals found in many foam mattresses. For a more budget-friendly option, looking for mattresses with certifications like CertiPUR-US ensures the foam is made without certain harmful materials. For bedding, choosing 100% organic cotton sheets from a brand like Pact ensures your skin is not exposed to pesticides.
How to Pack a Zero-Waste Lunch
Packing a zero-waste lunch is a simple habit that saves money. I use a stainless steel bento box to pack my main course and sides, which eliminates the need for plastic bags. I pack a cloth napkin and real silverware from home instead of using disposable ones. For a drink, I use my reusable water bottle. This system not only prevents a huge amount of daily trash but also encourages me to pack leftovers and whole foods, which is much cheaper and healthier than buying lunch out.
The Best Affordable Plants for Purifying Your Air
Many affordable houseplants are also great at purifying the air. According to NASA’s clean air study, the snake plant is a superstar. It’s cheap, nearly indestructible, and releases oxygen at night. Another great choice is the spider plant. It’s very easy to grow and is excellent at removing common indoor air pollutants. You can often get a starter “spiderette” from a friend’s plant for free. These plants are a natural, beautiful, and affordable way to improve your home’s air quality.
I Used Cloth Diapers. The Real Poop on Savings and Hassle.
Using cloth diapers saved me a lot of money, but it was not without hassle. The initial investment was about four hundred dollars. The biggest hassle was the laundry. It added an extra two to three loads of laundry a week. However, the savings were real—we saved over seven hundred dollars compared to disposables. The modern cloth diapers are also surprisingly easy to use. It’s a trade-off: you are trading a bit of your time and convenience for significant financial and environmental savings.
The Best Affordable Ways to Support Local, Sustainable Businesses
Supporting local, sustainable businesses on a budget is possible. Instead of doing my full grocery shop at a pricey boutique store, I’ll just buy one or two special items there, like fresh-baked bread or local eggs. I visit my local farmer’s market near the end of the day to get deals on produce. I also follow my favorite local shops on social media and only visit them when they are having a sale. This allows me to support my community without breaking my budget.
How to Have a Sustainable Christmas on a Budget
Our family has a sustainable Christmas by focusing on experiences and homemade gifts. Instead of buying lots of plastic toys, our main gift to our children is an “experience,” like a trip to a nearby indoor water park. For extended family, we bake cookies and make homemade vanilla extract. For wrapping, we use reusable cloth bags or old maps and newspaper. These traditions have reduced our holiday waste, saved us a lot of money, and have made the season feel more meaningful and less commercial.
The Best Affordable Water Filters to Ditch Plastic Bottles
Ditching plastic water bottles is easy with an affordable filter. The simplest and cheapest option is a Brita or PUR water filter pitcher. The pitcher costs about twenty dollars, and the filters provide months of clean, great-tasting water. For an even more convenient option, a faucet-mounted filter, which costs about thirty dollars, provides filtered water on demand. Either of these small, one-time investments is far cheaper and more sustainable than a habit of buying bottled water.
I Only Bought “Used” for a Year. My Financial Transformation.
For one year, I challenged myself to buy nothing new (with a few exceptions like underwear and food). All my clothes, furniture, and books were purchased from thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace. The financial transformation was incredible. I saved thousands of dollars. But the bigger change was my mindset. I became a more creative and resourceful person. I learned to repair things, to appreciate quality over novelty, and to find joy in unique, pre-loved items. It completely broke my addiction to consumer culture.
How to Grow Your Own Herbs on a Windowsill
Growing your own herbs on a sunny windowsill is an easy and affordable way to have fresh flavor at your fingertips. I bought a few small pots and some potting soil. I then bought a few starter plants—basil, mint, and rosemary—from my local nursery for a few dollars each. I just have to water them once or twice a week. Now, instead of buying a five-dollar plastic container of basil that goes bad in a few days, I can just snip off what I need.
The Best Affordable Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate
You can support ethical practices without a high price tag. For affordable Fair Trade coffee, I buy the store-brand options from places like Aldi or Trader Joe’s. They both have their own line of Fair Trade Certified coffee that is delicious and reasonably priced. For chocolate, the brand Equal Exchange offers a wide range of Fair Trade and organic chocolate bars that are only slightly more expensive than conventional brands but ensure that the farmers are paid a fair wage.
The Financial Trap of “Eco-Anxiety” and Over-Consumption
“Eco-anxiety” can paradoxically lead to more consumption. I felt anxious about my environmental impact, and I started seeing ads for all sorts of “eco-friendly” products—reusable everything, special cleaning supplies, sustainable fashion. I felt like I needed to buy all these new things to be a “good” environmentalist. The trap is thinking that you can buy your way into sustainability. The most sustainable and affordable action is almost always to consume less and to use what you already have.
How to Make Your Own Vegetable Broth from Scraps
I make delicious, nutritious vegetable broth for free using scraps I would have otherwise thrown away. I keep a large bag in my freezer. Throughout the week, I add my vegetable scraps to it—onion peels, carrot ends, celery tops, and mushroom stems. Once the bag is full, I empty it into a large pot, cover it with water, and simmer it for a few hours. I then strain out the solids. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that is perfect for soups and stews.
The Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Pet Products
Being an eco-friendly pet owner is affordable. Instead of buying new toys, I make my own. My dog loves a simple “snuffle mat” that I made from an old towel. For pet waste, I use biodegradable poop bags. For my cat, I use a litter made from natural, sustainable materials like recycled paper or wood pellets, which is often cheaper than clay litter. These small choices reduce my pet’s environmental “paw print” without costing more.
How to Do a “Digital Declutter” to Save Energy
A “digital declutter” can save a surprising amount of energy. I started by unsubscribing from all the marketing emails I no longer read. This not only decluttered my inbox but also reduced the energy used by the data centers that store and send those emails. I also deleted old, large files from my cloud storage accounts and deleted apps I no longer use from my phone. This digital tidying creates a more peaceful online experience and has a small but real impact on energy consumption.
The best affordable bamboo and recycled paper products
For affordable, eco-friendly paper products, a brand like “Who Gives A Crap” is a great choice. They make toilet paper and paper towels from 100% recycled paper or bamboo and deliver it to your door. Buying in bulk from them is often cost-competitive with the major store brands. For other items, looking for bamboo alternatives—like bamboo toothbrushes or cutting boards—is a great way to choose a fast-growing, renewable resource over plastic or slow-growing hardwoods.
How to Upcycle Furniture and Home Goods
Upcycling is the art of turning old items into something new and beautiful. I found an old, dated wooden ladder at a garage sale for five dollars. I cleaned it up and now use it in my living room as a unique and stylish blanket ladder. My friend took some old tin cans, painted them, and now uses them as a set of trendy succulent planters. Upcycling is a creative and free way to get new decor for your home while keeping items out of the landfill.
The Financial Argument for a Smaller Home
A smaller home is a financial superpower. My partner and I chose to buy a small, 1,200-square-foot house instead of a larger one we could have afforded. Our mortgage payment is lower, which frees up hundreds of dollars a month for savings and travel. Our utility bills are significantly cheaper because there is less space to heat and cool. We also spend less on furniture and maintenance. Living in a smaller home is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your expenses and your environmental footprint simultaneously.
The Best Affordable Community Solar Programs
Community solar is a great way to support solar energy without installing panels on your own roof, and it can save you money. I signed up for a community solar program in my area. I “subscribe” to a portion of a large, local solar farm. I then get a credit on my electricity bill every month for the energy my share produces. This credit is usually slightly more than my subscription cost, so I end up saving about 5-10% on my electricity bill each month while supporting local renewable energy.
How to Talk to Your Friends and Family About Sustainable Living
When I talk to my family about sustainability, I focus on the benefits that matter to them. Instead of talking about carbon emissions, I talk to my dad about how using wool dryer balls will make his clothes dry faster and lower his electricity bill. I talk to my mom about how much money she could save by using reusable produce bags. By framing it in terms of saving money, convenience, or health, instead of just environmentalism, I’ve found people are much more receptive to making a change.
My “Imperfectly Sustainable” Lifestyle That Saves Money
I follow an “imperfectly sustainable” lifestyle. I don’t try to be perfectly zero-waste. I focus on the simple, high-impact changes that also save me money. I bring my own coffee cup, I cook most of my meals at home, I buy clothes secondhand, and I bike for short trips. I don’t stress about the small things. This approach prevents burnout and has still allowed me to significantly reduce my environmental impact while saving thousands of dollars a year. It’s about progress, not perfection.