Statistics show that an increasing number of consumers across the globe are searching for companies and products that leave less of an impact on the planet. Too often, however, these green products end up having a bigger impact on family budgets. So, how can you choose between wallet-friendly or eco-friendly? You don’t have to when you use these money-saving tips from Bridgewood Organics to keep your purchases sustainable and affordable.
Use Promo Codes to Purchase Quality Home Furnishings
If you’re decorating your home on a budget, you may think that opting for less expensive furniture and decor is a wise bet. With those lower price tags can also come lower quality, which means you may end up replacing those purchases much sooner. So, instead of buying cheaper products that may end up in a landfill, look for discount codes and coupons that will make higher quality furnishings more affordable. For instance, if you want to purchase more eco-friendly appliances, search online for home appliance deals that will help you bring these pricey items under budget. Striking a balance between inexpensive and eco-friendly can be challenging, but you can stay green while keeping your finances healthy.
Practice More Minimalism to Make Better Use of a Tight Budget
Using coupons to invest in more durable decor and furniture for your home is such a mindful way to reduce your carbon footprint and your spending. If you want to truly maximize your commitment to the planet and your budget, you should shift your shopping habits to buying less. Honestly, this is one of the top recommended steps that consumers, especially those who live in urban areas, can take to help offset the effects of climate change. By curbing your spending on tangible goods, you are to keep those items out of already overburdened landfills, but you are also reducing the amount of pollution and resources needed for manufacturing. As with any lifelong habit, adjusting to minimalism can take time. Start with research and then let go of clutter as you become comfortable with a more minimal lifestyle.
Make Eco-Friendliness Part of Your Lifestyle
Whenever possible, try to incorporate eco-friendly tactics around your home. For example, if your stove has seen better days and you’re in the market for a replacement, go for the eco-friendly Energy Star-labeled to help reduce your carbon footprint. Some of these purchases will take a chunk out of your budget, so make sure you have the money set aside. In addition, you can opt for eco-friendly home products instead of items like single-use plastics or cleaners with toxic ingredients.
Consider your driving habits too. If you’re in a position to work from home or live close enough to walk or ride a bike, these are great ways to minimize your carbon footprint. Also, keeping your car in top condition makes a difference too. When repairs are necessary don’t put them off, and avoid hard braking to save fuel. For example, if you’re typically a driver who slams on their brakes, not only do you miss out on fuel efficiency, but you’re also shortening the lifespan of your brakes and rotors, making it likely you’ll need to make replacements and repairs.
Take Part in The Secondhand Economy When Purchasing Clothing
Fast fashion developed as a way to make trends and clothing more accessible to consumers, but as this consumer trend has grown, so have the consequences for our environment. Much like budget home furnishings, the fast fashion industry encourages consumers to purchase more than they really need, which means many of those excess garments end up being thrown away. Synthetic fabrics also shed microplastic fibers in the washing machine, which end up polluting waterways. So, how can you stop partaking in this harmful trend without sacrificing your personal style? You can use the same coupon sites mentioned above to score discounts on higher-quality clothing. If that’s not in your budget, you can also search the web for special offers from Poshmark and other secondhand clothing sites to reduce and reuse your wardrobe.
Download Shopping Apps to Reduce Grocery Costs and Food Waste
No eco- and budget-friendly shopping guide would be complete without a few helpful hints for those grocery store trips. After all, consumer food waste is another major problem that is contributing to global warming and other environmental issues. From excess packaging to chemically-laden produce to excess water usage, tossing out too many grocery purchases each week can do some serious damage to our planet. Not to mention that by wasting those products you are essentially wasting the money you spent on them. So before you take your next grocery shopping trip, download some shopping apps that will keep your purchases on track. Most of these apps make it easy to plan meals and create shopping lists that can curb those impulse purchases. Also try reducing single-use items, to reduce your impact on the environment.
Stop thinking that you need to choose between saving money or saving the world! By being mindful, you can keep your spending on track without sacrificing sustainability. And remember, every little bit helps when it comes to budgets and the environment!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Carrie Spencer created The Spencers Adventures to share her family’s homesteading adventures. On the site, she shares tips on living self-sufficiently, fruit and vegetable gardening, parenting, conservation, and more. Their goal is to live as self-sufficiently and environmentally-consciously as possible.