It can be a little daunting to try to live with zero waste if you don’t have the money. But it’s not impossible! In fact, it may actually help save you some money in the long run. Here are some tips for how to go about doing this on a budget:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Zero waste living can save money and reduce environmental impact. |
| Small changes, such as reducing food waste and using reusable items, can have a big impact. |
| Choosing eco-friendly furniture and decor can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. |
| Common misconceptions about zero waste living can be debunked, making it an achievable lifestyle for anyone. |
| For those looking to fully embrace a zero-waste lifestyle, there are numerous resources available to provide guidance and support. |
Polish Your Mason Jar Collection
Mason jars are the ultimate multipurpose container for food storage and water, but they can also be used to store other things like homemade candles or knickknacks. Keeping your jar collection clean, however, is key to keeping it looking its best.
Here’s how:
- Wash your jars in hot soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. If you’ve got stubborn stains on your jars, use a sponge dipped in baking soda mixed with some soap (or vinegar if you don’t have any baking soda on hand) before rinsing them again with hot water and letting them air dry.
- To prevent rust from forming at the bottom of each jar after washing them off, place a piece of aluminum foil over their opening as soon as they’re clean and dry once that’s done, store away.
Building a zero-waste lifestyle may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Check out our guide on 8 Simple Ways to Start Living a Zero Waste Lifestyle to learn how to take small steps towards a more sustainable future.
Re-use Old Sheets
You can get a LOT of use out of old sheets. If you don’t have any DIY projects in the works, consider sewing some cleaning cloths and dusting rags out of them. They’re cheap and will come in handy for all sorts of cleaning projects around your house.
If you’d like to give it a try, here’s how: First, gather up enough old sheets (or buy new ones) to make whatever kind of clothes or rags that work best for your needs. Then cut them into pieces by just folding each sheet over on itself and making a perpendicular cut across the fold.
Next, sew these together along one edge using straight pins until they’re connected into long strips these can be used as cleaning cloths if they’re big enough; otherwise use them as rags when folded in half lengthwise with straight lines running horizontally across both ends so that there are two sections per sheet instead of just one long strip per sheet.
| Item | Ways to Reuse |
|---|---|
| Bed sheets | Cut into cleaning rags or use as drop cloths for painting |
| Pillowcases | Use to store and organize linens or as shopping bags |
| Fitted sheets | Cut into elastic bands for various uses |
| Flat sheets | Use as tablecloths, picnic blankets, or curtains |
| Towels | Cut into washcloths or use as cleaning rags |
DIY Deodorant
The goal of this section is to show you that you can use baking soda as a deodorant, and it doesn’t involve any chemicals or additives. To get started, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (corn flour)
- 5-10 drops of essential oils of your choice (lavender, tea tree oil, rosemary, etc.)
- Glass jar/container
Zero waste living can have numerous benefits, both for the environment and for your own well-being. In our article on The Benefits of Zero Waste Living: Why It’s Worth the Effort, we explore how reducing waste can lead to a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.
No More Paper Towels
- Use cloth towels. If you’re not already using cloth towels, it’s time to start! You can buy them at any thrift store and re-use them for years or just use old t-shirts that you’ve cut into strips.
- Use rags instead of paper towels. Instead of reaching for the tissue box every time your hands get wet, cut up an old pair of jeans into rectangles and keep a stack on hand for spills in the kitchen or bathroom. For tougher messes like grease stains, use old bed sheets instead.
- Use dish towels as napkins when eating outside or on picnics in place of paper napkins they’ll last longer than paper ones anyway so there’s no need for wasteful packaging when taking them outside with you!
Make Your Own Soap
When I first started exploring the world of the zero-waste living, I was shocked by how easy it was to make my own soap.
It doesn’t require a lot of time or money and can be done in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever wondered how to make soap at home, here’s what you need to know:
The recipe is simple you just mix equal parts coconut oil, olive oil, and water (you can also experiment with other oils). Once you have your ingredients ready in separate containers, pour them together into a large pot on the stove and stir over medium heat until it reaches trace (when the mixture thickens enough for drips left behind after stirring).
You’ll know when the soap has reached trace because it will look like pudding. Then let cool until room temperature before pouring into molds (or if you’re feeling creative, baking pans) and letting cool overnight before removing from molds.
Store homemade soaps once they’re dry for about three weeks or more depending on humidity levels in your home environment space where there aren’t any direct sources of heat nearby since this could affect their longevity shelf life up against commercial products that may contain preservatives which might not be good for sensitive skin types like mine.
There are many misconceptions surrounding zero waste living, which can make it seem unattainable. However, our article on Common Misconceptions About Zero Waste Living debunks some of the myths and shows how anyone can start reducing waste.
Make Your Own Toothpaste
Step 1: Mix Together 2 Tbsp. Baking Soda, 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil and 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- Use a fork or whisk to mix together the baking soda and coconut oil until well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes smooth like frosting.
- Add peppermint essential oil and stir again until combined.
Step 2: Scoop out of Jar With Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop (Optional)
If you don’t have any reusable containers lying around already, you can use ice cream scoops to portion out your toothpaste into whatever container you want.
Or just scoop it out with a spoon if your container is small enough that it won’t be hard to manage without an extra scooping tool handy (which is often).
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baking soda | Whitens teeth, removes stains, freshens breath |
| Coconut oil | Antibacterial, moisturizes, promotes oral health |
| Peppermint oil | Freshens breath, provides a minty flavor |
| Xylitol | Sweetens and helps prevent tooth decay |
| Bentonite clay | Detoxifies and cleans teeth |
Make Less Trash by Not Buying Anything
If you buy in bulk, you’ll be making less trash. When you buy something in bulk, like laundry detergent or toothpaste, you can bring your own reusable container to the store. Some stores are even beginning to make this easier with their products by putting them on display in clear glass containers (which also looks pretty cool).
If you want to reuse packaging that you already have around the house or office (like cereal boxes), cut off the top flap and use that as a funnel if necessary.
By only buying things that come in recyclable packages (paper, cardboard), we can reduce our carbon footprint even more than simply recycling because it helps prevent waste from being produced at all
Choosing eco-friendly furniture and decor can have a significant impact on the environment. In our guide on How to Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture and Decor, we offer tips on selecting sustainable materials and products that are both stylish and environmentally friendly.
Compost Everything Organic
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Compost is the mixture of decaying organic matter, like food scraps and yard trimmings and it’s rich in nutrients for plants.
Many people don’t think about compost as something that can be used in your garden or house plants, but with proper care (and a little help from you) it’s an incredibly useful tool for growing your own food without having to buy fertilizer or soil.
Go Analog for a Week
If you’re looking for an easy way to get started on your zero-waste journey, try going analog for a week. This may seem like it isn’t much of a sacrifice, but when you use what you already have and do not buy anything new, even the smallest changes can make a big difference in your budget and the environment.
For example: instead of buying food from the grocery store or fast food restaurant, buy some ingredients at local markets and cook them at home (or order takeout).
Instead of paying someone else to wash your clothes or clean your house, do it yourself with all-natural cleaning supplies (like vinegar mixed with water) that are inexpensive to make or purchase online. The list goes on!
Analog living doesn’t only mean money savings; it also means avoiding plastic packaging whenever possible. If there’s no alternative available such as buying produce wrapped in plastic look into whether there is an option that uses less waste packaging than others do.
For those looking to fully embrace a zero-waste lifestyle, our comprehensive guide on The Ultimate Guide to Zero Waste Living is a must-read. From tips on reducing waste in the kitchen to sustainable fashion choices, this guide covers everything you need to know about living a waste-free life.
Try Meatless Mondays (and then every day)
Meatless dishes are often associated with bland, unappetizing meals. But there are many ways to make vegan food taste great. Just think: Do you love the taste of tuna? Well, then you’ll probably love the taste of chickpeas.
Studies have shown that eating less meat can save you money in the long run and be good for your health. A meatless meal might also be better for the environment no more emissions from animal agriculture.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious recipes out there that will help you swap out animal products for plant-based ones. Try making your favorite dish with tofu or tempeh instead of chicken or beef you may never go back.
Buy in Bulk and Bring Your Own Container to the Bulk Food Store
One of the best ways to save money while reducing waste is by buying in bulk and bringing your own container. By doing this, you can avoid single-use plastic packaging and save money at the same time.
You’re probably wondering how you can get started with this practice. It’s actually very easy! Just make sure to bring along your own glass or metal container when you head out on your next shopping trip.
Some stores will let you fill up a mason jar if they don’t have any available containers for purchase, but most bulk food stores will sell their products in bulk bins that are usually located near the entrance of their store.
You can also use these spaces as an opportunity to choose from a variety of different options offered by various brands or manufacturers, so take advantage!
It may seem like extra work at first glance, but once you get used to it and start seeing results from all those little changes you’ll find yourself wishing that more places sold things in smaller quantities (like toothpaste).
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to save money and the environment at the same time. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on new things or buy expensive products when there are so many cheaper alternatives that do just as good of a job.
Further Reading
How to Save Money by Going Zero Waste: Discover’s article provides practical tips on how to reduce waste and save money in the process, from composting to shopping second-hand.
25 Zero Waste Swaps That Save Money: This blog post by The Good Life with Amy French offers 25 easy zero-waste swaps that not only reduce waste but also save money.
Save Money, Go Green!: Going Zero Waste’s article provides tips on how to save money by going green, from reducing energy usage to adopting a plant-based diet.
FAQs
What is zero waste living?
Zero waste living is a lifestyle that aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. This is achieved by adopting practices such as composting, recycling, and reducing consumption of single-use products.
Is zero waste living expensive?
Zero waste living can actually save money in the long run, as it often involves buying products in bulk, repairing items instead of replacing them, and reducing energy usage.
Can I still eat out while living a zero waste lifestyle?
Yes, it is possible to eat out while living a zero waste lifestyle. You can bring your own reusable containers and utensils, choose restaurants that prioritize sustainability, and avoid single-use items.
What are some common misconceptions about zero waste living?
One common misconception is that zero waste living is too difficult or time-consuming. However, there are many small changes that can be made gradually to reduce waste without overwhelming yourself.
How can I start living a zero waste lifestyle?
Start by identifying areas where you can reduce waste, such as using reusable shopping bags and water bottles, and then gradually incorporate more sustainable practices into your routine. Educating yourself on the environmental impact of waste and making small changes can go a long way in reducing waste and living more sustainably.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.