Did you know that living sustainably can be frugal? It can! These easy ways to live sustainably are not only great for the environment and reducing waste, but they will also help you save more money than you ever expected!
The two concepts – sustainable living and frugality – work together to create a sort of “perfect storm” of goodness. First, you’re living sustainably which means you’re working toward things that will ultimately be better for future generations.
Secondly, the things you’re doing ultimately work with you to help you save money. In other words, it’s a win/win combination for you and your family!
What is Sustainable Living?
The term sustainable living gets tossed around a lot and used in a lot of different ways. This can make it confusing if you’re just trying to figure out ways to live sustainably.
The easiest way to define sustainable living is that it is anything that reduces waste, reduces energy use, reduces dependency on fossil fuels and is generally considered good for the environment.
How Can Living Sustainably Save Me Money?
Like I’ve already said, sustainability and frugality go hand in hand. As you read through these ways to live sustainably, keep the definition of sustainable living in mind. You will start to see the saving money patterns as you do so.
After you’ve made the connections, slowly start to put sustainable tips into practice in your own home.
How to Start Living Sustainably
1. Reuse and Upcycle
One of my favorite ways to live sustainably that also saves money is by simply reusing and upcycling things instead of throwing them away. In fact some of my favorite crafts and DIY’s are upcycled.
If you need help getting started reusing things instead of throwing them away, THIS list of 52 things to reuse (Six Dollar Family) is a great place to start. Once you’ve looked at that one, check THIS list (Six Dollar Family) of 36 more things for anything else you may have missed.
2. Ditch Disposable
Disposable products are not only super expensive, but they’re also really bad for the environment. Instead, make the sustainable choice and lower your grocery budget by ditching disposables and opting for reusable products instead.
To help you get started, check THIS list of 17 disposable products you can easily swap out (Six Dollar Family).
3. Stop Overspending
Living sustainably does not only apply to waste you’re throwing out. It can also apply to wasted money and having sustainable finances and if you’re overspending, you’re not cultivating sustainable finances for your family.
Instead, take a look at THESE ways to stop overspending (Six Dollar Family). They will help you get everything under control so that you can stop spending money you don’t really have.
4. Downsize
Here in the United States, we show off how well off we are by the size of our houses. Know what? That’s just plain stupid. If you are paying for more house than you need, stop it. You’re wasting money and resources.
Instead look at downsizing to a home that is more in line with your actual needs. I have even done it myself back in 2017 when my daughter and I downsized to live full-time in an extended stay hotel room. You can check out what happened there and get my actual budget HERE.
5. Grow Your Own
Grocery stores waste so much and chances are you do too. How many times have you bought fresh produce only to turn around and have it spoil before you could use it?
A lot is my guess since by the time you get it from the store, it’s well on its way to spoiling.
Instead, grow your own by starting a garden. Doing so will allow you to grow no more than what you need so you can both minimize waste and avoid spending money on wasted food.
6. Walk or Bike More Often
Transportation costs are one of the biggest wastes of money that a family can have; especially if you have your own car. Driving everywhere is not exactly sustainable either.
Instead, buy a bike and start to ride to places that are close or better yet, choose the free option and put your feet to work.
7. Stop Using Your Dryer
This might sound crazy to some of you but the truth is that your dryer is one of the biggest resource hogs you have in your home. If you can avoid running it even a little each week, not only will you use less resources, but you’ll spend less on electric costs as well.
Instead, put up a clothesline if you’re able or if not, buy a portable drying rack like THIS one. Even though it may not seem as if it will, the savings in dollars and wasted resources will add up very quickly.
