5 Budget-Friendly Tips To Shop Sustainably

Living in a way that is good for the environment is very important these days. We all need to do our part to help the planet. But when it comes to shopping, we may think that the word “sustainable” means “expensive”.

This does not have to be true! In fact, there are many brands that want to give you the best things at fair prices, while also being good to the environment.

Here are 6 ways you can shop in an environmentally-friendly way even if you don’t have a lot of money:

1. Buy Local and Seasonal Food:

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown locally has two benefits. One, you are helping the farmers in your area. Two, you are also reducing the need for imported food (the transportation alone causes a lot of pollution).
In fact, because they don’t need to be transported long distances, local produce is fresher, costs less, and is more likely to be grown without chemicals.

2. Natural Alternatives for Body Care Products:

Instead of buying your regular soaps, shampoos or deodorants, switch to natural alternatives that you can make at home (there are many videos on YouTube showing how). You only have to buy the necessary ingredients, so these are much cheaper. And they’re great for you and the planet!

3. Buy Used Clothing:

Clothing companies make up to 12 new collections a year, pushing people to buy far more than they need. A great way to avoid this overconsumption is to consider buying second-hand clothing. There are many websites that offer gently-used clothing, a much better choice for the environment than new clothes.

4. Used Cars and Electronics:

If you can bring yourself to buy second-hand cars and phones that are in good condition, you’ll quickly find you aren’t missing out on much. It’s just the electronics industry that wants you to believe you are.
By doing this, you’re making sure that the raw materials used to make these items last as long as possible. You’ll reduce the amount of electronic waste we create.

5. Repair Instead of Replace:

The best way to shop sustainably? Don’t shop at all. Instead of throwing something away at the first sign of damage (more waste) and rushing to buy the latest and newest, ask yourself: Do you really need that new coffee table? Can the old one not be repaired?
Find someone at your local repair shop to help or use the many guides available online.

If you follow these simple rules, you can make a huge positive impact on the environment, and you’ll also find you’ve saved a lot of money!”