(Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I genuinely believe in) Learn more.
I remember when zero-waste really hit me. I was strolling through one of those big box stores, my cart full of “bargains,” when it dawned on me – everything I bought would just sit in a landfill someday!
It was like a light bulb moment – I wasn’t saving cash; I was just collecting future trash! That’s when I knew I had to change things up.
Now, it’s been five years since I decided to live a zero-waste lifestyle. At first, I thought going zero-waste would drain my wallet.
Some changes do cost a little at first, but you can actually save money by cutting down on waste. Many things I did not only helped the planet but ended up saving me bucks too!
A lot of my friends, family, and even coworkers got inspired and followed my lead. Some have jumped into the zero-waste life big time, while others have made huge cuts in their waste.
Whenever someone tells me they’ve switched things up because of me, it feels awesome! It’s proof that what we do matters. Five years later, I’m still learning & getting better every day.
Let’s dive into some super helpful & easy tips that worked for me, plus ways you can add them to your daily routine. These tricks might help you save some dough while doing good for our planet!
# Start Small: Easy Zero-Waste Swaps That Save Money
Let’s kick things off with a few quick swaps that’ll save you money right away:
1. Ditch the disposable water bottles: Last year, I got myself a solid reusable bottle. It’s still holding up! With folks in the U.S. spending over $16 billion on bottled water each year, switching is such an easy choice!
2. Say goodbye to paper towels: I switched paper towels for cloth napkins & towels. They made my table prettier and saved me tons over time!
3. DIY cleaning solutions: Store-bought cleaners can break the bank & often come in plastic packaging.
All you need are vinegar, baking soda, and some essential oils for most cleaning tasks. I Haven’t bought any cleaning products in ages – and my home smells great!
Read more about Home Made Cleaning Solutions.
# Shop Smart: Frugal Tips for Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is where you can save a lot of money. Here’s how I do it:
1. BYO everything: BYO ( Bring Your Own ), I take my own bags, jars, and containers everywhere! Most stores here in New Jersey are totally fine with this now – some even give discounts!
2. Bulk is beautiful: Buying in bulk means less packaging & more savings! I grab all my grains, nuts, and spices this way and usually pay less per unit than buying those pre-packaged ones.
3. Embrace naked produce: No pre-packaged stuff for me – I go for loose fruits & veggies! They’re cheaper & way fresher!
Read my guide about Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping here.
# Reduce Food Waste: Save Money and Resources in the Kitchen
Can you believe we throw away about 40% of our food? That’s like tossing away $165 billion every year! Here’s how I’ve cut down on food waste:
1. Meal planning: Each week, I plan my meals and shop with a list now. No more random buys or veggies just sitting there rotting! Plus, it means I’m ordering takeout less often which is super pricey and wastes packaging.
Read my complete guide about How to have a Zero-Waste Kitchen
2. Proper storage: Knowing how to store food right has made my produce last so much longer! Fun fact: tomatoes shouldn’t go in the fridge!
3. Composting: I’ve started composting food scraps too! It cuts down on what goes to landfills & gives me rich stuff for my garden! If you’re new to composting – no worries! Start small with an easy kitchen compost bin.
Read my detailed blog about Indoor Composting and Backyard Composting
4. Grow Your Own Food: Growing your own veggies is a neat way to save cash & reduce waste too! Even if space is tight – try starting an indoor herb garden or grow veggies on your balcony!
# Embrace Secondhand: Thrifting for a Zero Waste Wardrobe
Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank – or damage the earth! Here’s how I keep my wardrobe fresh without spending much:
1. Thrift store treasures: Shopping secondhand is one of my favorite ways to snag good deals!
Found awesome stuff at thrift stores & garage sales before; online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are full of budget-friendly items too!
2. Clothing swaps: My friends & I set up seasonal swapping events – kinda like free shopping!
3. Quality over quantity: When buying new stuff, I focus on well-made pieces that’ll last.
# DIY and Upcycling: Creative Ways to Repurpose and Save
Upcycling has become a fun way for me to give new life to stuff I’d usually toss out!
1. DIY personal care: I whip up my own deodorant, face masks & body scrubs. They work better than what’s at the store & cost barely anything!
2. Furniture facelift: A little paint & creativity can make old furniture look brand new! My “new” bookshelf used to be my grandma’s old dresser!
3. Mending and making do: Learning basic sewing skills has kept countless clothes from ending up as trash.
# Zero-Waste Energy Savings: Cut Costs and Carbon Footprint
Saving energy & water is key when you wanna live zero-waste on a budget. Simple tweaks around the house make a big difference!
1. Seal it up: Weather-stripping doors & windows helped cut heating costs by 15%!
2. Unplug & save: Using power strips and unplugging things when not in use has noticeably lowered my electric bill.
3. Natural temperature control: Using curtains wisely & fans helps minimize air conditioning needs during humid summers in New Jersey.
4. Reducing Water Waste: Installing low-flow showerheads & faucet aerators has reduced my water usage without giving up comfort.
5. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Switching to energy-efficient appliances cost some upfront money but saves loads in the long run. Read more about Eco-Friendly Electronics.
It’s not a tough task to live a zero-waste lifestyle on a budget. You can even save money in the long run.
By putting these tips into action and having a more sustainable mindset, you can cut down your environmental impact while keeping your finances in check.
I am keenly looking forward to maintaining my zero waste journey while at the same time, finding means of reducing wastage and saving some money.
In the following month or so, I have plans to put up solar rooftop panels on my home.
