4 Ways to be more Sustainable on a budget.

As a society we are making more efforts to become more environmentally conscious. But as we become more aware of the climate crisis, pollution, and other issues. Many companies have seen an opportunity to profit off people’s conscious decision to be better for the planet. Whether that be charging extra for the plastic free option, the reusable option or simply charging for plastic bags. Making sustainable decisions has become associated with making pricier decisions. But here are 5 ways to make decisions good for our planet on a budget!

1. Reuse to refuse being charged

The commuter’s coffee often causes a dent in our weekly budgets. However, many companies have begun rewarding customers for using reusable alternatives to disposable cups and other goods. PRET offers a 50p discount to customers who request their coffee be served in a self-provided reusable cup. Similarly, Costa also offer a discount of 25p. However, if you really wanted to save money, make the coffee at home and take a reusable cup on your journey instead. Either way, disposable cups cost money! So, save some pennies invest in a reusable Coffee cup.

2. Baths over Showers!

As much as I love having a bath on a cold winters evening. Baths are actually fairly bad for the environment as they use large volume of water. A couple of baths a week over time really does add up to a lot of water consumption! The large amount of water used in baths uses up a lot of energy in the heating process. Not only does this mean bath are fairly bad for the environment but they are actually pretty expensive! Switching to short showers can actually save you gallons of water, using less energy, less water and saving you more money.

3. Cutting out the non-essentials

Many restaurants and bars are now opting for cardboard straws which are seen as environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Clothing and food shops have also made a switch to eco-friendly packaging and bags, often at an extra cost. Although the irony is that there isn’t much difference, paper and cardboard straws or packaging increase deforestation in their production, are not always biodegradable and still use fossil fuels from the manufacturing process to delivery and are not essential. Rather than taking a straw or bag opt for none! Unnecessary consumption does not just apply to dining or shopping. Why not stop buying them shower poofs, disposable razors or toothbrushes which are all made of plastic and save a bit of money on your toiletry shopping? Not only does cutting back on these nonessentials help the environment but also your wallet.

4. More Plant-based meals

This one often divides opinions. However, studies have found that plant-based meals tend to be cheaper on average. A much larger quantity of vegetables can be bought for the same price of a very small amount of meat. However, a lot of convenience foods tends to offer cheaper meat alternatives. But these tend to be really bad for the environment and our health as the meat is often sourced from large factory farms. Therefore, eating homemade veggie recipes is cheaper healthier and known to have a great impact on the environment.