Affordable Products for Sustainable Living
By: Dru Gary
Published on: September 18th, 2023
Living a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. Making environmentally friendly choices can be both budget-friendly and good for the planet. Investing in eco-conscious products leads to a reduction in environmental footprint as well as saving money in the long run.
Many retail establishments as well as larger corporations in Ontario, and Canada in general, have been taking initiative to reduce their eco-footprint and establish more sustainable ways of operating. Ontarians can make affordable changes in their own lives to reduce their environmental impact as well.
Reusable water bottles, cups and straws
Investing in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup is not only cost-effective but also helps reduce single-use plastic waste. It is best to opt for durable, BPA-free water bottles that can be refilled wherever you go.
This is far more eco-friendly than buying single-use plastic water bottles. You can also buy a reusable water bottle that reflects your personal style and taste and decorate it with stickers, eco-friendly and fun!
Similarly, reusable coffee cups or travel mugs are a great investment for coffee lovers, as many coffee shops offer discounts for using your own cup. Reusable coffee mugs are often insulated as well so they keep hot drinks hotter for longer than single use paper or plastic cups.
Stainless steel and multi-use plastic straws have also risen to popularity in the last few years. These can be purchased at a low cost and then used endlessly. They are also essential because many cafés and restaurants no longer offer single-use plastic straws.
Energy-efficient light bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs is an affordable way to reduce your energy consumption and save on electricity bills. LED bulbs consume less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
They may cost slightly more upfront, but last much longer. They are not only less harmful to the environment, but they are also a worthwhile investment.
Reusable shopping bags
Invest in reusable shopping bags made from eco-friendly materials such as cotton or recycled fabric. These bags are sturdier and more durable than single-use plastic bags, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans.
Many retailers also offer incentives or discounts for bringing your own bags and some retail locations no longer offer bags, or charge for plastic bags, which makes it much more budget friendly to invest in your own bag and use it endlessly.
There are many eco-friendly bags with fun and creative designs. Not only are these bags good for the environment, but they also allow for self-expression.
Compost bins
Setting up a compost bin in your home is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to reduce food waste. Composting not only diverts waste from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
Also, using reusable food storage containers instead of disposable plastic wraps and bags helps reduce single-use plastic waste while saving money on buying disposable alternatives. There are many options in this case, such as beeswax wraps and Tupperware containers.
Rechargeable batteries
Investing in rechargeable batteries is not only environmentally friendly but also a wise investment that will save money in the long run.
Rechargeable batteries last longer than disposable ones and can be used for multiple devices. They significantly reduce the number of batteries that end up in landfills, saving money on repeated purchases.
Cloth towels and napkins
Replace disposable paper napkins and paper towels with cloth alternatives. Investing in a set of reusable cloth napkins and towels can be more cost-effective in the long run and significantly reduces waste.
It is best to opt for organic cotton or bamboo cloth options for a more sustainable choice. It is also possible to use cloth diapers for babies and other reusable cloth products to replace single-use paper alternatives.
Do-it-yourself cleaning supplies
It is possible to use household essentials to create eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can be used to make low environmental impact cleaning products for the home.
These homemade cleaners are cost-effective, free from harsh chemicals, and reduce plastic waste associated with purchasing commercial cleaning products. Using reusable plastic containers and spray bottles for these homemade cleaning products reduces waste and allows customization for cleaning products that suit the needs of the individual and home.
Living sustainably and making environmentally friendly choices doesn’t have to be expensive. By investing in budget-friendly, eco-conscious products, it is easy and affordable to make a positive impact on the planet while saving money in the long run.