By: Jennifer Eckley
It does not have to cost a ton of money to become more environmentally sustainable. There are so many inexpensive ways to accomplish this important goal. Not only are they cheap but they are quick and simple fixes you can integrate into your everyday life. By taking small steps in the right direction, you can help save the environment while feeling pretty good about yourself! Here are four ways to become more environmentally sustainable:
#1 Use reusable grocery and produce bags
Have you ever thought about how many plastic bags you use just by taking a trip to the grocery store? Between both the grocery and produce bags, it probably adds up to more than you think. These bags are harmful to the environment and toxic to our marine life. To eliminate these issues, you can purchase affordable reusable grocery bags which are available almost anywhere including online stores, local grocery stores, and farmers markets. Here are some resources where you can find produce bags and ditch the plastic: EcoBags, Urban Outfitters Apartment , and ChicoBag.
#2 Get creative with mason jars
Mason jars have come a long way from just being used as a place to store food. They are also a great and inexpensive way for eliminating unnecessary plastic around the house. The ideas on how to use mason jars are endless and significant. They can be used as toothbrush and utensil holders, drinking cups, on- the- go snack holders, and an herb garden. If you don’t already have mason jars, head over to a dollar store or almost any retail store and you’ll be able to find them. Plus, they are a common item at yard sales.
#3 Consider Reusing
Next time you want to buy something new, think about heading to local garage sales or flea markets. Reusing an item can help limit the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, is cheaper than buying new and can be more rewarding. Once you find the item that you want, you can customize it to be exactly what you are looking for. Even if it needs a little TLC, putting in a little bit of elbow grease will benefit the environment, your wallet, and give you bragging rights!
#4 Donate Your Clothes
Donating your clothes is a free way to become more environmentally sustainable. By donating your clothes, you are keeping bulky waste out of landfills and giving them a second life. There are many stores that will accept gently worn clothing items to sell in their stores. Some of these stores include Goodwill and The Salvation Army. If you do your research, you may even be able to find stores that will pay you for your clothes or give you discounts off of their items like Plato’s Closet. It’s a win-win situation all around!
If you are in the market for something new, thrift shopping is a fun way to buy clothes after donating yours. It checks the sustainability box because it saves on resources to create new clothing materials. You never know what cool stuff you can find at thrift stores which makes it an enjoyable adventure.
