Being a spender and a consumer seems at odds with an eco-friendly lifestyle. But the truth is that there are ways to live a sustainable lifestyle and still spend your money on the things you want and need. While not everything you do needs to be regenerative or eco-conscious, a lifestyle that incorporates the following can make you a more sustainable spender.
Choose Your Credit and Debit Cards More Wisely
Did you know that some debit and credit card companies help fund industries that are harmful to the environment? Using a zero carbon credit card can help. Cards that reward you for going carbon neutral are the wave of the future. Using cards like this helps fund tree-planting initiatives that offset your carbon footprint.
Buy Bulk
Bulk items mean less packaging in the long run. A lot of waste goes into making packaging for products you buy in the grocery store. Buying bulk ensures you don’t waste as much and helps you become more eco-friendly in your spending. Additionally, many bulk items in stores can help you save big money which is a nice bonus for your budget.
Refurbish Items When Possible
Sometimes the things we have no longer serve us well. This means that a lot of products simply get thrown in the trash. Instead of tossing items that are still in good condition, there may be ways to refurbish them. A side table can get an upgrade to a coffee cart, or a dresser can get a new life as a TV stand. There are plenty of creative ideas to spur your imagination.
Recycle Old Technology
Because technology changes so quickly, some devices become obsolete in a matter of a few years. This is unfortunate because it makes for a lot of waste. Being sustainable in your spending habits means that you don’t just buy new technology because it’s the latest and greatest thing. It means you recycle the old, you hang onto technology that’s still serving you well, and you don’t just go buy new to keep up with everyone else. Sustainable spending is possible when you’re willing to recycle and replace only when necessary.
Shop With Eco-Friendly Brands
Want to put your money where your mouth is on sustainability? There are countless brands that have committed to using eco-friendly practices in their businesses. This means that everything from production to selling has a sustainable bend. They use recycled and recyclable materials. These brands incorporate manufacturing plants that use solar or wind energy instead of fossil fuels. And some of them give back to programs that clean the oceans, plant trees, and more.
Consolidate Shopping Trips
Do you take multiple trips to the store? Why not consolidate your trips? You’ll use less gasoline and lower your carbon footprint if you combine your grocery shopping with your clothes shopping and head to the post office to mail out packages on your way. There are so many ways to think about how your habits impact the environment. Another consideration is to buy gas closer to home. While it may seem more expensive, sometimes driving 15 miles out of the way doesn’t save you any additional money and uses more fuel to get there.
DIY Your Cleaning Products
How much packaging and waste is there with your cleaning and home products? You’d be amazed at not only how much money you can save, but at how DIY-ing your cleaning products can also be more sustainable than purchasing new products every month. Many products contain ingredients that are great at getting your home clean, but they are not good for the environment. Switching to more eco-friendly solutions helps you in your sustainability quest.
It’s Possible to Be a Sustainable Spender
At the end of the day, being a spender and being eco-friendly are not at odds with each other. You can be both. If your goal is to be carbon-neutral, consider spending your money with companies that plant trees, use regenerative energy, and are committed to helping the environment. Change your habits as well to ensure you can still spend and care about the planet.
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