5 Simple Ways You Can Save Money and Reduce Plastic on Your Low Waste Lifestyle Journey

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Money and plastic. They both rule the world currently. We want more of one and less of the other. I am not saying I am a fairy godmother but I may be able to grant part of your wish to make both happen!

I tried to wrangle up some tips that the low waste community is not talking about to give you even more ideas to continue down your low waste lifestyle journey, the frugal way.

This post is all about the best tips for saving money on your low waste lifestyle journey.

plastic floating through the ocean and text discussing how to save money living low. waste

The Best Tips For Saving Money on Your Low Waste Journey

1. Get those discounts!

It is not just individuals that are concerned about the planet. Some stores are offering incentives for eco-friendly shopping too.

Bring your own bag (discounts)
Bring your own coffee container (discounts)
Lush Cosmetics had a program where if you brought in 5 of their empty containers you got a FREE face mask!
One tea shop I went to offered a free cup of tea if you picked up trash on the beach and showed them!

Just some ideas to get started but look around in your area too!

2. Get on the email list of sustainable brands

a man making a purchase on his laptop and holding a credit card

A lot of sustainable brands can be pretty expensive for the average person!

Most of the time it takes more money to make products sustainably and pay the people that make the products an actual living wage. When companies aren’t cutting corners, it hits the pockets of consumers too.

Although it is a big up front cost to buy ethically made products they do save you money in the long run. (ex. Silicone Stasher bags in place of zip loc bags you have to repurchase every couple weeks).

The reality is that even if we understand WHY the products cost so much, sometimes they are still out of our budgets.

Something I have recently started doing is signing up for the email lists of the brands I love (and following them on social media!). You will be notified when there are sales and you can stock up then. This also ensures you are not impulse buying and only purchasing what you need. A couple of brands I have recently signed up for are stasher bags, pela cases, Thinx period panties etc.)

If the upfront cost is too steep the sales can help a lot.

3. Quit bad habits

a water bottle with lemon water that can save plastic bottles from being used

Drinking soda, water, or tea out of plastic bottles. Smoking cigarettes (they contain plastic). Impulse shopping. Sugary treats wrapped in plastic.

We all have that one habit we know deep down is not so great for our budget and probably involves some plastic usage. It can be really really difficult to quit habits because, well, we are used to them.

Our wallets, health, and planet will thank us for making the switch though.

4. Learn new recipes to cook at home rather than takeout

a vegan lunch that can be made at home which is good for the planet and your wallet

I LOVE food and eating out is so convenient so this is one that is difficult for me too haha. A lot of restaurants in my area are using compostable or recycled to-go containers but some still use styrofoam and plastic bags.

Cooking does not have to be complicated and most of the time you can save A LOT of money by doing it.

I have plenty of recipes that are simple and quick that you can find here!

5. Zone in on your low waste kitchen

dish towels that can be used in place of paper towels as a zero waste swap

The kitchen is the heart of the home and unfortunately where a lot of plastic is used. Here are a few swaps but there are SO many specifically for kitchen stuff. Again, these can have a larger upfront cost but if you take good care of your sustainable items they will last a long time-way longer than plastic.

Reuse ziploc bags or invest in stasher bags
Use dish cloths instead of paper towels
Use reusable sponges that can be thrown in the clothes washer or dishwasher

I am planning to write more blog posts like this one because living an eco-friendly lifestyle can and should be accessible to everyone!

Of course, you can always shop at a zero-waste store to reduce your plastic usage. To be honest, sometimes they can be expensive, it just depends. If you are new to zero waste shopping I have the perfect guide to get you started here!

If you have any money saving tips that also reduce plastic usage I would love to hear them in the comments below.

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Stay well,

Maggie