5 Ways To Be Sustainable Without Breaking The Bank
Start writing a post
Health Wellness

5 Ways To Stay Sustainable Without Breaking The Bank Or Your Spirits

Sustainability doesn't have to be luxurious or unrealistic.

173
5 Ways To Stay Sustainable Without Breaking The Bank Or Your Spirits

I have been diving deeper into my exploration of all things sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Although my conclusions related to the vast concept and market of sustainability have not been made, I have still been able to figure out some ways I can remain sustainable without spending an unreasonable amount of money.

Most of the sustainable brands that I have been following and that has been taking off in the sustainable fashion market are tending towards higher prices with their products. I've even noticed the bizarre trend of vegan food ending up becoming more expensive (especially if there is a substitution off the menu required) than the non-vegan options, even meat. The sustainability trend is, as I so far see it just that, a trend. A trend that can fit into a label that someone chooses for themselves to identify or being a part of a sub-culture.

Sustainability cannot survive or make a significant impact on our planet and way of living if it remains a trend. Sustainability has to become more. It must become a regular part of life, or a lifestyle, for all.

Therefore, the initial answer doesn't lie in immediately buying clothes from the top-5 sustainable brands or swerving 180-degrees into a diet of hard-core veganism. Those could work for a few determined souls but generally end up fading out fast as they lack longevity and room for constant growth (the basic definition of sustainability). Below, I have some ideas that could actually make sustainability possible starting with small, immediate changes that will better ensure your interest in making changes to make our world an eventually better place.

1. Donate your clothes and get some discounts.

Giphy

As aforementioned in my other sustainability posts, there are a few stores that offer discounts or coupons if you donate to their physical locations. The one that I am most aware of and readily use is H&M's donation service. The store then offers 15% coupons to shop in their store. I am still researching the actual efforts H&M has made towards sustainability, as they are (one must not forget) still one of the biggest fast fashion retailers in the world.

However, I usually reserve my coupons for their sustainable clothing line "H&M Conscious," which has clothes than can be more expensive than their others. This way you recycles, not trash, the clothes that no longer bring you joy, and you can save money on getting some pieces that do.

2. Create smarter, cost-saving purchasing habits.

Giphy

Want to save money? Don't want to feel like you're doing what the baby is above? Then, change the way you spend.

Changing the way we shop and repurchase is one of the best ways to save money and our planet. Simple choices to make include replacing our plastic food containers with glass or stainless steel when the plastic deteriorates and is ready to recycle. Another is to avoid buying new containers as much as possible and reusing other food containers. Our moms and dads got it right when they used those old cookie tins and peanut jars for other kitchen and household purposes.

If you're planning on buying lightbulbs anyways, get energy efficient ones and save money in the long run. If you know that you won't eat that trendy health food, capture it for the IG story in the grocery store and then turn towards produce you'll actually eat and won't waste.

3. Thrift to keep your wardrobe fresh.

Giphy

Thrifting is actually one of the best examples of sustainable fashion and it does help that it is super trendy to do so. Thrifting produces no new resources are needed to produce the clothes that are available. It is also the best alternative to fast fashion stores such as Forever 21, Target and Walmart as thrift stores both provide low prices and unique pieces. You might also find some awesome designer gems in there (especially since even designer labels cannot avoid being marked as low sustainability brands).

4. Keep those reusable bags literally everywhere.

Giphy

It can be a pain to remember your reusable bag wherever you go. An easy step is to just put them everywhere you might need them.

Put some in your car trunk, roll one up into a backpack or handbag, have one hanging on a rack near your front door, or keep one near your daily essentials in your home.

5. Contact your local and state representatives about your green concerns.

Giphy

If you have concerns about the environment or have strong opinions about what should be done to combat the harmful pollution of major corporations and general lack of knowledge regarding climate change, contact your representative. AOC, dancing above, is a major proponent of the removal of government officials and representatives off the pedestal that they often get placed upon.

Your voice and concerns matter, and it is just as much your job to let it be heard as it is for representatives to listen. Learn and become aware of who represents you and what you can do to make a difference.

The "sustainable market" has been extremely aware of the changes that are happening out in a world growing a generation of young people that will not see their planet in the same way as their parents. Our carbon footprint is large and is growing to a point of no return if we haven't reached it already. Climate change is real and it affects each one of use regardless of how much you want to shut your eyes and ears to the natural calamities, global droughts, and available resources from renowned scientists from reliable organizations.

Being a part of this movement is a huge responsibility. Although that urgency is stressful and the points above are there to relieve some stress, we should be feeling that fire under our behinds to change our habits from a place of wasteful convenience to effective change. We have to because this is the only home we have.

Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58257
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37529
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959153
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193137
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments