21 Aug, 2023

Go Green With These 8 Sustainable Money-Saving Tips

Eco-conscious choices are becoming increasingly essential and it’s time for all of us to embrace a more sustainable way of living. Now you might think that sustainable living is expensive, but fear not! There are endless cost-effective eco-friendly choices that make a positive impact while saving you money. You can enjoy reduced energy costs, less single-use plastics, fuel savings and so much more.

But first, what is sustainable living and what is the goal? Sustainable living is a lifestyle where an individual or society attempts to reduce their environmental impact, within their means, by making more eco-friendly choices like choosing plastic-free products, reusing items, composting, shopping locally, using fuel-efficient vehicles, etc. The list goes on! There are many ways to work sustainable living into any person’s life. The goal is not to live a completely zero-waste life. The goal is to make environmental, social, and economic eco-conscious decisions that help preserve and protect our planet.

So come on, let's go green and dive into these 8 sustainable and budget-friendly tips!

1. Embrace Eco-Friendly Haircare with Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles end up cluttering landfills and polluting our oceans. But here's where the magic happens—shampoo and conditioner bars come in minimal, compostable packaging. Plus, they are super concentrated formulations made with no water, meaning you get longer-lasting products and you aren’t paying for water!

On average, a bottle of shampoo costs around $15, lasting about a month. Now, multiply that by 12, and you're looking at $180 a year just for shampoo! But a shampoo bar? It's a game-changer. At an average cost of $17 and lasting 2-3 months, you're looking at an annual spend of $68. That's a jaw-dropping savings of $112 annually!

Infographic on Shampoo bars vs plastic bottles - Shampoo bars have $112 savings and no waste ends up in the landfill

And for an added eco-friendly bonus! They also require fewer resources to produce and transport, meaning less carbon emissions! By choosing these bars, you're reducing plastic waste and contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.

2. Kick Plastic to the Curb and Choose to Reuse

Single-use plastics are devastating the planet. On average, Canadians throw away over 3 million tons of plastic waste every year, and only 9% of that is actually recycled, while the rest ends up in our landfills. With your help we can turn the tide on plastic pollution! Ditch plastic items like straws, bags, and razors. Instead, add some reusable alternatives to your life, like sturdy metal straws, organic cotton eco bags, and metal safety razors. Not only are safety razors beautiful quality that will last you a lifetime, but they are also cost-effective; while only costing around $.18 per double-sided razor blade as opposed to $4.00 per plastic cartridge head. What's more to love! The best part is you'll be smiling all the way to the bank as you save money by choosing reusables.

3. Cruise in Style with a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle and watch the savings add up. Though the initial cost of hybrid cars are usually more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. If gas prices are rising where you live (which I think it is for everyone!), you can actually recoup your investment within a few years. With every mile, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on fuel charges. It's a win-win for both you and Mother Nature. If you're feeling adventurous, try biking, walking, or taking public transport for an even more cost-effective and eco-friendly commute.

4. Give Your Vehicle Some TLC and Watch Savings Grow

Rev up your savings by giving your trusty ride some love. Simple steps like maintaining proper tire pressure, avoiding erratic driving (I know, it’s hard sometimes!), and combining errands, can go a long way in improving your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Not only will you be reducing emissions, but you'll also save money on gas— money that you can spend on exciting eco-friendly adventures instead!

5. DIY Cleaners for a Sparkling Home and Budget

Cleaning up doesn't have to cost a fortune or harm the planet. Store-bought cleaners are responsible for indoor air pollution, causing respiratory diseases and even cancer. It’s time to go green with your clean! A simple mix of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can create excellent results and can be used on almost any surface! These DIY wonders are gentle on the environment, your health, and best of all, your wallet! If you want to save even more, try buying the supplies in bulk and use reusable bottles to mix your all-natural cleaning solution.

6. Power Up Your Home with Eco-Savings

Embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle at home by applying simple energy-saving strategies. Simple changes like turning off appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and adjusting the thermostat can add up to significant savings on your energy bills. Did you know? “Around 2014, Canadians were spending somewhere up to $100 million on wasted light.” That means wasted money and more greenhouse gas emissions! So, let's turn off the lights and turn on the savings!

7. Supercharge Savings by Meal Planning and Composting

This is a big one. Food waste! The average household wastes over 300 pounds of food every year. That’s over $1300 a year being thrown out the window. Just by planning your meals, not overbuying, and storing food properly, you'll easily save money. And since fruits and veggies are the number one wasted food, my favorite thing to do is save my vegetable peelings for broths and soups or freeze any fruit that is starting to get old and use it for a smoothie later! Another way to cut down on your waste is to compost food scraps. This helps your food avoid sitting in the landfill and can be a great way to save on costly fertilizers!

8. Love Local, Support Sustainable

Supporting small businesses that choose sustainable practices helps to contribute to a greener future with a smaller carbon footprint. Your local small businesses help your money stay within the community, they create jobs and are generally a more environmentally friendly option since they work with other local businesses. And by supporting small farms and markets you get fresher, more affordable produce making it a deliciously sustainable choice for both your health and your wallet!

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't have to be perfect or costly. It’s about doing what fits in your life! There are so many ways each of us can make a real difference and by following these 8 environmentally friendly money-saving tips, you know you'll be making a positive impact on the environment while watching your savings grow.

Author Kayley Anderson, Owner & Founder of Kander & King

Kander & King is a women-owned, Canadian small business. We are a zero-waste store for eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable living products. Our products and packaging are always recyclable or compostable, cruelty-free, all-natural, and minimalistic.

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