Easy Ways to Become More of an Eco-Conscious and Budget-Conscious Shopper
Most if not all of us would say that we would like to shop more consciously. We would like to buy products that don’t harm the planet, and we would like to save as much money as we can by shopping wiser. Not too long ago, being eco-conscious and budget-conscious seemed at odds; we felt like we had to choose one path or the other. However, these days it’s more practical than ever to implement both of these principles in our shopping habits.
If you’ve been wanting to shop more eco- and budget-consciously but have had trouble starting, fret no more. From buying higher-quality items to repurposing things around the house to using coupon sites and cashback credit cards, here are a few tips that can help you get started.
Choose quality over quantity.
Buying fewer high-quality items is more eco-friendly than buying a bunch of low-quality items that you will need to replace in a few months. Yes, the higher quality something is, the more expensive it usually is. But choosing quality comes with two advantages.
⦁ High-quality items are likely to last longer, meaning you won’t have to buy as many.
⦁ You can often find discounts and sales for high-quality items.
Long-term, quality materials can make a significant difference when it comes to benefitting the planet and your wallet. And you can save time and money by using coupons, promotions, and cashback offers online.
Move stuff out.
There’s nothing conscious about having way too many things in your home — not to mention that clutter contributes to stress and anxiety! Each time you buy something, consider moving two items out of your home, whether that means selling, donating, recycling, or tossing.
Find new functions for your things.
You may be surprised by what you can do with some of the things you already have. Perhaps you could turn that old sweater into a winter hat or transform that vintage pillowcase in your closet into a romper for your kid. This can work with household items as well, such as converting a ladder into a bookshelf or making tea lights from bottle caps.
Subscribe to email lists.
None of us like having thousands of unread emails in our inbox. However, if you have favorite stores or companies, you can save by signing up for email lists to get updates on sales. You could even create a separate email account that you only use for email subscriptions.
Use cashback credit cards.
Credit cards can get you in a lot of trouble. But if you use cashback credit cards responsibly, you can get 1 to 2 percent cash back on each purchase. There are even offers throughout the year where you can earn 10 to 20 percent cash back. Discipline is the key; if you don’t make all your payments on time and have to pay 20 percent interest, you lose a lot more than you gain.
Reconsider your home.
Your home should also support your choices. There are lots of ways to reduce your carbon footprint, like choosing LED bulbs and installing a more efficient furnace. Renters might feel like their hands are tied in many ways, but you can discuss options with your landlord, and if all else fails, look for more efficient and conscientious housing. Simplify the process of finding a new home by visiting sites like ApartmentGuide which lists almost 400 apartments for rent in Carmel. Filter by your desired amenities and contact potential landlords with any questions.
Not only is it possible to shop both eco-consciously and budget-consciously, but it’s not even all that difficult. Start buying high-quality items that last longer and using aggregate sites that showcase thousands of deals in one place. Get rid of items in your home each time you bring a new item in, and look for ways to repurpose things you already have. Finally, take advantage of email lists, and look into cashback credit cards that can save you money in the long run.
Confront the Climate Crisis is an organization of high school students dedicated to fighting and advocating for climate change and justice in Indiana. Learn how you can get involved!
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