Whether you’re new to the thrifty lifestyle or have been budgeting for years, you’ll know that being a diligent shopper can be cost-effective and shrink your household's carbon footprint.
Part of being a thrifty shopper is all about purchasing products with one thing in mind: reusing.
These 12 eco-friendly strategies can help mindful shoppers bring their minimalist A-game on their next shopping excursion.
1. Reusable Shopping Bags
Instead of purchasing single-use plastic bags after every grocery store run, the mindful shopper needs to use some kind of reusable shopping bag.
According to Habits of Waste, plastic bags have a staggering environmental impact, with 5 billion plastic bags produced yearly. By switching to reusable bags, shoppers reduce waste and have a more secure, durable alternative to grocers' often flimsy, tear-prone plastic bags.
Use shopping bags made from easily cleaned fabrics like cotton, canvas, or hemp. Some reusable bags are even made from recycled plastic bags.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
Are you guilty of hoarding plastic water bottles in the backseat of your car? Many on-the-go Americans are. To truly be a thrifty shopper, slowly transition to reusable water bottles.
Reusable water bottles are worthwhile not only for their sustainability but also because they are convenient, versatile, and cheaper than single-use bottles in the long run.
With viral bottle brands boasting bright and popular designs, using a cute bottle can increase your overall water consumption in addition to reducing your environmental impact. Choose from insulated stainless-steel bottles and BPA-free plastic or glass bottles to keep you hydrated and on-trend.
3. Coffee Cups
Americans like coffee. Whether it's the morning or evening, it’s always time for a cup. While many coffee places have switched to paper cups, these can still contain toxic gases like methane when they decompose.
Consider swapping your paper coffee cup for a reusable mug, stainless steel, or bamboo cup. Some coffee shops may offer discounts if you bring your own cup.
4. Cloth Napkins
Instead of using paper napkins that you throw out or recycle once they are used, use cloth napkins. Made from fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester, cloth napkins are not only durable and easy to wash but also look great on the table.
Choose plain designs for your casual gathering and invest in some linen napkins for an elegant or formal occasion.
5. Reusable Freezer Labels
If you like to meal prep or freeze unused groceries, you’ll know that proper label application can change the game.
However, many one-off adhesive labels are in the garbage can by the meal's end. Use reusable freezer labels that peel right off. Many of these freezer labels are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
If you have no adhesive labels nearby, use a dry-erase or other non-toxic, washable marker to hastily label your reusable food storage containers.
6. Stainless-Steel Coffee Filters
Despite the paper coffee filter's time-honored position as a kitchen staple, these American consumer commodities are not good for the environment or your wallet.
Make your daily brew with a stainless-steel coffee filter instead. These economical, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance filters are easy to wash and reuse, and they won't throw a wrench in your morning routine.
7. Silicone Baking Cups
Be a thrifty baker and use silicone baking cups and molds instead of disposable parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Silicone baking liners are easy to clean, often dishwasher-safe, and better at preventing stubborn baked goods from sticking.
From cupcake cups, mini loaf pans, and baking mats to full-size silicone pans, switching to a reusable alternative has never been simpler or more wallet-friendly.
8. Beeswax Wrap
Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps, foil, or wax paper. They are cotton fabrics infused with food-grade beeswax, coconut oil, and rosin.
These wraps last for about a year and can be used regularly to cover containers or food products. They're easy to wipe down and can seamlessly slide into any storage drawer.
9. Menstrual Cup
According toStanford Magazine, the U.S. tosses 7 billion tampons and 12 billion sanitary pads annually. While these products are convenient and discreet, they are not biodegradable, taking a whopping 800 years to decompose.
If possible, consider switching to menstrual cups instead of single-use hygiene products. As costs for pads and similar products continue to rise, reusable cups become a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Additionally, many leading hygiene products contain bleaches, fragrances, and other additives not seen in washable cups.
10. Food Storage Containers
Stop purchasing products packaged in single-use plastics if you can use glass food storage containers. Some stores have the option to fill your glass containers at the store instead of plastic.
Not only are glass or BPA-free plastic containers easy to clean, but they also promote bulk buying, which is a great budget-friendly shopping hack.
11. Rechargeable Batteries
Sticking to your budget often means using battery-powered appliances to lower utility costs, but single-use batteries are not eco-friendly and pose a fire risk in landfill sites.
Heal The Plantestimates that Americans throw away around 3 billion batteries each year.
Save money and purchase rechargeable batteries instead. If used and cared for correctly, rechargeable batteries can last several years and be charged thousands of times.
12. Reusable Air Filters
If you own an HVAC system, you're likely going to change your air filter every 30 or 90 days, depending on the type.
Instead of using a fiberglass filter, switch to a washable and reusable electrostatic filter.
