In today’s world, the concept of zero waste has gained momentum as individuals and communities strive to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability. While the primary goal of zero waste is to minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse, it also offers significant financial benefits. In this article, we’ll explore 20 ways that going zero waste can save money, from reducing household expenses to embracing a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Reduce Food Waste
One of the most significant sources of waste and expense for many households is food. By planning meals, buying only what you need, and using up leftovers, you can significantly reduce food waste and save money on groceries. This also includes knowing when and how to freeze food before it spoils, or using up leftover vegetables to make soup or stews.
2. Use Reusable Containers
Investing in reusable containers for storing food, beverages, and other items can eliminate the need for disposable packaging and save money in the long run. I personally opt for stainless steel containers because I find that reusable latex-style bags are harder to clean and really only last a year or two. I’ve had my stainless steel bento boxes for 7 years and they look brand new. They’re also very easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
3. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Instead of purchasing expensive cleaning products packaged in plastic bottles, you can make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, which are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly. I save so much money by cleaning just about everything with diluted vinegar. I will throw some orange or other citrus peels into the spray bottle to add a nice scent. Even windows and mirrors can be streak-free with a diluted vinegar solution.
4. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can save money by reducing packaging waste and taking advantage of lower unit prices for larger quantities of goods. Things you might not even consider are much more affordable in bulk, from table salt, to flour, to granola, to snacks. Instead of wasting money on movie theater candy, hit the bulk aisle before the film and fill up on some yummy gummies or chocolates, or both!
5. Embrace Minimalism
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you prioritize your spending and avoid unnecessary purchases, leading to significant savings over time. If you have a tendency to make impulse purchases, especially on Amazon, make it a rule that you have to leave an item in your shopping cart for a week, and if you still really want it after a week, then go for it. You’d be surprised how much you can talk yourself out of an impulse buy with time.
6. Repair and Repurpose
Instead of replacing items when they break or become worn out, consider repairing them or repurposing them for another use. This can extend the life of your belongings and save money on replacements. Don’t say things like “I’m not a sewer.” That’s defeatist. Watch some YouTube tutorials, ask some Reddit threads, and learn a new skill! Learning new things keeps. Learning things creates more synapses in your brain. And More synapses may boost your cognitive reserve, which may help prevent dementia. (Source)
7. Compost Kitchen Scraps
Composting organic waste like fruit and vegetable scraps not only reduces landfill waste but also produces nutrient-rich compost for your garden, reducing the need for store-bought fertilizers. Even if you’re a hobbyist gardener, making your own compost can save you some bills. Even better, you know exactly what is going into your soil.
8. Reduce Energy Consumption
Conserving energy by turning off lights, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances can lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Although it had/has so much potential to be useful, the solar power industry as it currently stands is a corrupt joke. If you’re able to get municipal solar power or are completely off the grid, that’s great. But installing it is very costly. So for those who currently are not able to afford solar, reducing your energy is the next best step. Run your washing machines or dishwashers at night when there is less of a strain on the grid, this can also save you money depending on your rate plan.
When I am cold in the winter I dress in layers. My partner will turn on the heater and insist on wearing summer clothes. One might say one method is more economical while the other is some real entitled B.S., but I’ll let you be the judge on that.
9. Choose Secondhand
Opting for secondhand or thrifted items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods, can save money while reducing demand for new products and minimizing waste. The Goodwill in my town has really skyrocketed their prices. All their t-shirts are at a base price of $6.99. I’m talking old 90s Budweiser shirts with pit stains. It’s ridiculous. But another non-chain thrift store a couple miles away is still very reasonable. So don’t give up hope.
10. Ditch Disposable Products
Replacing disposable items like paper towels, napkins, and plastic cutlery with reusable alternatives can save money over time and reduce waste. Don’t really just ditch them, use them up and make it count. Just avoid using them in the future. Carrying a little cutlery set in my purse has saved me from wasting probably one thousand plastic pieces over the last few years. Now I just carry a reusable set of chopsticks because they take up even less space.
11. Minimize Consumerism
Evaluate your consumption habits and prioritize purchases that align with your values and sustainability goals. By reducing unnecessary spending and avoiding impulse buys, you can minimize waste and save money while living more consciously. Consider whether each purchase is essential and whether it contributes to a zero waste lifestyle. Additionally, canceling subscriptions and memberships for services or products you no longer need can further reduce consumption and unnecessary waste.
12. DIY Personal Care Products
Making your own personal care products, such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, using natural ingredients can save money and reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. You can find recipe tutorials for DIY makeup on YouTube. Here is a recipe for mascara from our Plastic Free July series.
13. Embrace Public Transportation
Reducing car usage in favor of walking, biking, or using public transportation can save money on fuel, maintenance, and parking fees while reducing emissions and congestion. Taking public transport not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions from non-point source pollution, it can save you money by (1) reducing fuel costs; (2) lowering or eliminating vehicle ownership costs; (3) reducing or eliminating parking fees; (4) reducing or eliminating maintenance and repair costs; (5) and you don’t ever have to worry about depreciation.
14. Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home can save money on groceries while providing fresh, nutritious produce for your family. We have of many tutorials on backyard gardening, including How to Grow a Victory Garden; How to Compost; and for those who have no garden space, How to Grow Microgreens (of course they’re just great to grow in general!)
15. Host Zero Waste Gatherings
When hosting gatherings or events, prioritize zero waste practices such as using reusable tableware, serving bulk snacks, and providing composting bins to minimize waste and save money on disposables. Spreading the word through example and kindness is truly the best teaching method. The call-out culture that is so insidious in the sustainability community really needs to end. It’s snobbish and does nothing for the planet.
16. Practice Mindful Shopping
Before making a purchase, consider whether you truly need the item and whether it aligns with your values and priorities. Mindful shopping can help you avoid impulse buys and unnecessary spending. Remember, we vote with our dollar. That means when you spend money on a product, you’re tell the company you approve of their ingredients, methods of production, methods of shipment, packaging, and so on. Follow the dollar to see if that company really does align with your values.
18. Opt for Digital
Choosing digital alternatives to paper-based products, such as e-books, electronic bills, and online subscriptions, can save money on printing costs and reduce paper waste. This also saves money on shipping while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions required to ship it! If you just need to have a physical book, which I totally understand, try to source them at thrift stores.
19. Participate in Swaps and Exchanges
Joining community swap groups or organizing clothing swaps with friends can provide opportunities to exchange items you no longer need for ones you do, saving money and reducing waste. Community centers, churches, and other local groups are great ways to spread the word.
20. Share Resources
Pooling resources with friends, family, or neighbors, such as sharing tools, equipment, or transportation, can reduce individual expenses and promote community collaboration. My environmental professor pitched the concept of a communal shed where everyone pitches in to purchase the equipment, everyone is allowed to borrow it for their needs, and everyone is expected to maintain and return the items in condition they received them.
Conclusion
Going zero waste isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also good for your wallet. By adopting simple lifestyle changes and embracing sustainable practices, you can significantly reduce your household expenses while minimizing your environmental impact. Whether it’s reducing food waste, embracing minimalism, or choosing reusable alternatives, there are countless ways to save money while living more sustainably. So why wait? Start your zero waste journey today and reap the financial rewards tomorrow.
Zero Waste California 