Living more sustainably can feel like a huge undertaking, but even small adjustments help — and they don’t have to cost you anything. It’s all about creating small habits to make eco-friendly choices more automatic in your daily routine. Plus, there are plenty of ways to make zero-waste swaps fun, from using them as an excuse to get together with friends, find a new hobby, or learn more about your neighborhood. Firstly, check out these 25 ways to spend less without breaking the bank.
Credit: Design: Apartment Therapy
1. Join social media groups in your neighborhood
Your neighbors can help you save money thanks to social networks and neighborhood groups related to apps. See if you can find groups on Nextdoor or social media apps where people share items. Since joining the Buy Nothing Facebook group, some of the freebies I’ve picked up include two nightstands, a bookcase, and — this is a big one — a portable treadmill. I also trade puzzles with people regularly. Another tip: Check Facebook Marketplace for free items near you. (Just be sure when you plan to pick up and drop off, regardless of which avenue you choose.)
3. Log out of the takeout tool
This is a small adjustment, but it can make a big difference if you order often. Before you hit the order button, make sure you can choose to skip accessories. That way, they don’t end up in your order (and then in your junk drawer, where they’ll sit until you throw them away later). Pro tip: Some shelters accept donations of plastic dishes.
5. Ask about reusable cups in coffee shops
These rules vary from place to place, but some coffee shops may be open to serving you a latte in your own reusable cup. Some even offer discounts when you bring your own mug. If you go to coffee shops all the time, the amount of paper and plastic this simple swap saves can add up quickly.
6. Repurpose storage containers
If you’re getting ready to declutter, your instinct might be to visit the dollar store or big box store so organizers can get your clutter under control. But before you do that, look around your home and think about what you can use around you, instead of buying new. Reuse takeout containers, candle holders, shoe boxes, gift boxes and mugs to collect your clutter. Or use those to-go containers to store your leftovers after cooking.
7. Organize a craft night
Instead of throwing away that cross stitch kit you started but never finished, get the group together for a night of arts and crafts. Use whatever supplies you have on hand and encourage people to bring materials they can find at home without buying anything new. Make it an all-nighter by making it a “paint and sip” night by serving some drinks (alcoholic or not) and snack boards.
8. Donate to the Creative Reuse Store
Remember that half-open container of acrylic paints you never used? Or that extra embroidery thread? Consider grabbing any leftover art supplies and taking them to a craft store for reuse. These stores offer everything from fabric and gift bags to sewing patterns and washi tape. People can then come to buy supplies at lower prices, and you can avoid a collection of dried paint.
9. Scrapbook Your Receipts
Instead of throwing away your receipts right away, consider keeping them (or at least hiding a few) for a journaling session. You can follow the trail of one TikTok user and paste the accounts on a sketch page or notebook and then draw around it. Or write a few paragraphs about where you were and who you were with. You will have fun scrolling through this in the future.
10. Challenge yourself a Shredded A meal
I watched many, many seasons Shredded, a show that asks professional chefs to create incredible dishes from random, unrelated ingredients. You can use the same idea to create your own fridge and pantry challenge. Try to use up perishable items to avoid throwing away. Bonus points if you want to invite friends over for dinner afterwards so they can enjoy your new creations.
11. Stock up on reusable bags
Avoid getting plastic or paper bags from the grocery store by double-checking your supply of reusable bags. Do you have a few accessories in the trunk of your car? Are there smaller bags that you can hide in the purses you use most often? If you’re running low on bags, ask friends or neighbors if they have extras on hand.
12. Visit your local library
The library does much more than just distribute books. When you get a local library card, you can take advantage of a number of benefits. For starters, checking out books can save you money. But you can also check out offers like digital magazine releases, streaming movies, and virtual courses.
13. Use a free sewing machine to mend your clothes
On a related note, your local library may also offer access to sewing machines – free of charge. If you’re good at sewing but don’t have a machine at home, consider using a loan to repair your clothes. Instead of throwing away your shirts or leggings, see if you can repair them and give them a new lease of life. Some libraries also have tutorials if you’re new to sewing.
14. If you can’t keep wearing it, make it a cleaning cloth
You might find a few shirts or leggings that you’ve already tried to mend, or are just too tattered to donate. In this case, repurpose your clothes into cleaning cloths. It’s time to get out the scissors and give that old free t-shirt a new purpose.
15. Repurpose your aluminum foil
16. Find a local compost program
If you live in an apartment complex without a green bin, research local composting sites. There may be a drop-off station near you where you can take your leftovers instead of throwing them in the trash. Check to see if your city or neighborhood offers free bins to store your waste.
Your freezer can help you reduce food waste. For starters, if you know you won’t be using the entire package of meat, separate what you will use from what you can freeze. You can also find plenty of guides on how to best freeze food to make the most of your fridge space.
19. Repurpose tea canisters
If you want to drink a good cup of tea in the morning and always find yourself with empty tea cans, put them to good use instead of throwing them away. Try using the canister to store children’s toys for travel or turn it into a mini flower pot.
20. Save and reuse packaging materials
When you receive a package delivery, see what packing materials you can save to reuse later. Stick to things like tissue paper, foil or cardboard – you can most likely use them later.
21. Get creative with gift wrapping
Skip gift wrapping from the store and get crafty with what you can find at home. Use paper bags, newspapers (à la Dolly Parton), fabric, old magazines, scarves you don’t wear, and other materials to wrap gifts. Bonus points if you use some of the art supplies you have on hand to decorate the package.
22. Use odds and ends to make pet toys
As a cat myself, I can attest to the fact that my cat sometimes prefers a strip of cardboard to the toys I actually buy her. Even the least expected pieces of fabric can become a great toy; just be careful not to leave anything out that your cat might accidentally swallow. You can also use household items like old bed sheets to make dog toys.
23. Save your used coffee grounds
25. Plan multiple picnic dates
The next time you’re planning a night out with friends (or a new crush), suggest a picnic. Take advantage of the sunny days and pack a bag with a blanket, snacks in reusable containers and cloth towels. Bring a book or a small board game. Enjoy your day and think about all the money you just saved.