Contrary to popular belief, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is not as expensive as you think. For instance, do you know that the age-old practice of line-drying clothes is an affordable and sustainable alternative to using a dryer?
Such common practices in almost every Indian home can give you an insight to being eco-friendly on a budget. Take a look at 14 ways here:
TRAVEL
Public transport benefits the environment since it reduces the number of single occupancy vehicles. Fuel is conserved, air pollution decreases and the carbon footprint is reduced while you also save around 4 times the money that you would have spent on a personal car.
Be it a trip to the market or elsewhere, you could ride a bicycle. It does not emit any greenhouse gases or contribute to air and noise pollution. In addition to that, bicycles don’t require fuel and need less energy to make as compared to cars. It is not only cheap but also a great workout activity.
KITCHEN
Buying local produce benefits the environment, but growing your own greens is even better. With zero requirement for transit to your home like your regular veggies, a home garden ensures zero plastic waste and carbon emissions.
Another common sight in almost every Indian home, using washable rags for cleaning is a great alternative for paper towels. Not only do you save money, you also save trees and keep papers out of landfills.
BATHROOM
Low flow shower heads reduce your water consumption by more than 50%, making minimal difference to your water pressure. You can also look into other advanced shower head options that will help you minimize your water consumption.
The best part about going sustainable is making DIY products like a cleaning solution. All it takes is things you already have in your kitchen. Click here for a simple tutorial to make your own non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner.
SHOPPING
With the ongoing #SecondhandSeptember, you can make sustainable choices for your wardrobe. Opting for second-hand is not limited to clothing. You can explore your second-hand options in books, accessories and a lot more at affordable rates. By purchasing second-hand, you increase the lifespan of these items, going sustainable on a budget.
You can get preloved items in more ways than one. Renting furniture and other items is becoming more common everyday. Barter markets are also a great way to exchange items you don’t need anymore for something you really want. Such markets are now available on websites online. And of course, borrowing is the simplest method of them all!
WHAT ELSE ?
Leaving devices plugged even after they are charged can cost you a lot of energy. Make it a point to unplug your phone once your phone is charged.
Even in a digital age, we often need printed material and making sure you print on both sides of every paper can be eco-friendly and easy on your wallet.
Knowing well that LED bulbs can save a lot of energy, people still refrain from buying it because of its pricing. Keep in mind that opting for LED can be a huge investment since it uses 75-80% less energy as compared to the traditional options. This will have a positive impact on your electricity bills.
According to UNEP, only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, approximately 12% has been incinerated, leaving the 79% in landfills or the natural environment. While we look for appropriate actions to deal with this unending issue, it is wise for us to cut down on single-use plastic bottles. Buying a water filter and a reusable bottle will help you save both: money and the environment.
If you’re an avid news reader, you would love to find the latest headlines in a single click online. Switching to e-news can cut down on the unnecessary pile of newspapers in our homes.
Batteries that are in the landfills decay for long periods of time and leak chemicals. An affordable eco-friendly tip would be to switch to rechargeable batteries, preventing unnecessary waste. This is not the end of the list! You can try DIY products like potpourri, ant repellent and other products for your home. Sustainable living is all about DIY with the end goal of reducing your environmental impact.
So does saving the planet really come at a cost? We think it only helps you save more. Sustainable alternatives can often be a bit expensive but it is a great long-term investment with an added benefit of feeling satisfied with the right choices!
The Good Route can help you discover more about conscious living. Start your sustainable journey today.
