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Are you trying to be more eco-friendly this year? It can be more expensive to go green, and that is a barrier to a more eco-friendly life for a lot of us. But there is good news – there are plenty of ways to be more eco-friendly, that will also save money! These eco friendly resolutions are also really easy!
So if you want to make some easy eco friendly New Year Resolutions, and save some money, keep reading!
Remember that you don’t have to do all of these money saving eco ideas all at once. Maybe try one a week, and you’ll soon be making a real difference.
Money Saving Eco Friendly Resolutions When You’re Out and About
It’s all too easy to buy a drink or food when we are out, but with a little forward planning, we can save money, and save on single use plastic.
Take Lunch With You
Buying a meal deal may be convenient, but it’s expensive, and packed in tonnes of plastic. So packing a reusable lunch box is a great way to save money and be more eco-friendly.
I have a fab Huski lunchbox from SaveMoneyCutCarbon made of upcycled rice husks, with different sections that mean I don’t need clingfilm around my sandwich either. This sustainable lunchbox is made in the UK, from rusk husks, a waste product of the rice industry.
I’ve wrapped some cake in a wax wrap (see below) to keep it apart from my fruit. I like the way the sandwich has an integrated plate too.
You’ll soon make your money back if you use a reusable lunchbox and make your own lunch a few times a week, instead of buying a meal deal.
Pop A Reusable Cup Into Your Bag
Disposable cups are really difficult to recycle, and recycling can only do so much anyway. Taking your own reusable cup is by far the best option for drinking on the go! My pink Huski Sustainable Rice Husk Travel Cup from SaveMoneyCutCarbon is lightweight, durable, and twin-walled to keep drinks hot (or cold) with a leak-proof lid.
Just like the matching lunchbox, made from a by-product of the rice industry. Many coffee shops now offer a discount for using your own reusable cup, or you can just brew it at home and save even more.
Taking a reusable bottle is also a quick and easy way to cut down on single use plastic, and will save you tonnes of cash too. Hopefully you already have one by now!
Stop Buying Clingfilm
Clingfilm is surprisingly easy to cut out, with the help of a set of reusable beeswax wraps. These wax-infused cotton squares come in several sizes for wrapping blocks of cheese, covering pots of half used things, and wrapping sandwiches. In fact pretty much anything you use clingfilm for, apart from meat. For that, I use a reusable tub that is washed in the dishwasher.
Using these wraps instead of clingfilm will save money in the long run, as well as landfill.
Resolve to Use a Refill Shop
Cut down on wasteful single use plastic by using a refill shop and filling your own containers, or simply take your own bags and pick loose fruit and veg at the supermarket.
Not sure how a refill shop works? I have a blog post that explains the many benefits of refill shops here. We refill flour, cocoa, nuts and seeds, and other dried goods, as well as things like washing up liquid, shampoo and shower gel. I’ve done the sums and as well as reducing packaging waste, many of the products are cheaper too so it’s a win/win.
Remember Your Reusable Bags
Did you know that 1 trillion single-use plastic bags are used every year? With disposable plastic bags costing 10p each, we’ll save plastic and money when we actually remember to use our reusable bags!
If yours are worn out or you need a new one, my Kind Bag Reusable Shopping Bags are brilliant as they are strong yet light and pack away into a pouch so you can keep it in your handbag. They are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and are machine washable.
Walk or Cycle Instead of Taking the Car
Walking is free, cycling is free once you have bought a bike and helmet. Maybe you could borrow a bike from a friend or neighbour? It’s also a great way to stay active and get some fresh air.
Shop Secondhand
There’s nothing quite so satisfying as getting a secondhand bargain: it is way better for the environment and saves money. Plus you’ll probably have something unique too! Read more tips below:
A Free and Fun Eco Friendly Resolution: Join Your Local Library
Using your local library is a win/win/win as it saves you money from buying books, which also saves you space from having to store them. It also shows the Government that libraries are valuable and need funding! Worried about the writer not getting any money? The Public Lending Right (PLR) makes sure the authors get a small payment every time one of their books is borrowed. It’s not as much as if you buy it but it’s still worthwhile.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my ideas on how to save money with easy eco friendly New Year’s Resolutions. Please Pin it to spread the word!
