A sustainable lifestyle is often associated with local farmers markets, expensive clothing or owning large homesteads. If you are one of those people, you are not alone. A 2021 study found that 64% of adults who want to be more eco-friendly but the cost was too much. Let’s face it; the current cost of living crisis means that priortising sustainable alternatives is unrealistic for most people. But living a sustainable lifestyle does not have to mean spending a lot of cash.
I’ve compiled a list of 3 totally free actions you can take to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Use what you have!
The most sustainable items are the ones you already own. Once you have decided to live a sustainable, eco-friendly or zero-plastic lifestyle, throwing out your old products and clothing can be tempting and swap in low-impact alternatives. However, while sustainable swaps are an essential step in minimising your impact, jumping in by buying new stuff is not the best place to start.
Use what you already have first. Throwing away your functioning plastic toothbrush, full shampoo bottles, unused make-up wipes, or fast-fashion items is not the answer to replace with alternative ‘sustainable’ options is not the answer..
So before shopping for new items, check if you have them at home first and use what you have.
2. Mend or reuse damaged items
If an item is broken, stained or full of holes, it’s time to consider whether your item can be given a second life.
If you have a needle and thread at home, a great way to live more sustainably is to extend the life of your existing clothes. Sewing on broken loose buttons, repairing a tear in your favourite skirt or even patch up your ripped jeans all increase the wear you get out of your clothes, save you money on new items and reduce the amount of waste heading to landfill.
Once your clothes are no longer wearable, you don’t have to throw them away just yet! Instead, cut them up and use them for cleaning rags, or use the scraps of material to patch up other clothing. This can increase the lifecycle of your garments even further.
Other reuse tips include reusing old plastic containers as storage and upcycling an old item of furniture to update it to your style.
Once you have reused, repurposed and got the most life you can out of the items you already own, it’s time to look into recycling.
3. Buy Less
Shop your wardrobe.
Over-consumption has a massive environmental impact. A key way to reduce your environmental impact is to reduce your purchase amount.
Let’s face it, you don’t need a new dress for every event, and last year’s summer clothes still look great.
Re-wear your outfits with pride! I personally will only buy clothing if I know I will wear it multiple times. For example, I have recently been shopping for a bridesmaid outfit for my dad’s wedding. I needed a new dress because none of my fancy dresses fit me! As I got to choose my clothing, I have chosen one that I can re-wear to my best friend’s wedding later in the year. I’ve also bought shoes that I love and so comfy that I know I will wear them all summer- not just for events.
Make conscious choices to reduce what you consume. Buy less (and you end up saving money).
4. Swap
If you need (or want) something new, see if your friends or family have what you are looking for.
Swapping or borrowing clothes from your sibling, friend or flatmate is a great way to have a new outfit for your event without buying a brand new item. Books, clothing, accessories, toys, tools and furniture a are also a great items to swap. I have even previously swapped cosmetics with close friends or family, including foundation and hair products that don’t suit my hair or skin type.
Search second-hand sites if you can’t borrow or swap with a friend. Facebook marketplace and facebook buy nothing groups are great places to find new items for free
5. Get outside and walk
Living more sustainably isn’t just about the items you buy and what you consume, it’s also about how you live your everyday life. Spending time outdoors gives you more energy, improves your mood and increases your connection to nature. You can reduce your impact on the environment by prioritising walking over driving or public transport where you can. Whether you are walking to work or strolling through the park with your family on a Sunday afternoon, walking and spending time in nature can increase your gratitude for our environment and motivate you to focus on taking action (where feasible for you) to live more sustainably.