With so much plastic on the planet, it can be hard to stay frugal without contributing (in one way or another) to environmental degradation.
It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. After reading more about the impact of plastic consumption, I began to wonder: Are frugality and sustainability at odds with each other? If we’re cutting costs, are we also cutting corners when it comes to the environment?
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stay frugal and be kind to the planet. Here are some strategies that can help you do both.
Be Mindful of Your Purchases
Being eco-conscious often starts with being intentional.
I try to be mindful of what I buy, asking myself if I really need it or if there’s a better option.
Can I reuse something I already have? Can I find it secondhand?
These little moments of pause can make a big difference in both spending and sustainability.
Try Gardening
Gardening is one of my favorite frugal hobbies.
It’s a great way to grow your own food and cut back on store-bought produce.
Even a small herb garden can save money and reduce packaging waste. Plus, if you start composting, your food scraps can turn into nutrient-rich soil instead of ending up in the trash.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, aren’t just about sustainability; they’re frugal living principles, too.
The less you buy, the more you save. If you can extend the life of what you already own or repurpose it into something new, you avoid spending and cut back on waste. Recycling is great, but it should come after reducing and reusing.
Recycle for a Purpose
If your local recycling program isn’t well-utilized, it can sometimes be helpful to connect recycling with a cause. For example, I’ve seen communities increase participation after tying the proceeds from recyclables to local programs, such as animal shelters.
When people see a direct impact, they’re often more motivated to take part.
Compost
Composting kitchen scraps is a simple way to reduce household waste.
Leftover produce, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all examples of items that break down into rich soil over time.
Make Things From Scratch
I love making things from scratch when I can. It often tastes better, saves money, and cuts down on packaging. That said, I’m all for convenience when needed.
I bring my own water bottle, skip bottled drinks, and take reusable totes to the store (which is especially helpful now that many places charge for plastic bags). Over time, these habits really add up.
Be a Minimalist
Leaning into minimalism has made a big difference in my spending habits and environmental impact.
I rarely shop for non-essentials, and when I do, I check thrift stores first. I try to use up or donate anything I no longer need instead of letting it sit unused. It’s freeing and frugal all at once.
Thrifting
Thrifting is one of the most practical ways to save money and reduce waste.
I also love using local selling apps and groups to buy secondhand or sell things I no longer need. It’s a great way to declutter and make a little extra cash in the process.
Don’t Fly
Cutting back on air travel is one of the most impactful changes you can make for the environment. Even reducing just one flight a year can shrink your carbon footprint significantly. If you’re already someone who avoids flying to save money, you’re helping the planet too.
Make Reusable Items
Creating reusable items at home can be a fun and frugal way to reduce waste. For example, I’ve made washable makeup remover pads out of scrap flannel and old t-shirts. They’re easy to toss in with the laundry, and I no longer need to buy disposable ones. Coconut oil works great as a remover, but there are plenty of other natural options you can try.
