In recent years we have seen a boom in environmental awareness thanks to social media sites such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter. Tiktok has allowed small businesses to get their sustainable products into the limelight. Instagram has allowed for sharing of informative posts/profiles regarding environmental issues. And Twitter provides the much-needed criticism of climate deniers/ignorant politicians from Gen Z. Thanks to social media, thousands of people have made modifications to their lifestyles towards becoming sustainable babes. As much as many wish to make that transfer, however, it is not always affordable. Stores that sell sustainable or sustainably made products are out of budget for the majority of our population. Grocery foods such as Whole Foods and Sprouts, small business boutiques, and locally owned farms tend to be on the higher side in comparison to the majority of the more affordable, mass-producing stores.
The question remains, how are we supposed to practice sustainability in our personal lives when so many of the options are financially unattainable? As a college student, I can assure you there are plenty of sustainable methods without having to resort to transferring money from your savings account into your checking. Here are a few ways I have found to practice sustainability without crying over my bank account:
- Shopping Secondhand
Everyone has heard of thrifting nowadays, but whether or not you’ve embarked on the adventure of sorting through clothes ranging from only $1-$25 is a different story. Secondhand shopping gives new homes to clothes that would’ve been otherwise tossed in a landfill, adding to the nearly 17 million tonnes added every year. Chain thrift stores such as Plato’s Closet and Goodwill or smaller vintage/thrift stores are accessible nearly everywhere across the country. Many small thrift stores even donate their profits to charities or provide external services, such as Out of the Closet, which offers free HIV testing.
- Bring Reusable Bags Out Shopping
Reusable cloth totes, produce bags, or any reusable bag of your liking is highly effective in sustainable shopping. Many stores check out lines sell reusable bags or totes for 50 cents to $5. Opt for the one-time contribution to the pockets of capitalists to never have to contribute to single-use plastic bag waste again.
- Try Sample Size Products Before Buying Full Size
Sephora, Ulta, and other beauty supply stores often have sample-sized products readily available or small containers to put products into before you choose to commit to the entire product. I cannot count how many times I have tested a product once in-store (or not tested it at all), brought it home, and ended up hating it. Ensure the products you’re buying will not go to waste by being sure they work for you in the first place.
- Buy Metal Straws
Everyone knows the importance of reusable straws over plastic ones at this point; we weren’t screaming “Save The Turtles” in 2019 for nothing! Some universities have transferred over to paper straws, but personally, I am not a fan of a straw that breaks down in my mouth. Metal straws can be found practically anywhere for fairly inexpensive. Ideally, everyone would have a foldable metal straw on hand to whip out whenever they go out, but that’s a big leap and not always practical. Buy a few metal straws for your apartment, room, or dorm instead of the plastic ones most commonly offered in dining halls.
- Replace your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo one
Toothbrush heads only last so long, and dentists recommend you switch your toothbrush out every 3 months. If you multiply that number by the number of people in the world who use plastic toothbrushes… that’s a hell of a lot of plastic waste. Converting to a bamboo toothbrush is a great step in eliminating plastic waste, and it’s inexpensive! Bamboo toothbrushes are roughly the same price point as your ordinary plastic ones, and you can find them everywhere. Plus, they’re aesthetically pleasing asf.
- Use a dish towel/cloth instead of paper towels
While not having to do laundry is super awesome, constantly spending money on a container of paper towels isn’t. Whether it be your inability to drink water without spilling on yourself, realizing eating in bed is a bit problematic, or drying dishes, resort to a reusable dishcloth instead. Basic dish towels can be found anywhere in any price range.
These are absolutely not the only financially attainable routes to being sustainable in our college years, but they are just a sneak peek at the few I practice in my life.
Going broke trying to make a positive change just isn’t the vibe for 2022, so be an eco-friendly babe on a budget! I promise you can do it.