7 Eco Friendly Swaps: Reusable Items To Save Money

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With rising awareness of the impact of waste and the effect that a disposable culture can have on the environment as well as on finances, people are increasing their efforts in plastic free living and finding ways to reuse items and give sustainable gifts. Replacing disposable items with reusable ones is a great way to lower costs on recurring expenses.

There are lots of ways to save money by switching to reusable household items which have the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly too.

Here are some simple eco friendly swaps: everyday reusable items to save money and reduce waste.

Reusable Items T0 Save Money: 7 Eco Friendly Swaps

1. Water Bottles

According to The Guardian, a million plastic water bottles are bought around the world every minute, with the majority of these ending up either in landfill or the ocean. Aside from the obvious environmental effects, buying bottled water can also be an expensive habit. Although an initial expense, a reusable water bottle can be a great way to save money long term, be more environmentally friendly, and help you stay hydrated.

If you’re in an area where the water quality isn’t amazing, or for travelling, you can opt for a water bottle with an inbuilt filtration system, costing a little more but still providing savings long term if you buy a lot of bottled water.

2. Menstrual Cups/ CSP

The cost of sanitary wear such as tampons and sanitary towels is a monthly expense most women can’t escape. Although not necessarily a huge amount, over the years it definitely adds up!

A money saving and eco friendly alternative is to try reusable options, such as a menstrual cup or CSP (cloth sanitary protection). The price of a good menstrual cup such as a Pixie cup or Luna Cup will pay for itself within 4 or 5 months and should last up to ten years.

Related: Eco Friendly Bathroom Swaps

3. Shopping Bags

Most supermarkets have a charge for plastic carrier bags now, in a government effort to cut down on plastic waste. Did you know it can take hundreds of years for a plastic bag to decompose? Save money and make the eco-friendly swap by investing in a few reusable shopping bags. Just don’t forget to take them with you!

4. Straws

Paper straws are already being introduced as an alternative to plastic straws in a lot of restaurants and bars, but are still a one time use option. If you’d prefer to go for a longer lasting reusable option at home, you can choose to get stainless steel or silicone straws.

5. Paper Towels/Kitchen Roll

Paper towels are one of those things we have in kitchen that we use all the time, for all sorts of spills, wiping, mopping up etc. Why not save money by making yourself some reusable DIY Un-paper towels and never have to buy them again? The easy tutorial below will give you step by step instructions to make your own, or if you’re not a sewing whiz, you can grab some pre made fabric towels, they come in all sort of designs and patterns!