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When I first started getting into sustainability and living eco friendly, I thought that I needed to throw away everything in my house the wasn’t made of bamboo or recycled paper and buy a bunch of mason jars to store everything in.
After more research, I figured out that throwing away things that were in perfect condition wasn’t really good for the environment or my wallet, so I did a little more digging.
And maybe you’re like me. You are interested in helping the environment thrive, but you also want your bank account to thrive, too. Am I right?
Your Sustainable Living Journey Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect.
I personally believe that not everyone’s wholesome living journey is going to look exactly the same. Being completely zero waste is feasible for some people, but not everyone. Do what you can and don’t compare yourself to others. Your life will feel so much less stressful that way.
All that being said, if you are wanting to take a step towards being more sustainable and creating less waste, I have created this list of inexpensive sustainable products that are all under $10 each!
Now, don’t feel the need to go out and purchase all of these things. In fact, don’t feel the need to go and purchase any of these things. This list is just to show you that it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to live sustainably.
I tried to make a list of products that I personally would find use for because they will replace single use products that I use on an almost daily basis. Not only will I include links to highly rated products, but I will tell you how useful they can be in replacing my single use items.
Here are 10 Inexpensive Sustainable Products.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
I used to go through paper towels so quickly when I would clean my home. I found that using microfiber cleaning cloths was so much better because they are very absorbent and they don’t leave streaks on glass (which is my favorite part about them!)
Flour Sack Towels
Another alternative to paper towels that we use in our house are flour sack towels. They are lighter towels that are perfect for cleaning up spills, drying dishes, or drying produce. They are my favorite type of dish towel because they have so many uses.
Reusable Cotton Rounds
I hated how expensive and wasteful makeup remover wipes were, so I started using cotton rounds and a gentle micelar water to remove my makeup instead. These even come with a mesh bag to make sure you don’t lose any of them in the washing machine.
Stainless Steel Straws
I personally use straws frequently because I like drinking smoothies. However, if you don’t use straws regularly, I don’t think you need to buy them just because they are reusable. If you do use straws regularly, this set is great because it comes with two types (straight and bent) and a straw cleaner which is an absolute must have for reusable straws of any kind.
Reusable Sandwich Bags
If you don’t normally use sandwich bags, you can probably just stick to storing food in containers or jars. Since I pack my husband’s lunch for work every day and I occasionally need to pack a lunch myself, I found that I was going through a 100 pack of sandwich bags so fast.
Unlike certain name brand silicone food storage bags, these ones are very affordable and they have a high rating.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
Wool Dryer Balls
Skip the dryer sheets and use these wool dryer balls. They not only help cut down on dry time and energy, but they are fragrance free, so you don’t have to worry about any skin sensitivities.
Mesh Produce Bags
These mesh bags are perfect for getting produce at farmer’s markets or your local bulk grocery store.
I personally do not use produce bags, because the grocery store I normally shop at already has packaging on most product. I am hoping they will eventually use less packaging because I really do like the store and their prices!
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
I highly recommend a stainless steel water bottle. I grew up using reusable plastic water bottles, but they would always eventually end up cracking or leaking and the water never stayed cold.
This insulated vacuum sealed stainless steel water bottle keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and it’s durable and leak proof!
I personally use a different water bottle because it’s a tumbler with a straw (I absolutely love it) but it costs a little more than this one on Amazon so I didn’t include it. However, I can attest to the quality of stainless steel bottles and highly recommend ones that keep your drinks cold for such a long time.
Reusable K Cups
Now, I personally am not a coffee drinker, but my husband is an addict, so I know how important coffee is to coffee lovers!
I always had at least one roommate in college that had a Keurig coffee maker, and they typically had a reusable K cup. Why? Because single use K cups are expensive and college students can’t afford that fancy stuff!
Not only is a reusable K cup more cost effective, but it’s so much better for the environment. And if you drink coffee every morning, you will definitely be getting significant use out of it.
Tea Diffuser
I may not be a coffee drinker, but I most certainly am a daily tea drinker. I have this same set of tea diffusers and they’re great. The mesh casing doesn’t allow for any of the loose tea to fall out like some other styles of diffusers do.
Click here to download my free checklist of items to reuse instead of throwing away!
Now if you don’t drink tea every day, or even frequently enough to justify this purchase, just stick with using regular tea bags.
I hope this post showed you that you don’t necessarily have to make any purchases to start living sustainably, but if you do, make sure they are ones that you would consistently use and will make your life easier.
Let me know if I missed any other affordable products that I can add to this list!
