23 Easy Ways to Go Zero Waste on a Budget

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James Miller
By 
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: March 19, 2024

When it comes to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, you don’t need to break the bank to make a difference.

With just a few simple changes, it’s easy and affordable to reduce waste and be more sustainable, even on a tight budget!

From learning how to store food without single-use plastic containers to reducing kitchen scraps by composting or even DIY projects for upcycling everyday items you no longer need, there are numerous ways anyone can go zero waste on a budget.

Read on, and I’ll share with you how every member of the Miller household is doing their bit for the planet…and saving a lot of money along the way!

What are The Benefits of Going Zero Waste?

I'll admit that going zero-waste was a challenge at first, but in time we've really come to enjoy it and found our lives are better as a result.

  • Saving Money: This has been a wallet friendly exercise. Our family spends less now. We buy less and choose reusable items, so we save on things we used to throw away.
  • Healthier Eating: We eat fresher, locally grown foods, and far less packaged and processed food items. We have more energy and just generally feel a lot healthier.
  • Reduced Clutter: Our home is less cluttered because we only keep what we need and use regularly,
  • Feels Good: We find we genuinely feel good about producing less waste. Our children have become more aware of environmental issues. They learned the importance of conservation and sustainability.

I realize that the main point is to help the planet, but it certainly makes it easier when we get a lot of personal benefits too.

Is Zero Waste Living Expensive?

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainable living is that it has to be expensive.

Yes, some mass-produced items are cheaper, and you may find certain zero waste products come with a higher price tag.

However, we've found that they’re usually better quality and will last significantly longer (saving you money long term).

You also need to balance that against the savings you'll make on buying second hand, fixing broken items instead of discarding and buying new, and growing your own food.

Overall, you'll find that zero waste living is way cheaper - period.

Top Tips for Living Zero Waste on a Budget

buying in bulk to save cost and fuel

Buy In Bulk to Reduce Packaging

Buying in bulk is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of plastic packaging you buy, and keep your grocery budget under control.

We've discovered many places where you can buy in bulk, including local markets and even some big-box stores such as Costco.

What's more, you won't need to travel to the store as often, so you'll save on fuel and cut your carbon footprint.

Buy Second-Hand

It’s always worth shopping around, especially when it comes to second-hand goods.

From used clothing and furniture to electrical appliances or even vehicles, you can find an incredible range of pre-loved items at much lower prices than buying brand new.

Not only will it save you money, but it’s also great for the planet because no extra resources are needed to make a new item.

Consider buying used products from local community groups or non-profit organizations. That way, you’ll know that your money, however small it is, will be going toward a good cause.

Only Buy What You Need

One of the quickest ways to boost your zero waste credentials and save cash is to avoid impulse buying.

If you don’t need it, then don’t buy it! It’s as simple as that.

You can start making considerable savings by only buying what you need (sticking to a strict grocery shopping list, for example).

Make Your Own DIY Products

From DIY cleaning products to natural deodorants and more, there’s pretty much nothing that can’t be made at home using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards.

I've been making my own soap using this recipe (credit to Arabella for the idea) and it's just as good, if not better quality than anything I've ever bought in-store.

Of course, anything you make yourself is cheaper and doesn't come packaged in plastic.

Looking to get started immediately? Check out our 27 Eco-Friendly Ways to SAVE MONEY! guide for an awesomely simple rosemary & lemon all-purpose cleaner recipe.

shopping at a zero-waste store

Shop At Zero Waste Stores

Ditch your supermarket and get all your cupboard staples (grains, spices, cereal, etc.) from zero waste shops.

Most neighborhoods now have at least one store or farmer's market within easy reach.

But if there’s not one near you, don't be tempted to drive out of your way because this just increases your carbon emissions. Consider shopping at zero waste online stores instead.

We've found that this simple swap can eliminate all packaging and plastic produce bags.

Grow Your Own Food

The cheapest and healthiest way to cut down on your food budget and carbon footprint is to grow your own food.

If you don't have a garden of your own, check out if there are any community gardens in your area.

Community gardens offer a great chance to get some fresh air and meet new people.

Want total control over what you grow? Consider turning over a small section of your backyard to veggies.

storing food in glass jars

Store Food Without Plastic Containers

A straightforward way to stop adding to the planet’s growing plastic waste problem is to ditch plastic bags and single-use containers.

Instead, opt for more sustainable and long-lasting options, such as glass jars or stainless steel lunch boxes.

A mason jar can be used for many purposes and is a great investment, but you don't even have to buy them new. We got a great set of six from a garage sale for just a few bucks.

Stop Buying Disposable Water Bottles

Plastic bottles are a significant cause of waste. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Switching to a reusable drinks bottle is an effortless (and cost-effective) way to help reduce plastic pollution.

Not only will doing so help keep the planet plastic-free, but it’ll also save you money in the long run by cutting down your spending on bottled water.

Stop Buying Bleached Kitchen and Toilet Rolls

If you still buy bleached white kitchen and toilet tissue, you've probably already figured out that it's time to stop! The bleaching process releases dioxins and other pollutants, which can be damaging to water systems and wildlife.

Switch to unbleached bamboo or recycled toilet paper that has a far lower environmental impact. We get ours delivered to our door on a subscription, so we never have to worry about running out.

Speaking of kitchen rolls, we stopped buying them - period. It's easy to use an old rag or dishcloth to wipe up kitchen spills, and wash it regularly. If you don't own one, you can make some out of old clothes or towels.

Make Your Own Lunches

Another way to save money and reduce waste is by preparing your own lunches and snacks for work or school.

Not only will you be able to control the ingredients you use (avoiding nasty preservatives, added sugars, and fats), but it’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You might even discover a new favorite! ????

compost bin

Use A Compost Bin

Another great way to reduce your household’s waste is by composting. This will eliminate a lot of kitchen scraps, and also save you money in the long run (no more buying compost for your plants).

Composting requires very little money upfront (especially if you already have a container that you can use), so it’s the perfect project for anyone who wants to save a few bucks while reducing their waste footprint.

My favorite composting ‘hack’ is to mix in coffee grounds to turbocharge plant growth.

Store Or Reuse All Leftovers

In the U.S., we waste 30%-40% of the food supply.

Getting into the habit of eating everything you cook will mean you minimize your food waste, saving yourself money and stopping valuable nutrients from going to waste.

If you do end up with leftovers, keep them for another day by cooling them and then freezing them.

Make Do And Mend

One of the best ways to save money is by learning to make do and mend. In our house, this especially applies to clothes (Mrs. M is a wizard with a needle and thread).

This old-fashioned skill will come in handy, especially if you have kids who keep ripping things with their never-ending energy or teenagers who seem determined to destroy everything they own.

To get started, gather all your mending supplies into a toolbox, so you don’t have to search for scissors or needles whenever you need them.

Remember all the other parts of your life that need mending, too. Try fixing things around your house before tossing them out.

Don’t Toss, Recycle

When something reaches the end of its usable life, don’t just toss it in the trash.

Try to recycle it or donate it if you can find someone who wants it.

Better still, how about upcycling? You can repurpose just about anything if you're creative enough.

line dry clothes

Line Dry, Don't Tumble Dry

Unless it's an emergency, we've stopped using our tumble dryer.

Not only does it save a lot of energy (which is great for both the environment and your utility bills), but it's also much gentler on your clothes.

Since switching to line drying, I've noticed my clothes last longer and look better. Plus, there's something really satisfying about the natural, fresh scent you get from air-dried clothes.

Give Homemade Gifts

You don’t have to spend a fortune on gifts to give them meaning and love. In fact, isn’t the gift of your time and effort better than spending money?

Yes, I've tested and reviewed eco-friendly gifts in the past, and for those people who simply don't have the time to make their own.

But the truth is, I'm a big believer in homemade gifts. When you make something yourself, rather than buying something ready-made, you give your loved ones something truly unique.

Here are some fantastic ideas you can try.

Why stop at the gift? You could also upcycle old magazines or decorate recycled paper towels for the gift wrap rather than splashing out on wrapping paper.

Swap to Solid Skincare and Dehydrated Detergent

Most beauty and cleaning products are mainly water, stored in plastic, and shipped around the globe.

Reduce your packaging usage, water usage, and shipping carbon footprint by using products such as a plastic-free shampoo bar and concentrated dish soap.

Research To Avoid Greenwashing

Does that fancy new eco-friendly gadget you have your eye on sound too good to be true? Maybe it is!

Going green is now big business, and some less reputable companies will employ greenwashing tactics to try and part you from your money for a product that’s not actually eco-friendly or low waste.

If in doubt, do your research and ask the manufacturer or retailer many questions.

Or, drop me an email, and I’ll investigate for you.

Simplify And Declutter

Do you really need 12 coats, 16 pairs of sneakers, and a cabinet full of hair products?

Trying to live zero waste does not have to mean buying all new fancy gadgets and materials. It can be as simple as changing your mindset about the stuff you own already so that it either gets used or donated rather than ending up in the trash.

Embrace your inner Marie Condo by decluttering one room, cabinet, or closet every week until you have simplified your home to suit your new zero waste lifestyle.

fast fashion brands like H&M harm the environment

Avoid Fast Fashion

Statistics show that so-called fast fashion is responsible for huge amounts of waste, and the dumping of harmful chemicals into our water supply.

On average, Americans purchase 66 pieces of clothing a year. A trend that’s been helping the fast fashion industry thrive.

Many fast fashion brands have been linked to environmental destruction and unethical labor practices. It’s also often made with cheap, non-biodegradable materials that shed plastic microfibers when washed.

Make an effort to buy second-hand where you can and look for clothes made from organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics if you have to buy new.

Swap to Reusable Pens

Ditch the disposable scratchy plastic pens and invest in a good quality refillable fountain pen.

It’ll last you a lifetime, make handwriting letters a dream, and keep a good chunk of plastic out of the trash.

Use Online Planners And Shopping Lists

Organizing your life with a planner might seem like the zero waste thing to do, but consider switching to an online calendar or shopping list.

This will mean you never find yourself without your vital lists and reminders, no matter where you are (plus, it’ll save on wasteful paper usage).

Swap to Refillable Coffee and Tea

Love tea? Hate plastic? Me too!

Switch to plastic-free tea bags or loose leaves to reduce your plastic waste.

More of a coffee drinker like Mrs. M?

Avoid the single-use coffee pods and brew filter coffee for a sustainable cup of Joe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Five R’s Of Living Zero Waste On A Budget?

  • Refuse: If something doesn’t fit into your goals and ethics, refuse it
  • Reduce: If you reduce what you buy and consume, you reduce your waste
  • Reuse: Don’t throw things away unnecessarily; reuse them whenever possible
  • Recycle: Don’t bin things; recycle them whenever you can.
  • Rot: Compost when you can

What Is A Trash Audit?

A trash audit is a great way to identify how much and what kind of waste you’re producing. To conduct one, simply collect all your trash for a week, sort it into categories, and then analyze the results.

This can help you be more mindful about what you throw away, helping you reduce your waste in the future.

The Final Word

So, there you have it! All my favorite tips to help you get started on your zero waste journey.

Take it slowly, and don’t stress yourself out. Trying to change too much at once will lead to issues. Lots of small changes will start to add up over time.

Also, don’t fall into the trap of throwing everything out to replace it all with zero waste alternatives.

The most sustainable products are the ones you already have (you’ve already paid for them, and the resources have already been used to make them).

Slowly replacing items with more sustainable ones as and when they break or reach the end of their usable life is the best approach.

And finally, it’s important to remember that getting involved in the zero waste movement does not mean you’ll never generate waste. It simply means reducing as much of it as possible.

So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up once in a while…it happens!

The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward with small steps.

Get In Touch

Have you tried living zero waste on a budget? Have I missed any zero-waste lifestyle tips you swear by?

Do you reuse plastic bags? Or prefer to rock an organic cotton tote? Drop me a line and let me know.

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James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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