Reusable on a Budget
Have you ever felt like you wanted to be more sustainable but the options can be rather pricey? Often times we see people on social media or on the web promoting reusable items you can buy that aren’t very low-budget friendly. People and brands even recommend products that can contribute to a linear economy where we continuously buy new items that end up in the trash sooner rather than later.
Water Bottles
You don’t have to go out and buy a 40$ stainless steel water bottle to invest in a good one! I use an old glass Kombucha bottle I bought at the store a while ago and it does the job. Glass bottles and mason jars work great!
Reusable Shopping Bags
Influencers and icons often recommend cute and trendy reusable bags that can easily be replaced by an old bag you have at home. I have a cloth tote bag from an event I attended in like, eighth grade and it’s held up ever since! I use it for grocery shopping, as a backpack and a purse. Some grocery stores even offer reusable bags that are $1.
Paper Towels
Paper towels and napkins are big contributors to waste at home, because of the ease and convenience they provide. Instead, you can cut up old fabric or clothes and make your own! Clean these simple by washing them. You’re saving money by reusing something that might’ve ended up in the garbage and you can reuse them for a long time!
Wrapping Paper
Instead of going out and buying new bags or wrapping paper that usually end up in the trash, utilize old newspapers or shopping bags! You can make these look even better by adding some of your own art or photos, making them look more personal, because a personal and thoughtful gift always means more.
Glass Food Containers
Pyrex dishes can be pretty pricey so try opting for old mason jars or dishes that you already have. You can make your own tops if you don’t have any using cloth or cardboard and fastening it with rubber bands. You can also find cheap alternatives at second hand shops like Goodwill.
You can save yourself money and find yourself being more sustainable, by reusing the items you already have that you would probably get rid of anyways!
Written by Olivia Giovannini-Dolan, Class of 2020