To kick off National Student Money Week, Money Mentor Iman Chala explains how living more sustainably can help you save money.
Making a few smart sustainable switches at home can benefit your wallet as well as the planet. Here are five of my top tips on how to make your lifestyle cheaper and greener:
- Reduce energy use by turning off lights when you leave a room, and opting for a cold wash when you do the laundry. If it’s chilly, wrap up in a jumper or a blanket before turning the heating on.
- Buy second-hand clothes. It’s no secret that fast fashion is highly detrimental to the environment. Apps like Vinted and Depop help you find specific brands and styles far cheaper than buying new.
- Plan meals, snacks and drinks. I cook meals in bulk on the weekend then pack a lunch, which eliminates the need for impulsive takeaways, which soon add up. Why not reuse lunch containers and water bottles so you're not buying any more single-use plastic?
- Invest in reusable bathroom products. Buying reusable items like makeup pads, razors, cotton buds and menstrual cups may seem like the more expensive option at first, but they can help you save a significant amount of money over time, as you don’t need to repurchase them so often.
- Reduce food waste. To be more sustainable in the kitchen, only buy what you need. Make a shopping list and use food up before it goes off. Apps like Toogoodtogo and Olio let you rescue unsold food from restaurants and cafes at a fraction of the price- a perfect alternative to a takeaway when you fancy something different.