5 tips for living sustainably on a small budget

10.10.2023 - Many people assume that an environmentally friendly lifestyle is expensive. But it doesn't have to be. Young people, trainees and people with a limited budget can also live sustainably. Whether it's food sharing, second-hand shopping or DIY projects, there are many ways to be environmentally conscious - and even at low cost.

A sustainable lifestyle is often associated with high costs. Electric cars, for example, are seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol or diesel vehicles. However, at least their purchase price is significantly higher than that of comparable combustion engines. Energy-saving household appliances are also expensive to purchase, and buying organic food is usually more expensive than buying conventional products. Fairtrade products support fair working conditions and sustainable production methods - but are also associated with higher prices. Not everyone has the financial means to do so. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to maintain a sustainable lifestyle even on a limited budget.

Food sharing: saving food and money

One of the easiest ways to live sustainably and save money at the same time is food sharing. According to the organisation of the same name, it sees itself as "an environmental and educational movement that campaigns against the careless use of resources and for a sustainable food system". The aim is to end the waste of edible food. Anyone interested can sign up as a lifesaver on lists - known as "Fairteiler" - at supermarkets, bakeries and organic food shops near their home and will then be notified of any leftover food. They can take these home with them free of charge. In addition to Foodsharing.de, there are also other food waste apps such as Too Good to Go or ResQ Club, which offer food at a lower price.

Second-hand clothing: affordable and environmentally friendly

The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters of our planet: over 100 billion items of clothing are produced every year, with collections being launched at ever shorter intervals, in ever greater volumes and usually of declining quality - some fashion companies produce 20 collections a year. In addition to the amount of_CO2 generated_by production and transport, vast quantities of microplastics are also introduced into the ecosystem. Second-hand shops and flea markets or online platforms such as Vinted, Momox Fashion or Mädchenflohmarkt offer an alternative to constantly buying new textiles. Here you can often find cheap and well-preserved items of clothing for a fraction of the new price. This is not only easy on the wallet, but also on the environment, as fewer resources are needed to produce new clothes. Even high-quality designer clothes are not completely unaffordable: people lend out their favourite high-quality items via WeDress Collective. Here you can determine the flexible loan period. There is also a "circular fashion community" called CLOTHESfriends, which allows you to rent and hire out clothes via an app. To save_CO2 during transport, there is also the option to collect clothes from local hubs.

And if you want to make the whole thing even more fun, you can organise clothes swap parties with friends. Here, participants can not only get rid of textiles themselves, but also get hold of great items. Such parties can be organised on a small scale at home.

Fair fashion: shopping consciously

Of course, nobody can avoid buying new clothes from time to time. In this case, however, it is worth making sure to choose fairly produced fashion. Although these garments are a little more expensive, they generally last longer and support fair working conditions and environmentally friendly production methods. In the long run, you will save some money due to the high quality and longer durability. When buying fair fashion, it is important to look out for seals such as the Blue Angel, Fairtrade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and to find out about the manufacturing conditions.

DIY projects: Do it yourself instead of buying

Many things that we use every day can easily be made ourselves. This not only saves money, but also reduces packaging waste and the environmental impact of transport routes. Whether cosmetic products, cleaning products or decorative items - there are numerous instructions for DIY projects that show how you can produce sustainable alternatives with simple means and little effort. Another advantage of DIY products: You know exactly what ingredients are included and can therefore avoid harmful or questionable substances. You don't necessarily need to have the tools for a DIY project at home. Many DIY stores and companies such as kurts and Mietmeile offer everything from jigsaws to furniture lifts for hire. Many people also lend items for little money on platforms such as classified adverts.