Many people might say that living zero waste on a budget is impossible. They assume that eco-friendly products are too expensive, difficult to find, or won’t last as long as conventional options. But in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m here to tell you that not only is it possible to live zero waste on a budget, but I’ve done it myself—even on an extremely tight budget. Through careful planning, prioritization, and making mindful swaps, I’ve discovered that zero waste living can actually save money in the long run.
In this zero waste blog, I’ll walk you through the best zero waste products that won’t break the bank, share tips for embracing a sustainable lifestyle without overspending, and show you how making small, intentional changes can lead to big savings while reducing waste. Whether you're just starting a zero waste lifestyle or looking for new budget-friendly swaps, this guide will help you make smart choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
My Journey to Zero Waste on a Budget
Through most of my adult life, I have had to budget my money. For my partner and I, we have struggled financially, but we have also learned to live frugally, eat well, be happy, and still live sustainably. We are two people slowly achieving living zero waste on a budget. Going sustainable takes some thought and planning, and never think you have to do it all at once. We are still in the process of living zero waste, but every month we think, “What can we do better on our budget?” We look at sustainable swaps every month and decide what we can do for our living zero waste on a budget.
Set a Sustainability Budget
Decide what you want to change and what is budget-friendly for the month. Don’t think you need to spend a bunch of money on sustainable products all at once. Swap out a couple of the fancy coffee drinks that you get in a month and put your goal towards an eco-friendly product.
My first eco-friendly swap was a bamboo toothbrush, and maybe you’ve decided to make the switch too! Our Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush is just $6, which means if you replace it every three months as recommended, it only costs you $2 per month. Switching out your toothbrush is a great sustainable swap because plastic toothbrushes take hundreds of years to decompose, and 2 billion toothbrushes in the U.S. are thrown away per year!(Source: Brush with Bamboo) YIKES! They litter landfills, waterways, and oceans, killing marine life, birds, and other mammals. So, if a toothbrush is the sustainable change you want to make for the month, our zero waste store has you covered! Our Bamboo Toothbrush works just like the plastic toothbrushes we all grew up with but are compostable when they are ready to be tossed!
Opting for sustainable products may take some saving, but prioritizing quality over convenience is a smart investment. Consider a water bottle—while a durable stainless steel bottle can last a lifetime, a flimsy plastic one is prone to cracking, breaking, and may even contain harmful BPA. In addition to being long-lasting, a well-made reusable bottle significantly reduces waste, helping to combat the 22 billion single-use plastic water bottles discarded each year in the U.S. (container-recycling.org)
If you're looking for a long-term investment, the Cognitive Surplus water bottle is a great option—while it may cost more upfront, it’s built to last, saving both money and waste over time. However, sustainability doesn’t have to mean expensive purchases. Thrift stores often have shelves stocked with reusable water bottles in excellent condition, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative.
The key to living a zero waste lifestyle on a budget is shifting our mindset. We don’t need instant gratification—we can learn to save for items that bring lasting value, both to our lives and to the planet. Sustainable living isn’t about perfection; it’s about making thoughtful choices that align with our values and budget.
Budget-Friendly Sustainable Swaps
A great budget-friendly swap to make when you are living on a zero waste budget is Meliora Laundry Detergent. I have been using this laundry powder for the past few years, and my laundry soap cost has gone down because I don’t use as much as conventional laundry soap. You only use 1 tablespoon per load, making it $0.17 per load with the purchase of a $22 container of sustainable laundry detergent. This is comparable, if not cheaper, per load than conventional liquid laundry soap brands. Switching to a sustainable laundry soap is a great eco-friendly alternative to living zero waste on a budget. It gets your laundry clean, is roughly the same cost as liquid detergent, and you are not polluting the environment or tossing a big plastic jug into the garbage bin.
Meliora Laundry Powder
$22.00
Your Green Clean Laundry Hero! Elevate your laundry game with Meliora Laundry Powder Detergent. This powerful yet gentle formula combines natural ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and plant-based surfactants to tackle stains while being kind to your clothes and… read more
Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels are fantastic sustainable swaps when going zero waste. The cheapest I found for disposable paper towels was $22.99 for a pack of 12 rolls. A pack of 12 Unpaper Towels costs $38 and will last for years. You won’t need to replenish paper towels every couple of months because you will have reusable ones that are just as absorbent, if not better, than paper towels. Depending on how fast you go through disposable paper towels, you could be spending a ton!
Paper towels are convenient, but they come at a significant environmental cost. Most are made from virgin wood pulp, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction. The production process also requires a substantial amount of water, further straining freshwater resources. Additionally, the bleaching and processing of paper towels involve harmful chemicals like chlorine, which can pollute water systems.
Beyond production, paper towels generate a massive amount of waste. Designed for single use, they quickly pile up in landfills, where they decompose and release methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Since most paper towels are contaminated after use, they aren’t recyclable, adding to landfill overflow. Manufacturing and transporting them also require fossil fuels, increasing carbon emissions. While some unbleached paper towels can be composted, many are rendered unsuitable due to grease or cleaning products. On top of that, some brands incorporate synthetic fibers for added strength, introducing microplastics into the environment.
The good news? There are plenty of sustainable alternatives. Reusable cloth towels are excellent swaps that help reduce waste. One of the best investments I’ve made is Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels—I bought a set two years ago and haven’t had to purchase paper towels since. Not only has this switch saved me money, but it’s also helped me cut down on unnecessary waste, proving that sustainable choices can be both practical and budget-friendly.
Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels
$38.00
The Eco-Friendly Clean-up Crew! Say hello to Marley's Monsters UnPaper Towels—your new cleaning superheroes! Made from soft, absorbent flannel cotton, these reusable towels are perfect for tackling spills, drying dishes, dusting, and everything in between. Crafted from 100% cotton, they're… read more
Meliora All-Purpose Spray is another great sustainable swap when living zero waste on a budget. This has quickly become my partner’s favorite cleaning spray—he’s the designated bathroom cleaner in our home, and he swears this is the best cleaner we’ve ever used! Not only does it get the job done, but there are several bonuses to this eco-friendly cleaning product:
- It effectively cleans both the bathroom and kitchen.
- It’s unscented and free of harmful chemicals, so you won’t be breathing in toxic fumes.
- One package includes 3 tabs, which makes 3 full bottles of powerful cleaning solution.
- It only costs $6 for the equivalent of 3 bottles of cleaner—an incredible deal!
- The packaging is recyclable or compostable, making it a zero-waste option.
Our zero-waste store sells them in bulk or as a subscription for even more savings!
Meliora cleaning tabs are hands down one of the best zero-waste products for living zero waste on a budget. They clean just as well—if not better—than conventional cleaners, and they’re better for both your wallet and the environment!
Meliora Cleaning Tablets
$6.00
Your Eco-Friendly Cleaning Superpower! Looking for a clean home without harsh chemicals? Meliora Cleaning Tablets are here to help! These eco-friendly products, made with safe, natural ingredients, offer a powerful clean that's gentle on your surfaces, making them a must-have… read more
Tangie Shampoo Bar: is a zero waste budget win. It's a fantastic swap for living zero waste on a budget. At just $13, this shampoo bar is not only affordable but also long-lasting—with proper care, it can last for months, depending on how often you wash your hair. Unlike many liquid shampoos, Tangie shampoo bars are free from harmful chemicals and are completely palm oil-free.
What makes this swap even more budget friendly is how much use you get from just one bar. A single Tangie shampoo bar provides up to 70 washes—breaking down to just 19 cents per wash! Compared to conventional liquid shampoos, which come in plastic bottles and run out quickly, the Tangie bar is a cost-effective and waste-free alternative. It lathers beautifully, smells amazing, and leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed. Plus, since it’s completely plastic-free, you won’t be tossing another bottle into the recycling bin (or worse, the landfill). If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and effective way to make your hair care routine more sustainable, the Tangie shampoo bar is a must-try!
Tangie Shampoo Bar
$13.00
Upgrade Your Hair Care! Looking to refresh your hair care routine? Discover the Tangie Zero Waste Shampoo Bar—an eco-friendly alternative to conventional liquid shampoos. Perfect for those committed to sustainable goods and zero waste shopping, this vegan bar helps you… read more
Make It Fun: Choose a New Sustainable Product Each Month
Sustainability doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice—it can actually be fun! One way to make your journey more enjoyable is to challenge yourself to pick a new sustainable product each month. Treat it like an experiment and see which swaps work best for your lifestyle. Maybe one month you swap out plastic straws for a reusable rainbow stainless steel straw, and the next month, you invest in a KeepCup for your daily coffee habit. By making one change at a time, you can ease into a sustainable lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed, all while staying within your budget. Plus, it’s exciting to discover new eco-friendly products and see how they positively impact your daily routine and the planet.
Living zero waste on a budget is entirely possible with the right mindset, planning, and a willingness to make small, sustainable swaps over time. Every little change you make adds up to a big impact, both for your wallet and the planet. Our zero waste store offers a variety of budget-friendly, sustainable products to help you on your journey. Start with small sustainable swaps like a bamboo toothbrush, a reusable water bottle, or Meliora Laundry Detergent. Gradually replace single-use and wasteful products with long-lasting, eco-friendly alternatives.
Sustainable living isn’t about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices that align with your values and budget. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable lifestyle, one budget-friendly swap at a time! And remember, sustainability can be fun and rewarding—so challenge yourself to try something new each month and enjoy the process of building a greener future!