With the world preaching sustainability and people choosing eco-friendly lifestyle, how many of us do really apply it in our daily lives? A recent study by Ipsos on the statistics of the people opting for sustainable products revealed a different story. According to the report, only 25% people reported to be proactively involved in making sustainable changes to their daily routines. Shocking? Let us find why and how this can be changed.
Analyzing the reasons
Evidently, just 46% people buy green products over regular ones, 16% prefer not to opt for green products and for 34%, it hardly makes any difference. In terms of reasons of not buying eco-friendly products, the price issue was probably the strongest one. While 40% said that they bought green products by availability and after considering the cost-difference, 51% reported to go for whichever product suited their budget, green or not. While 41% seemed motivated to buy a costlier green product, 59% were unwilling to pay the extra charges.
It can be summed up that it is the price and the availability that remains the chief reason why more people are opting for the regular products over the eco-friendlier ones. If you feel motivated to opt for sustainability, we have some tips on how you can choose an eco-friendly lifestyle without worrying about running over your budget.
- Buying sustainable fashion products online
There are numerous brands online that are selling affordable fashion wear that last longer and have lower carbon footprint than their alternatives. Brands like ‘Everlane’ and ‘Alternative Apparel’ have a range of basic tops and active wear that are manufactured with pure cotton and last longer. With PACT you get non-GMO, organic cotton made comfy dresses in non-toxic dyes made in their energy recycling factories.
- Organic food on a cheap budget
Search for organic food stores and supermarkets that are retailing organic and natural food in your community online to compare their prices. Another trick to buying natural organic food is shopping at the farmer’s market. At farmer’s market, you can get discounts and a better tasting food item, when compared with a supermarket. You could join a food co-op which involves signing up with a small joining fee to get organic products from the local farms at discount prices. Buying clubs work in the same way.
- Think about long-term savings
Opting for sustainable technological products may seem pricey, but these appliances can eventually be gentle on your pocket and provide you with long term savings. Buying an energy-efficient appliance can lower your electricity bill by a great fraction. Also if you do your research right, numerous rebates and loans are offered by the government to motivate buyers for the sustainable choices in the market. When buying such an appliance check for the Energy Star logo and read the Energy Guide Label on the appliance.
- Buy in bulk or use a discount coupon online
Buying in bulk saves on packaging and material waste as well as proves lighter on the pocket. Another good choice is to look for online discount coupons on sustainable products. Many websites, like Frugaa.com, offer discounts on products from various sellers in the locality, along with exclusive offers on bulk orders. Finding a discount coupon and applying it in order to get a sustainable product online can get you unbelievable savings.
- Buy your veggies locally
Not only is eating seasonal fruits and vegetables healthy, it is also an ecologically responsible way of life. Buying your veggies seasonally means you buy the product that is growing in abundance in your area and hence is cost effective too. While making your own little vegetable-patch in the garden may not be everyone’s cup of tea, choosing the fruits and vegetables grown locally can work for many.
Summary
Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is falsely associated with exclusively the upper-classes, if chosen wisely and after proper research, sustainable products can be afforded by all.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
