8 Ways To Save Dough While Also Saving The Planet

Buy less, live more, help the planet. Simple.

Being good to the planet doesn't have to burn a hole in your pocket. When it comes to living more sustainably, most of us just need a little inspiration — and to break free from a few set-in habits that aren't serving us one bit!

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Embrace these new ones, my earth-loving friends, and see what a difference it can make to your wallet!

1. Find local legends in your area who can help with repairs (if only we were all so skilled...).

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Often we bin our gear at the mere whiff of a problem, without looking into ways to mend, alter, upcycle or repurpose (oh the shame of it!).

Clothes, tech, furniture, toys — among SO many other things — can usually be given an extended life. But if you lack the skills yourself (and frankly, most of us do), then get help! Visit local repair cafes, post a request in local online groups, or use apps that link you up with tradespeople.

It takes time to break the mentality of "Oh no, I broke it — better bin it!" But trust us, your wallet and Mother Nature will thank you for it. 

2. Share your journeys with others — oh hello, Uber Pool!

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Whether it's a late night drop off, a last minute dash, or just a personal preference to ride in comfort — many of us are already regular riders using the Uber platform, but may not be acquainted with UberX's greener, more affordable sister; Uber Pool. 

This genius, simple feature matches you up with other riders heading in a similar direction (cutting the price of the ride by up to 30% if your ride is shared with others) — which can help to save you money, while also reducing emissions and congestion on the roads. 

Join the movement to get more people in fewer cars — and maybe make some fun new connections en route. What's not to love?!

3. Find your nearest zero waste store and start buying in bulk.

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Buying things like body wash, shampoo, washing liquid, and pantry staples (think rice, pasta, lentils, nuts, oats) in bulk might mean bigger initial outlays — but the savings to be made over the long-term are IMPRESSIVE. You can't ignore that! Once you see the sums on the lower price-per-unit, you'll be halfway through the door.

4. Embrace preloved fashion, toys, books, homewares, sports gear, electronics...basically, most of what you buy!

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With frightening levels of landfill waste and pollution, we clearly ALL need to jump on the preloved band wagon — not just for clothes, but actually most of what we need. (And with Gen Z already huge proponents of thrift shopping, you're kind of a fool if you're not). 

What's more, thanks to so many people using digital marketplaces, it's become SO much easier to find high quality items for a fraction of their original price. Super satisfying too.

5. And while you're at it: Stop buying shit you don't need.

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This sounds a little unspecific, granted. But how much do you relate?! We buy SO much junk we don't need; excessive amounts of beauty products, extra sneakers, that fourth white t-shirt that's identical to the other three. A little self-awareness and a timely dose of discipline is really all it takes to fight this planet-destroying habit.

6. Make your own cleaners (and feel smug about it too, go on).

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Those nasty, toxic cleaners that a lot of us use in our homes aren't AT ALL good for our health, planet, nor our pockets — and in many cases, can be swapped out with a simple DIY cleaner. 

With just a few basic ingredients — water, white vinegar, baking soda, lemon, castile soap, natural oils — we can clean floors, worktops, sinks, furniture, windows, and more. And while you're at it, why buy paper towels and synthetic fibre cloths when you can just use washable rags from old socks or clothing?

Read more about our 7 Favourite DIY Household Cleaners. 

7. Embrace homemade lunches — you'll save a packet.

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Grabbing food on the go can be a lovely lil' treat — but every day? Hell NO. The packaging and single use stuff that generally comes with it is disastrous — and when you work out what you can save per week just by getting creative with leftovers (and cleverer with your freezer; think soups, stews, mini pizzas, smoothies!), you honestly won't look back.

8. And finally, kill your bills — which, let's be honest, have inflated to a frightening degree this year.

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The pain of energy bills is REAL — but even taking small measures around heating and cooling our homes can make a difference. Closing off rooms, using timers, being mindful of how we use blinds or curtains, and working out where we can block draughts — it all helps to lower our energy usage.

Turning off lights and appliances when we're not using them (yes, that includes the TV standby) can have a definite impact too.

Find out more about sharing rides (and saving up to 30%*) with Uber Pool. It's a great way to save money, keep cars off the road and improve the air in our cities. Discover more here.

*When compared to the equivalent UberX fare for your trip.