9 Sustainable Changes That Will Save You Money in 2026
Living more sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many eco-friendly choices can significantly reduce your everyday costs. Here are 10 simple, sustainable changes that are kinder to both your wallet and the planet.
1. Grow your own produce
Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a great way to cut down on grocery costs while enjoying fresh, homegrown food. Even if space is limited, you can start small with a herb garden on a windowsill or balcony.
If you’re new to gardening, potatoes and tomatoes are some of the easiest to grow and don’t require much space. They can be grown in special planters, which are widely available at garden centres such as B&Q.
2. Quality over quantity
There’s a reason the saying “buy nice or buy twice” rings true. Investing in well-made clothing reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
To make quality items more affordable, shop second-hand. Platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop are excellent for finding durable pieces at a fraction of the original price.
3. Reduce your meat and dairy consumption
Cutting back on meat and dairy is an effective way to lower your food bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Meat products are often expensive and swapping them for plant-based alternatives can quickly add up to savings.
If changing your diet feels overwhelming, start small. Introducing one or two vegetarian or vegan meals per week already makes a positive difference for both your budget and the environment.
4. Wash clothes efficiently
Being smart with your laundry is an easy way to save money. Always wash full loads, choose cold wash settings, pre-treat stains and air-dry your clothes when possible.
During colder months, drying clothes indoors is often unavoidable. Tumble dryers can be costly to run, but using ecoegg Dryer Balls can reduce drying times by up to 28%. For more information, check out our blog ‘Ecoegg Dryer Eggs: How do the dryer eggs work?’
5. Ditch the disposables
Switching from disposable to refillable solutions can save you between 20% and 40% over time. Single-use items may seem cheap, but repeat purchases quickly add up.
Some great reusable and refillable alternatives include:
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FFS Beauty reusable razors and refillable shaving cream
6. Opt for sustainable travel
Where possible, replace short car journeys with walking or cycling. This not only benefits your health but also saves money on fuel and vehicle maintenance while reducing emissions.
7. Shop and sell second hand
Buying second-hand is one of the most effective ways to save money sustainably. From clothing to furniture and appliances, pre-loved items often have plenty of life left in them.
You can also sell items you no longer use on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, helping you declutter while earning some extra pocket money.
8. Swap kitchen roll for Bamboo Towels
Millions of trees are cut down each year to produce paper products. Once used, kitchen roll is often non-recyclable and ends up in landfill or incineration, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Switching to reusable kitchen towel alternatives can significantly reduce waste and save money over time. Not sure which option is right for you? Check out our blog ‘Tired of kitchen roll? Try these sustainable alternatives for a greener home’.
9.Support your local, seasonal food
Buying seasonal produce is often more affordable, as it doesn’t need to travel long distances before reaching your plate. Choosing local food not only supports nearby farmers but also helps reduce your environmental footprint. Even better, produce from local farms is often fresher, tastier, and more nutritious, having spent less time in storage or transit.
You don’t need to completely change your shopping habits to make a difference. Start small, swap supermarket eggs for locally sourced ones from a farm shop or commit to making one weekly veggie meal using local, seasonal ingredients.
Sustainable living isn’t about perfection, it’s about making small, mindful changes that add up over time. By adjusting everyday habits, you can reduce your environmental impact while enjoying long-term financial savings.