By now, most people know about the evils of single-use plastic. Many restaurants have started using paper straws, brands like Lush are attempting to minimize plastic packaging, and we’re all much more aware of the plastic in our lives. But what you may not know is that taking conscious steps to reduce or even completely erase your use of single use plastics can actually save you money. Who knew helping the earth could be good for your wallet, too? Here’s a list of our top three tips to reduce plastic and save money.

[shortcode-1-In-Article-Banner-728×60]

1. Make Your Own Food

Say you’re out getting a smoothie, and, low and behold, after ordering, you realize your smoothie has come in a single-use plastic cup. But, if you make that smoothie yourself instead, you not only skip the expense, you eliminate that extra plastic. Of course, you may think that there are certain things that come in plastic unavoidably, like Ketchup, for example. But you’d be surprised how easily and cheaply you can make many of your favorite condiments and marinades.

2. Minimize Your Cleaning Products

Think about that bin of cleaning products under your sink or maybe tucked away in the laundry room. Odds are that it’s brimming with plastic. Luckily, zero waste expert Lauren Singer says, “For cleaning the kitchen, you need three things: one is a liquid Castile soap, two is baking soda, and three is white vinegar.” It’s possible to get all of these products without plastic packaging and think of all the money you’ll save reducing your products so significantly.

3. Carry Your Own Reusable Receptacles

Plastic water bottles and grocery bags are a major source of excess waste, and they’re also expensive, with most single-use water bottles costing at least 2 dollars and many states now taxing plastic bags. Instead, carry your own reusable water bottle and canvas tote for groceries and watch the savings roll in.

BONUS: Cosmetics

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles are a major source of plastic waste, but there are plenty of alternatives out there, such as shampoo bars. If you wear makeup, finding non-plastic packaging may be a little trickier, but lists like this one offer lots of choices for plastic-free makeup.

string(3020) "
By now, most people know about the evils of single-use plastic. Many restaurants have started using paper straws, brands like Lush are attempting to minimize plastic packaging, and we're all much more aware of the plastic in our lives. But what you may not know is that taking conscious steps to reduce or even completely erase your use of single use plastics can actually save you money. Who knew helping the earth could be good for your wallet, too? Here's a list of our top three tips to reduce plastic and save money.
[shortcode-1-In-Article-Banner-728x60]
1. Make Your Own Food
Say you're out getting a smoothie, and, low and behold, after ordering, you realize your smoothie has come in a single-use plastic cup. But, if you make that smoothie yourself instead, you not only skip the expense, you eliminate that extra plastic. Of course, you may think that there are certain things that come in plastic unavoidably, like Ketchup, for example. But you'd be surprised how easily and cheaply you can make many of your favorite condiments and marinades.
2. Minimize Your Cleaning Products
Think about that bin of cleaning products under your sink or maybe tucked away in the laundry room. Odds are that it's brimming with plastic. Luckily, zero waste expert Lauren Singer says, "For cleaning the kitchen, you need three things: one is a liquid Castile soap, two is baking soda, and three is white vinegar." It's possible to get all of these products without plastic packaging and think of all the money you'll save reducing your products so significantly.
3. Carry Your Own Reusable Receptacles
Plastic water bottles and grocery bags are a major source of excess waste, and they're also expensive, with most single-use water bottles costing at least 2 dollars and many states now taxing plastic bags. Instead, carry your own reusable water bottle and canvas tote for groceries and watch the savings roll in. 
BONUS: Cosmetics
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles are a major source of plastic waste, but there are plenty of alternatives out there, such as shampoo bars. If you wear makeup, finding non-plastic packaging may be a little trickier, but lists like this one offer lots of choices for plastic-free makeup. 
"

This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. We all know the feeling. You’ve had a stressful day, the news is bleak, the cost of rent, utilities, groceries, gas—just about everything — and suddenly, you find yourself clicking “Buy Now” on something

Imagine this: you marry the man of your dreams. You have two beautiful children with another on the way. You spend your days cooking gorgeous, nutritious meals for your family…. from scratch. You get paid to share your daily life and meals with people around the world. But here’s the catch: half of those people

By Massimo Tornambe Scott Disick, aka “Lord Disick” has gained fame and a devoted following since his appearances on the reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Disick is renowned for his expensive taste in clothes, cars, and women. The question that millions of fans are asking is: where did his fortune come from? Scott

Though the wave of tech layoffs and the threat of a recession has overshadowed yesteryear’s news of the great recession, everywhere you look, employees are asking for more — and getting it. Though this time of uncertainty could have given employers back the power, it’s still in the hands of the workforce. From Gen-Z’s boundary

Traditional weddings can be incredibly stressful, not to mention super pricey – many newlyweds couldn’t even buy a house with that money. What’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life can often feel like an endless quest for absolute perfection – almost as if the ceremony doesn’t come off flawlessly, the marriage itself

Trying to cancel your gym membership can be more tiring than actually attending that kickboxing class you keep skipping. Getting out of your gym contract can be so tough that people are going to great lengths to avoid paying any penalties. After going into debt living a lifestyle she couldn’t afford, this woman forged fake

There’s a weird shift that happens when your kid turns 18. One minute, you’re mushing their vegetables and cutting their grapes in quarters, and the next, you’re side-eyeing the dinner check, wondering: Wait… are they going to offer to pay? Should I let them? Do they have enough in their checking account to cover an

The Momager May Be Worth More Than You Think… Kris Jenner is a pop culture icon for many reasons. While you may have watched her meteoric rise to fame on Keeping Up with the Kardashians — which originally debuted on E! — she’s actually been a fascinating figure in the public eye for ages.  As

Conversations about the Law of Attraction are super popular these days. Basically, it means: positive thoughts bring positive results into a person’s life. And negative thoughts or habits . . . Well. Let’s not bring negativity into this 🙃.  Many folks are eager to turn their lives around — seeking love, peace of mind, happiness,

As the old saying goes…the proof isn’t only in the pudding it’s in your closet, your cupboards, your back porch and – if you have one – your garage. You’ve got too much stuff. Everywhere. It’s not just a bunch of grandmas building enormous collections of margarine tubs or Uncle Bill’s believe it or not