Saving costs of conscious living in 2023
I believe an abundance mindset can partly involve getting what we need (and want) at lower costs. These below ideas could also save the planet and your sanity.
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Reusable Safety Razor
You can find good deals online for a stainless steel safety razor. Then you will simply need to replace the blades. They can be particularly cheap on Amazon.
Safety razor in a cardboard tube. Image from Melanie Suzanne Wilson.
Reuse Containers
As seen above, I like to reuse cardboard band-aid tubes. They perfectly fit a razor, covering it and absorbing moisture when travelling. I also wash and reuse jars to store food.
Reusable Period Supplies
I have already expressed my enthusiasm for reusable menstrual products. I bought cloth pads on Amazon and Etsy a few years ago, along with a few from a co-op. I also have period underpants because they are comfortable and can last for hours (depending on the style). They last well even to this day. Estimates say the average woman will spend amounts such as $19,000 on period products in a lifetime. Numbers vary, but the reality is clear. It is an ongoing expense that adds up throughout the year and more. You could find options at Biome or even simply at the supermarket.
Eco Facial Products
I love to wash my face with eco supplies that also cost less. I have cloth cleansing pads that simply wash in the laundry. I also use a facial cleansing soap bar. It has lasted a while. You can find some
Sustainable Parenting Supplies
Parents can save money and the environment by choosing reusable, repurposed and pre-loved supplies. Cloth nappies have a lower cost in the long term. There are ways to get deals on new nappies and used (sanitised) ones. Everyone should try second-hand clothing, especially kids. They grow out of garments so quickly. Some community groups even give away excess clothes. If you’re choosing new eco outfits, look for discounts - especially around the EOFY. Make your own meals and snacks for children. Homemade treats may have no additives, sugar or salt. You can also sneak in extra fruits and vegetables.
Grow Food
Try setting up gardens in your yard, balcony, or kitchen shelf. You can also visit community gardens and respectfully pick bits of food you need and will use.
Cook Dry Beans and Lentils
These forms of legumes are amazingly affordable. You can get a 1 kg bag of dry lentils on Amazon for less than $2.90. They can then bulk out soups, sources and more. Meanwhile, a kilo of dry red kidney beans can be less than $5. It cooks to become 2-3 times more quantity. Try adding these to your nachos or homemade veggie burgers. I love to cook dry chickpeas and then roast them in taco seasoning. They become a seriously tasty snack or filling in wraps.
Embrace Porridge
Oats are such an essential breakfast option. I cook them with apple and cinnamon for a tasty, nourishing start to the day. You can also try cacao berry porridge. Experiment with flavours.
Make Your Own Snacks
People buy so many convenient snacks at the supermarket - but at what cost? You can bake cookies with just ripe bananas, oats and peanut butter. Try creating raw slices with dates and nuts or seeds. Make your own popcorn. There are simple ways to skip the snack aisle.
Try Minimalism
Journey in your version of minimalism. Ask what brings value to your life. Remove things and habits that do not add value. If you are giving your time or energy, check that it is not draining you. When shopping, check if something will improve your life and provide the best value at the lowest cost. This does not mean picking cheap things - quite the opposite. Select things that you will use over time.
