“Sustainable living is expensive.”
“Sustainable products? They’re unaffordable!”
“Eco-friendly this, eco-friendly that. It’s only for the rich and privileged.”
When considering making a shift to a more sustainable lifestyle, these are amongst the first and most common concerns many consumers share. But, as it turns out, these are the most common myths!
Deemed a ‘hobby for the rich’, many naysayers often reject living a sustainable lifestyle as an impractical fad. Wanting to ‘live a planet-positive lifestyle’ and ‘staying on a budget’ may often seem like two mutually exclusive pursuits, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. At its core, ethical, mindful living is based on logic, minimalism, and extended use of available resources, debunking the idea that a sustainable lifestyle needs an unrealistic investment.
Just think back to the holidays you spent at grandma’s home. Remember the steel barnis full of homemade snacks (not imported packaged food in disposable plastic containers), her daintily embroidered handkerchiefs (not boxes of tissues and napkins), or that matka (earthen pot) of cool water (not plastic bottles)? Models of simplicity and prudence, our grandparents often lived life on a budget and had the most sustainable homes.
This is how we were raised, it is in our roots, and that is what makes living sustainably without blowing up the bank achievable— if only we look beyond the biases!
Sustainability philosophers are right in saying that the most sustainable thing you can do is buy nothing at all. Yet, there are some things you do need to ensure your essentials are taken care of. Here are a few budget-friendly purchases to help you tick those off your list without making a hole in your pocket!
- Bamboo Toothbrushes:
At less than INR 500, you can purchase these swaps not just for you but for your whole family! Increasingly popular and probably one of the first sustainable swaps you can make; bamboo toothbrushes are the no-brainer alternative to your plastic ones. Not only are they biodegradable and eco-friendly, but they’re also the most accessible and affordable swaps.
Local, homegrown brands like Bare Necessities, Green Footprint, The Bamboo Bae, Back to Roots, and Organic B are some brands that offer eco-friendly toothbrushes that look chic and do the job, all while reducing plastic waste.
Source: Brown Living (Price of Terra Set 0f 4 Bamboo Toothbrushes: Rs. 299)
- Natural Laundry Essentials
Switching to natural laundry products instantly reduces your water footprint and safeguards our aquatic life. Starting at just INR 299 for a pack of 15, Hapiso’s detergent pods are a worthy switch.
Generic laundry detergents are laden with chemicals and microbeads which add to waste water pollution.
Packed with plant-based ingredients and essential oils, Hapiso’s range ensures you don’t compromise on fragrant laundry after every wash cycle. PS: Their packaging is fully compostable too!
Source: Hapiso (Prices Starting from Rs. 375)
- Reusable/Refillable Tea & Coffee Sippers
If you’re always on the go, you probably need your liquid fuel throughout the day. At work, especially, it may be tempting to order some overpriced coffee or stop by a cafe for a morning coffee run.
While it’s perfectly okay to want to treat yourself, disposable takeaway coffee cups add to your list of avoidable waste during the day. Rather, a handy sipper is a great idea to carry your coffee with you or get it refilled from your favourite cafe.
TintBox has an extensive range of glass coffee cups with silicone lids. These are designed to last a lifetime and cost just under INR 1000!
Source: Tintbox (Price: Rs. 960)
- Shampoo Bars
Generic shampoos are one more daily-use essential you can phase out. Not only do they contain chemicals that can damage your hair’s health, but they also come packaged in plastic sachets or bottles. Shampoo bars are a worthy alternative and cost as little as INR 300 for a pack of 5! (This deal is available by Kamarkattu Ecostore on Brown Living!)
Apart from that, brands like The Switch Fix, Earth Rhythm, Grama, and Bare Necessities also offer many options. The price range for almost all is somewhere between INR 200-500 and you can shop many of them on Sublime Life!
PS: If you already have some shampoos in current use, ensure you utilise them before making switches. Recycle the empty plastic bottles or find a way to upcycle them around the house!
Source: Bare Necessities (Price: Rs.560)
- Eco-Friendly Toys
The next generation will be flagbearers of the sustainable movement.
To get them used to living sustainably early on, a fun switch you can make is zero-waste toys for your little eco-warriors. Brands like Oh Scrap!, Young Earthlings, Toyroom, and Ortus Arts can spoil you for choice.
Source: Brown Living featuring Oh Scrap! (Price: Rs. 750)
Starting from just INR 199 and upwards, you can purchase sustainable toys made of wood, upcycled fabric, and other sustainable materials. These are designed to last long too and can be passed down safely when your children outgrow them. More on plastic-free toys for your munchkins here.
As you strive to leave a better world for your kids, you can also instill eco-values early on! For more guidance on that, read this.
- Cloth Totes
You probably already have one. If you don’t, these should be on your list of non-negotiables. And if you do, you can do with another that’s not just useful but also makes a style statement. These bags for life have a high utility value and cost as little as INR 200.
Skipping the cloth tote purchase may not seem like a big deal, but a handy tote helps you skip the plastic packaging and shop more consciously.
Explore brands like I Am So Wasted, Patrah, EcoRight, and Purple Thing and find one that’s just right for you!
Source: Eco Right (Price: Rs. 899, currently available at Rs. 599)
- Housekeeping Must-Haves
Cleaning brushes are essentials every home has. Most commercial ones are made of plastic bristles, which eventually join the overflowing landfill piles after use. Make a clean switch to coir for a biodegradable and responsible alternative. The range for coir essentials is anywhere between INR 100-500 depending on the sizes and brands you choose from.
A few starting suggestions include Almitra Sustainables, Scrapshala, OnEarth, Sarveda, and Organic B. The universe of coir-based products includes utensils and laundry scrubs as well as bath scrubs like pedicure brushes or body brushes
Source: Almira Sustainables (Price: Rs. 420)
- Sustainable Stationery
The pen is mightier than the sword – This phrase takes a new meaning in the context of planet care! Stationery can be a vast contributor to plastic waste at your home/office. Skip the stress for less with sustainable options.
Try plantable seed pens from Nesa, Clan Earth, and The Bamboo Bae, starting at just 300 for a set of 10. Similarly, you can switch to diaries made of recycled paper too!
You can invest in a sustainable stationery kit by Rescript for less than INR 500.
Source: Rescript (Price of Stationery Kit: Rs 415)
- Everyday Basics
A wardrobe essential with high repeat value (and the ability to last a lifetime) is your organic cotton or bamboo t-shirt. Besides being an all-weather essential, these are also must-haves for your capsule wardrobe. From just INR 500 onwards, you can add to your collection with ethical brands like Suspire!
Source: Suspire (Price of Organic Cotton T-shirt: Rs. 499)
PS: Want to learn more about building your ideal capsule wardrobe? Get all the guidance you need here.
- Menstrual Care
Switch to sustainable and convenient menstrual care with a simple switch to the ever-lasting menstrual cup. Several brands like Sirona, Carmesi, Boondh, and Azah offer almost everything you need for a plastic-free period routine. You can read more about them here. A menstrual cup will cost you less than INR 500, and while you’re at it, you can also shop for eco-friendly panty liners and more.
Source: Carmesi (Price: Rs. 399)
Your TGL Tribe Membership Makes Them Even More Affordable!
To help you stay on track in your journey, The Good Loop Tribe (TGL Tribe) is open for membership! As a member, you will unlock exclusive discounts and perks, including on several brands mentioned in this story, letting you explore a wider range of sustainable products and practices.
Sign up today and become a part of this exclusive network of local brands and sustainability resources! Click here to join.
As you explore and embrace the world of sustainable swaps, remember the rules of minimalism too. Just because something fits your budget or costs lesser than you expected, you may not always need it. So make it a rule to stay within the confines of conscious consumerism. For more insight on that, read this blog.
