Sustainable Living on a Modest Income

Many of us would love to live healthier lifestyles not only for ourselves but also to sustain everything around us.  But let’s face it.  The natural, organic living movement has become a business and often is much too expensive for those who live on modest salaries to embrace it completely.  So how can those living on a fixed or lower income find a healthier means of living?  Taking small steps to live more sustainably can get you on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Buy Organic or Natural Staples

Most of us will always have a need for the basics like flour, sugar, salt and other staples that are the basis for the majority of our foods.  If you are someone who bakes or cooks from scratch at least every once in a while, you can start trying to put the cost of organic or unprocessed staples in your budget.  Yes, these can cost around three times as processed staples, but the benefits of making healthier foods can be worth it.  Fruits and vegetables may also be quite expensive, but getting a little something from the farmer’s market every once in a while can be great not only for your body but also for the local economy.

Every Once in a While Try to Buy Handmade

Handmade products can also be costly.  However, they can also be beautiful and unique.  Most of us cannot afford to buy every piece of clothing, jewelry or accessories from handmade sources.  Still, finding a piece of clothing or other accessory every once in a while can help you incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe.  For instance, a handbag that was made by an artisan instead of in a factory can be both practical and beautiful.

Make Your Home More Efficient

Of course, you will need to make efforts that will save you money, especially if you need to make up the costs of buying greener products.  Most of these efforts are already practical, but sometimes you need to make a concerted effort to keep practicing them.  Not only should you turn off lights in areas where they are not in use, but you should also unplug your electronic devices like computers and smartphones overnight so that they do not eat up electricity.  If you can close off rooms in your home when you are not using them, you should try to keep heating and cooling on as low a setting as possible.

You also want to be mindful of how much water you use.  You should try not to let water run unnecessarily whether you are in the shower or washing dishes.  Dishwashers and washing machines should also be at full capacity when you use them so that you do not waste water.  If you can, try to use products that will have the least impact on the environment for your cleaning needs.  You just may see an improvement in your health when you are not filling your home with toxins and other chemicals.