Sustainability on a Budget: Practical Products for Eco-Friendly Living
Sustainability has become a significant factor in society over the years—we all know this. This practice started in 1987 but did not take off until the 2000s. Companies started including sustainability in their corporate social responsibility reports and quickly started marketing their sustainable practices. Companies such as Starbucks, IKEA, Patagonia, and many others showcase their environmental initiatives and efforts to limit their carbon footprint.
Most of the population agrees that sustainability is important; according to a recent study by TheRoundup.org, 78% of people feel that it’s necessary. and beneficial to the environment. The problem, however, is that not everyone is willing to pay the price for sustainable products. Only 55% of people claim that they are willing to pay for more eco-friendly brands. Sustainable products have on average a 27.4% premium compared to conventionally marketed goods. The real dilemma here is that consumers want brands to be environmentally friendly but do not always want to pay the extra price for it. In a perfect world, consumers can practice sustainability effortlessly without breaking the bank.
What if that’s a possibility?? Various brands are working on making sustainable products easier to use and more affordable. Here are some examples of how companies are changing the stigma of expensive sustainable products:
1.) Refillable containers for products
Everyone loves refills! It is always a good bargain. So why not introduce refills with common products we use every day? Many companies are starting to sell refills of their products to limit the single-use packaging concerns. It’s good not only for the environment, but good for the consumers’ wallets as well. Here are some businesses that have implemented refillable versions of their products:
Sol de Janeiro
Sol de Janeiro is known for their body care, fragrances, and hair care products. This company has become quite popular within the last few years from their Brazilian Bum Bum Cream going viral on social media. This unique packaging, along with the beachy smell and quality of cream, made the product stand out. Recently, Sol de Janeiro has been promoting their refills for their products, which can be bought separately from their original packaging. For example, if you already have purchased the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($48) and want to buy the product again, you can purchase the refill pod ($44) that will slip into the old packaging. While this is only $4 less, it is still saving you money (especially if you are a frequent consumer of the cream). If you don’t care about the packaging to begin with, then you can just save money and only buy the refill pod. Either way, you’re saving money and limiting the amount of plastic for making these products. You can learn more about Sol de Janeiro’s sustainability efforts here.
Bath and Body Works
Bath and Body Works has a multitude of body care products, such as lotions, fragrances, hand sanitizers, soaps, and more. If you have ever walked into that store, you have probably noticed that it is jam-packed with products from the floor to the ceiling—that’s a whole lot of packaging, which is a whole lot of plastic. Bath and Body Works has acknowledged this by introducing refillable products for many of their items. One of their most recent campaigns is their refillable foam soap cartons. These refills are 32 fl oz, which is almost four times as much as their individual foam soap containers (8.75 fl oz). A regular foam soap from Bath and Body costs $7.95 each. The refillable cardboard cartons of soap cost $13.95. If you do the math, four individual soaps would cost about $32. Even if the soaps were on sale (because they tend to frequently for $3.95), it would still cost more at about $16. If you have found a foam soap scent that you love at Bath and Body Works, do not keep purchasing the same container. You will save a considerable amount of money by purchasing the refill, and you will limit single-use packaging.
Makeup
Many makeup brands are finding innovative ways to make their products refillable. Some companies that are practicing this are Glow Recipe, Charlotte Tilbury, and Fenty, to name a few. For each of the brands, the refillable product is less than the original product with the packaging. Therefore, if you a going to make this purchase more than once, it’s worth the cost to not buy the packaging again. For example, the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is normally $35 but is a whole $5 less if you only buy the refill. These refills in makeup will save consumers a lot of money once it adds up over time. To check out more makeup products that are refillable, click here.
2.) Reusable Products
It is very rare to find a product that is better for the environment that is also less expensive. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still save money though. Reusable products are becoming more popular because they are sustainable but also save consumers money overtime. While the product may cost more upfront than the original item, it will last longer, making it worth the investment. Here are some everyday products that are reusable:
Wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are worth the small investment for your laundry. This product softens your clothes, speeds up drying time, and reduces static cling. It works just as well as dryer sheets (and it won’t get stuck to your pants without you realizing it). One wool laundry ball is good for about a thousand loads. Amazon sells a pack of six wool laundry balls for $12.99. A pack of dryer sheets can range from $5-$10 for only a couple hundred sheets. For $12.99, you can get the laundry wool balls that will last for at least 2-5 years. This will save consumers a considerable amount of money over the years. Since this product is more convenient and possibly even better than dryer sheets, you might as well take this small investment if it is also better for the environment.
Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles may be the most impactful product on this list in terms of sustainability. Using the same water bottle each day limits the use of single-use plastic bottles immensely. It also just makes sense; if you purchase a nice water bottle, it will keep your water colder for much longer. Why wouldn’t you purchase a stylish water bottle that will last you for years? Within the past ten years, reusable water bottles have become a trend, making them similar to a fashion accessory. Currently, some popular brands are Hydro Flask, Stanley, and Owala. This trend is pushing people to buy a water bottle, thus limiting their use of regular plastic bottles. While these bottles are not always cheap, they are worth the investment since they can last years. The cost of repurchasing plastic bottles does add up over time, and if you prefer your water to stay cold, then a reusable water bottle is a great investment to make for your well-being and for the environment. Out of the three brands listed before, Hydro Flask and Owala are both priced at just under $28 for their 24 oz water bottles. Stanley only sells a bigger-sized cup (40 oz) for $45. For the quality of the product, making a one-time investment in a water bottle is reasonable.
Reusable Makeup Wipes
For people who use makeup, it is always a process trying to find the best product to take off your makeup at the end of the day. Many people have switched to micellar water or other liquid removers to take off makeup, but there are still a large number of consumers that prefer makeup wipes. While wipes work well and are easier to travel with than liquids, they are not the most sustainable product. However, there are now reusable wipes that are comparable to the traditional one-and-done wipes. These wipes only need water to be able to wipe off any dirt or makeup on your face. The products even claim to be able to remove waterproof mascara. This product can withstand hundreds of washes, making it last much longer than a pack of single-use wipes. This product has a range of prices. It is up to the consumer how much they want to spend on this product. If you are looking for a bargain, there is a pack of 12 reusable wipes for $7.99 or a pack of 24 wipes for only $12.99. If you want a slightly more luxurious product with more reviews, you can splurge on the Make Up Eraser for $19. Either way, this is a steal, considering the typical pack of makeup wipes costs around $5 for only 25 uses.
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Shampoo and conditioner bars significantly reduce their carbon footprint from production to delivery. These bars are typically in cardboard packaging instead of big, chunky, plastic bottles. While these bars appear to be small, they last a long time. I personally have tried a conditioner bar and have used it for almost a year now, and there’s still some left! This product also works very well. My hair is noticeably soft after using the bar as opposed to my regular conditioner. Most of these bars can range from $10 to $20 on Amazon, depending on the product and ingredients. No matter which brand you choose, this product is worth the investment, since most shampoos and conditioners cost between $10 to $30 and will not last as long as a bar. It’s also fun to switch up hair products; you might as well try something new that is more sustainable.
Doing right and saving money is possible. Through refills and reusable products, many brands are stepping up to help the environment but in a more reasonable way. While some of these products cost more upfront than single-use products, they will save consumers more money overall. The people want a bargain. If sustainable products are more expensive, only a fraction of the consumers will make the purchase. These products are ways to have the best of both worlds. You might as well be more sustainable; it will save you money!
