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Introduction:
Need tips to eat sustainably on a budget? Eating sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many ways to eat sustainably on a budget. In this article, we will share with you 7 tips to help you make more eco-friendly eating choices.
Eco-friendly eating habits
We all have times of the year when we are strapped for cash and looking for ways to make money stretch that little bit further. Eco-friendly eating habits are easy to start, even if you are time and cash poor. The key to success is planning meals. Make meals at home using food that you can easily prepare and store in the fridge or freezer. This will help you control the ingredients and calories that you consume.
Tip 1: Buy Local
When you can, buy food from the local market. This way, you’re supporting small businesses, reducing single-use plastic and reducing your carbon footprint.
Some markets (such as farmers markets) can be a bit more expensive but overall you will find fruit and vegetables are cheaper than supermarkets.
Tip 2: Shop For In-Season Produce
When possible, buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. This means that they’re juicier and have a more vibrant flavour. It will also save you money as fruit and vegetables are cheaper when they are in season.
When you are buying in season, it can be cheaper to buy in bulk. You could share bulk buys with family or friends to reduce your costs. You can also chop, blanch then freeze
Tip 3: Make A List
Make a list of foods that you buy often and try to buy those items using less packaging or buying organic versions of those products.
Tip 4: Grow Your Own Food
Grow your own vegetables! This can be a lot of fun and is a great way to get some fresh vegetables into your diet without spending a lot of money. You can either purchase seeds and grow your own plants in a garden or you can buy vegetable starter plants at a store and transplant them into a pot.
There are plenty of community groups that swap and share seeds or seedlings so the cost for growing food is minimal.
Not enough space to grow veg? There are lots of ingenious ideas on Pinterest for using space on balconies and other small spaces to grow food.
Tip 5: Cook More Vegetables
Cook more vegetables at home- it can be easier, cheaper, and healthier to grow your own vegetables.
We know that some children (and adults) are not keen on vegetables but there are ways to include vegetables in meals without too much trauma! Check out our list of books and videos for eating more greens.
Tip 6: Avoid Processed Foods
Avoid processed foods and snacks as much as possible. We know processed food tastes good, it’s been designed that way. However, be aware that the taste usually comes from artificial flavours, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. Processed foods also tend to contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Instead, opt for more wholesome snacks like fruit, nuts, and seeds. If you really can’t avoid processed food, then try the vegan or vegetarian alternative – you’ll be surprised at how good they taste!
Tip 7: Eat More Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and beans, provide energy and are a healthier alternative to processed carbohydrates.
Most sustainable foods
The most sustainable foods will be local produce which is in season. You may have local fruit and vegetable producers near you that offer PYO (pick your own). Picking your own fruit and vegetables can be really good fun, especially for kids! Apart from fresh air and some exercise, it’s a great way for kids to learn about where their food comes from too.
Final thoughts
You can check out our other post for other ideas for adopting an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
By following these tips, you can easily make small changes that will have a big impact on the environment. Just remember, every little bit counts!
