With inflation on the rise, everything from groceries to daily essentials is getting expensive. In such times, switching to sustainability is good for the environment and helps you save significant amounts of money. Embracing reusable items instead of disposable ones may be expensive. But it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are more economical for managing periods than pads and tampons. A single menstrual cup costs around $9 and, with proper care and cleaning, can last for up to five years. While one pad costs about $0.36 and needs to be replaced every few hours. By switching to Menstrual cups, you not only save money and get freedom from the monthly supplies but also reduce environmental waste.
Epilator
If you use disposable razors to shave your body hair, consider replacing it with an epilator. It is not only more cost-effective but also more sustainable. One disposable razor costs about $0.40 and lasts around two uses. An epilator costs around $24 but can last several years with proper care. While the initial cost of an epilator is higher, it will save hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Cloth Wipes
Cloth wipes are a more sustainable option than disposable wipes. You can easily wash and reuse them hundreds of times, which saves you a significant amount of money. One disposable wipe costs around $0.023, whereas one cloth wipes cost $1.33. However, a cloth wipe is far more durable, lasting ten times longer than a disposable wipe.
Coffee Cups
Are you a coffee lover? If so, switching to reusable coffee cups can save you a lot of money. A disposable coffee cup costs an average of $0.40. If you have 2 cups daily, you require 730 cups yearly, costing you $292. Whereas a reusable coffee cup costs around $14 and can easily last more than a year, saving you hundreds of dollars.
Pocket Warmers
While a reusable pocket warmer requires a significant investment initially, it can be used for several years. In contrast, a disposable one costs an average of $0.40 and lasts 6 to 12 hours. If you use two daily, you’ll need around 730 for a year, costing you an average of $300 annually. A reusable pocket warmer costs around $26, and using it instead can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Napkins
A pack of disposable napkins costs around $5 and lasts only a week, while a pack of 12 reusable napkins costs around $16 and can be washed and reused for a year. This means reusable napkins are not only more durable but also save you from the need to repurchase throughout the year.
Kitchen Towel
Reusable kitchen towels can save you more money compared to disposable ones. You can wash and reuse them several times, making them a cost-effective option. A pack of disposable kitchen towels with 50 sheets costs around $5, while for the same amount, you can purchase six reusable kitchen towels, which can easily last for a year.
Water Bottle
Water bottles are the most purchasable item. Buying just one bottle daily at around $2 adds up to $730 a year. However, one reusable bottle costs an average of $15 and can last more than a year. This switch not only saves you hundreds of dollars but also helps reduce plastic waste.
Coffee Filters
Around 200 pieces of disposable coffee filters cost between $12 to $15 and last for a few months. While a reusable coffee filter costs around $5 to $7 and works fine for several years. This one-time investment helps reduce waste and provide substantial savings, so you don’t have to worry about buying filters repeatedly.
Grocery Bag
Purchasing a grocery bag every time you shop can be a pain and an add-up cost. A disposable bag costs around $0.13, depending on the store. The number of bags you need depends on how often you shop and how many items you buy. Assuming you use three bags daily, you could spend around $39 per year.
However, you can save this money if you use reusable grocery bags, which cost you around $10 for six pieces of bags and last more than a year.
Floor Wipes
A pack of 10 pieces of reusable floor wipes costs around $10 and can last a year since you can wash and reuse them. On the other hand, 12 pieces of disposable floor wipes cost around $14, and depending on your usage, you may need to purchase a new pack every week. That can quickly add up to over $650 per year. By switching to reusable floor wipes, you can save hundreds of dollars annually.
Metal Straw
Switching from disposable to metal straws helps reduce waste and saves money over time. A pack of 100 plastic straws costs around $7, while 30 good-quality metal straws cost between $10 to $12. Metal straws last for years, require minimal cleaning, and help reduce plastic waste.
Cotton Pads
A pack of 100 disposable makeup remover pads costs around $10 and usually lasts a month with daily uses, which adds up to $120 annually. A set of 18 reusable makeup remover cotton pads costs around $11 and lasts over one year. On average, You can save over $100 annually by switching to reusable cotton pads.
Bowl Cover
A roll of disposable bowl covers costs around $2 to $3, and if you use one monthly, you will spend $24 to $36 annually. In contrast, a reusable silicon bowl cover costs around $3 to $4 and can last over a year. This means you could save around $20 in the first year, with even more significant savings in the coming year.
Table Lining
A single-use disposable table lining costs around $3 to $5, assuming it lasts for a week, and can amount to an average annual expense of $200. A good quality reusable table lining starts at $15 and can last several years with proper care. By switching to reusable table linings, you can save hundreds of dollars within just one year.