How to Live an Affordable Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Nikita Rao
Jan 4, 2021
3 min read

Most people think that to live a sustainable lifestyle, you have to spend a lot of money. However, if you put in the time and research, you can help the environment without hurting your wallet.

Food:

One area of concern for people is buying eco-friendly food that isn't expensive. Whether you are vegan, just want to support sustainable businesses, or want to purchase organic food here are some inexpensive options.

Side Note: As always, you should look into specific restaurants in your area because the list below has some general restaurants that can be found in multiple locations in the U.S.

Restaurants

Founding Farmers: This restaurant chain is found on the east coast and works extremely hard to be sustainable. A lot of their food comes from local farms, and their interior design is made out of recycled and compostable materials. Founding Farmers also has several vegan/vegetarian options!
Mixt Greens: This California based restaurant only uses organic and locally sourced food. Mixt Greens also use compostable packaging, recycled materials, wood utensils, and energy-efficient equipment. They also have vegan/vegetarian options.

Mixt Greens

Blaze Pizza: This restaurant is known for its several vegan/vegetarian alternatives to their menu. You can indulge on tasty pizza while also supporting a business that is working towards helping the environment.
Bareburger: This chain has multiple locations across America. This establishment works extremely hard to be green and sustainable. Their burgers are delicious, organic, made without GMOs/pesticides, and you can order several vegan burgers as well!

Bareburger

Jimmy Johns: This restaurant chain has thousands of locations in America. Their packaging is made from eco-friendly and recycled material. Their delicious food comes from local farmers.
Veggie Grill: This vegan restaurant chain is known for its delicious vegan food, sustainability, and more! This business is only growing, so look into what locations are near you.
Chipotle/Del Taco/Burger King/Baskin Robins/Taco Bell/Subway: All of these establishments have several vegan/vegetarian options and are in the process of going green!

Green Packaging

Grocery Stores

These eco-friendly grocery stores both provide multiple selections ranging from organic produce to eco friendly cleaning products.

Side Note: It is also important to look into what specific eco-friendly grocery stores are available in your state. I advise that you use this site to help you: https://www.litterless.com/bulk-food-guide/connecticut

Trader's Joe

Trader's Joe

Whole Foods
Amazon Green
Sprouts Farmers Market
Farmers Market

Farmer's Market

Stores like Target, Costco, and more also have several vegan/eco-friendly products available at a low-cost

Gardening:

It is also a good idea to look into starting a garden in your home where you can grow your own produce. This is one of the most affordable and eco-friendly options! In fact, I plan to put up a new post about gardening!

Home Appliances:

Here are some stores (online stores) that solely provide sustainable products from production to packaging!

Stores:

Earth Hero

Earth Hero

Life Without Plastic
Etsy
Made Trade: This store has a few expensive options, but there are still a lot of affordable products
Target/Kroger/Walgreens/IKEA: These stores have several sustainable products and are in the process of going fully green!
Thrifting: There are several thrift stores around the country. I highly recommend looking into thrift stores as this is a very sustainable option.