By now, most people know about the evils of single-use plastic. Many restaurants have started using paper straws, brands like Lush are attempting to minimize plastic packaging, and we’re all much more aware of the plastic in our lives. But what you may not know is that taking conscious steps to reduce or even completely erase your use of single use plastics can actually save you money. Who knew helping the earth could be good for your wallet, too? Here’s a list of our top three tips to reduce plastic and save money.

[shortcode-1-In-Article-Banner-728×60]

1. Make Your Own Food

Say you’re out getting a smoothie, and, low and behold, after ordering, you realize your smoothie has come in a single-use plastic cup. But, if you make that smoothie yourself instead, you not only skip the expense, you eliminate that extra plastic. Of course, you may think that there are certain things that come in plastic unavoidably, like Ketchup, for example. But you’d be surprised how easily and cheaply you can make many of your favorite condiments and marinades.

2. Minimize Your Cleaning Products

Think about that bin of cleaning products under your sink or maybe tucked away in the laundry room. Odds are that it’s brimming with plastic. Luckily, zero waste expert Lauren Singer says, “For cleaning the kitchen, you need three things: one is a liquid Castile soap, two is baking soda, and three is white vinegar.” It’s possible to get all of these products without plastic packaging and think of all the money you’ll save reducing your products so significantly.

3. Carry Your Own Reusable Receptacles

Plastic water bottles and grocery bags are a major source of excess waste, and they’re also expensive, with most single-use water bottles costing at least 2 dollars and many states now taxing plastic bags. Instead, carry your own reusable water bottle and canvas tote for groceries and watch the savings roll in.

BONUS: Cosmetics

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles are a major source of plastic waste, but there are plenty of alternatives out there, such as shampoo bars. If you wear makeup, finding non-plastic packaging may be a little trickier, but lists like this one offer lots of choices for plastic-free makeup.

string(3020) "
By now, most people know about the evils of single-use plastic. Many restaurants have started using paper straws, brands like Lush are attempting to minimize plastic packaging, and we're all much more aware of the plastic in our lives. But what you may not know is that taking conscious steps to reduce or even completely erase your use of single use plastics can actually save you money. Who knew helping the earth could be good for your wallet, too? Here's a list of our top three tips to reduce plastic and save money.
[shortcode-1-In-Article-Banner-728x60]
1. Make Your Own Food
Say you're out getting a smoothie, and, low and behold, after ordering, you realize your smoothie has come in a single-use plastic cup. But, if you make that smoothie yourself instead, you not only skip the expense, you eliminate that extra plastic. Of course, you may think that there are certain things that come in plastic unavoidably, like Ketchup, for example. But you'd be surprised how easily and cheaply you can make many of your favorite condiments and marinades.
2. Minimize Your Cleaning Products
Think about that bin of cleaning products under your sink or maybe tucked away in the laundry room. Odds are that it's brimming with plastic. Luckily, zero waste expert Lauren Singer says, "For cleaning the kitchen, you need three things: one is a liquid Castile soap, two is baking soda, and three is white vinegar." It's possible to get all of these products without plastic packaging and think of all the money you'll save reducing your products so significantly.
3. Carry Your Own Reusable Receptacles
Plastic water bottles and grocery bags are a major source of excess waste, and they're also expensive, with most single-use water bottles costing at least 2 dollars and many states now taxing plastic bags. Instead, carry your own reusable water bottle and canvas tote for groceries and watch the savings roll in. 
BONUS: Cosmetics
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles are a major source of plastic waste, but there are plenty of alternatives out there, such as shampoo bars. If you wear makeup, finding non-plastic packaging may be a little trickier, but lists like this one offer lots of choices for plastic-free makeup. 
"

In this month’s Money Journal, Celia is organized and disciplined yet enjoys her life “to the Max” Welcome to Money Journal, a monthly Paypath series that examines how Americans really handle their finances. Our participants keep a journal of their earnings, spending, and savings (if any), then share what it’s like to live in their

Trying to cancel your gym membership can be more tiring than actually attending that kickboxing class you keep skipping. Getting out of your gym contract can be so tough that people are going to great lengths to avoid paying any penalties. After going into debt living a lifestyle she couldn’t afford, this woman forged fake

By Massimo Tornambe Scott Disick, aka “Lord Disick” has gained fame and a devoted following since his appearances on the reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Disick is renowned for his expensive taste in clothes, cars, and women. The question that millions of fans are asking is: where did his fortune come from? Scott

Who could live without online shopping? It’s a standard routine in so many households. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, snagging the latest and greatest tech sensation, shopping for holiday gifts, or treating yourself to a new outfit, the convenience of buying this stuff while in your pajamas is hard to beat — at least

Everyone says the economy’s healthier than ever, but some of us still find it necessary to make that paycheck stretch…and stretch…and stretch. The better we understand our spending habits, the better we can manage them. Living frugally can benefit you in many ways. You’ll grow more self-reliant, creative, and resourceful as you learn to make

You’ve heard it a thousand times before. The holidays are about two things: giving and family…more specifically, giving to your family. And no one wants to be the Grinch. So we lavish gifts and good tidings on our families and friends. And it feels incredible when it comes to gift-giving — I’m insatiable. Spending on

Most parents welcome visits from their grown-up children. But what happens when the kids head back home when life gets rough and then never leave? This scenario is playing out more and more frequently as 20-something adults try to cope with – or hide from – skyrocketing costs in an increasingly expensive world. Lou Carloza

Imagine this: you marry the man of your dreams. You have two beautiful children with another on the way. You spend your days cooking gorgeous, nutritious meals for your family…. from scratch. You get paid to share your daily life and meals with people around the world. But here’s the catch: half of those people

If your business offers corporate credit cards or expense accounts to employees, there’s a good chance there is unethical spending going on. 33% of corporate credit card holders admit to blatantly defrauding the companies they work for, and twice that amount confess to making “risky purchases.” But a thread on AskReddit reveals some of the

You Lose $20K Each Year Just For Being a Mom You may not know this, but there was a time when smoking was considered “liberated” behavior for women. There was a cigarette company Virginia Slims that was created specifically to attract female smokers during the bad old 1970s. The slogan was “You’ve come a long