Green machine: How to shop sustainably without breaking the bank

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At my local coffee shop, I often buy a certain brand of biodegradable, compostable, chlorine and bleach-free coffee filters labelled “If You Care”. They’re great at doing exactly what they’re supposed to do (filtering coffee), but every time I get them I laugh as I can’t help but detect a slightly threatening tone to the label. You’d better buy these if you care. If you don’t? You’re done for.

But I do buy them, because I do care (though the jury’s out on how unsustainable paper coffee filters are in the first place), and I’m far from the only one who would make the same decision. Swathes of research and various surveys all show that Australians do go out of their way to shop more sustainably, with as many as 50 per cent of us actively looking for greener products and services.

Shopping sustainably can be expensive, but there are few things you can do cheaply to reduce your impact on the environment.Credit: Aresna Villanueva

That willingness to buy green has also been reflected in the transformation of our supermarket shelves over the past decade – especially for categories such as household cleaning goods. Almost all detergents, surface cleaners and laundry powders have numerous green options on offer, making various claims.

What’s the problem?

However, often – but not always – these sustainable brands come with a higher price tag. Take my coffee filters, for instance: a pack of 100 “If You Care”(I do) branded filters will set me back $15, whereas the same number of standard filters would only cost me $10.

Comparison website Finder’s 2023 Green Report found Australians are also less likely to spend on sustainable products this year compared to last thanks to the rising cost of living, with just 37 per cent of us saying we’re willing to pay more for green products.

To make matters worse, the claims made by the makers of these products are in doubt too – analysis by the Consumer Product Research Centre found just 31 per cent of green claims made about products could be substantiated.

What you can do about it

There are plenty of ways to shop sustainably without breaking the bank:

• Get thrifty: Louise Grimmer, senior lecturer and retail expert at the University of Tasmania, suggests hitting up local op shops before buying off the rack, which reduces textile waste and saves you money at the same time. “Secondhand is extremely popular amongst younger shoppers, many who wouldn’t consider new items when adding to their wardrobe,” Grimmer says. “Some research that I conducted last year at the University of Tasmania found people who shop for secondhand clothes are more stylish than those who don’t!” This tip also extends beyond clothes, such as buying secondhand furniture and electronics.

• Cut the meat: Years ago, being vegetarian was seen as a trendy lifestyle choice, but these days going meat-free is increasingly common, and is a great way to stay sustainable without spending more according to WWF conservation economist Dr Josh Bishop. For meat fans who may baulk at this idea, Bishop suggests starting with just one meat-free day a week and working from there.

• Look local: Shopping locally is a great way to cut down on your environmental impact as it can reduce the distance your food travels before it gets to you, cutting back on things like fuel and emissions. While the best way to do this is to grow your own food, local markets can also be a great solution. If that’s not possible either, Grimmer suggests opting for products on the shelves made in Australia or consisting of predominantly Australian ingredients.

• Make a list: This is a small one, but important. Going to the shops without a list can result in you buying unnecessary items. Writing down everything you need and sticking to it can avoid food waste. Buying in bulk can also help reduce costs and excessive packaging.

• Do your research: Carefully thinking and planning your purchases may take time, but it can save you – and the planet – in the long run. If you’ve got a big appliance purchase coming up, spend some time looking into the most energy-efficient and sustainable model. Dig deep into the green claims companies make, and familiarise yourself with the labels and accreditations that appear on products to know what they mean before you buy them. Check what parts of a product can and can’t be recycled, and opt for the one with the most sustainable packaging.

Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.