Why eco-conscious doesn’t have to be costly. 

It’s fair to say that, until recently, the zero-waste market was finally enjoying its time in the spotlight. Following the global pandemic, however, it seems as though zero-waste stores are experiencing a marked reduction in footfall.

As customers return to convenience shopping and large named brands that they know, it seems that the world has forgotten the huge benefits of shopping sustainably. 

There are still taboos to be broken and myths to be busted around green living when it comes to the average consumer. Research shows that the main pain point remains, unsurprisingly, cost. 

We've been looking into how shopping sustainably can actually save money for households and manageable ways to either discover, or rediscover the joys of eco-friendly shopping. 

Just one small swap for humankind

Start them small. Doing a complete overhaul of your weekly or monthly shop is going to be a lot. Asking customers to choose just one room at a time, then choose a product that they simply can’t live without and look for an eco alternative. Whether their favourite shampoo or the kitchen cleaner, you will likely be able to offer them at least 3 different options that are plastic-free, palm oil free and/or vegan. 

Rotation system. 

Now that they have made one swap, they can start to consider your next one. Eco-conscious products, whilst they may seem more expensive at the outset, generally last for longer than conventional products. For example do your customers know that a shampoo bar can last you for up to 8 months. With the money saved from that they can consider a different eco swap the following month, like washing tablets or a jar of toothpaste. It does take a little bit of planning but gradually, swapping won't dramatically change monthly outgoings. 
 

Waste not. 

One huge benefit of shopping at a zero-waste or refill store is that you pay only for what you buy. No need to get huge amounts of food that would otherwise go to waste and, of course, no packaging going to landfill or polluting the seas. Whilst this approach to shopping takes a little more planning, consumers often realise that it is saving them a great deal in the long run. Having cost per portion as well as weight can help customers see the benefits to buying whole foods. 

Long term eco swaps. 

Not an immediately obvious money saver, but looking for eco alternatives to things like face wipes, sanitary towels and nappies is not only better for the planet but can save a significant amount for the consumer. These swaps can be introduced gradually as part of the one-swap-at-time rotation. It can be useful to have to hand the savings that a customer could maker per month/year to hand by making these small swaps. 

Ultimately, the burden often falls on the retailers and manufacturers to encourage the shift from simple convenience shopping to considering the long term savings that can be made when going green. The more information that is out there, the more confidence consumers are going to have when planning a weekly or monthly. 

What did we miss..?

Have you got a top money saver tip for the eco-conscious? Tell us about it! We will share the best ones with our followers and be sure to tag you!