We’ve all been there: discovering a great sustainable product but getting shocked when seeing the price tag. Organic veggies, shoes made from corn waste, and that reusable water bottle seem to cost an arm and a leg. But is sustainable shopping truly more expensive, or is there a bigger picture to consider?
The upfront cost of sustainable products can be higher compared to industry standards, that’s for sure. But here is the thing: they often come with hidden benefits that end up saving you money in the long run. Secondly, discussing the cost of sustainable products also requires a shift in perspective: why are non-sustainable products (say, fast fashion) so cheap? Below, you will find reasons why sustainable products might not be as expensive as you think, and what aspects you should consider when buying products.
Sustainable products are often more expensive because brands focus on quality: using raw materials that are natural instead of cheap petroleum-based sources, paying attention to detail rather than producing as many items as possible, and focusing on products that last a long time. Think about a high-quality bag made of natural, durable fabrics and high-quality zippers compared to that trendy purse that costs a few euros but falls apart after just one season. Sure, the initial investment will be higher, but the sustainable option saves you money because they’re built to last, eliminating the need for constant replacements.
Products that focus on sustainability, more specifically fashion items, might use a more timeless design: items that can be used in 5-10 years and do not go out of style. If an item is cheaper but you only wear it a few times, was it really worth the money?
Rather than asking “why is sustainability expensive?”, we should shift perspective and ask, “why are the other products so much cheaper?”. If something is too cheap to be true, then that means there were budget cuts somewhere: either the materials must have been cheap, labour was cheap (raising questions about how ethical this was), quality is poor or a combination of these factors. More and more people are starting to realise that sustainable products are not expensive, but industry standard products are too cheap because corners are being cut.
Energy-efficient appliances use less power, saving you money on electricity bills over time. Think of fridges, washing machines and televisions with a higher energy efficiency, which might be more expensive upfront but have reduced maintenance costs across their lifetime.
Many sustainable products are designed for reusability. For example, reusable grocery bags eliminate the need for constant disposable ones, saving you money in the long run. Also, using refillable cleaning products will cut down on single-use plastic bottles.
Not all processes can be measured in terms of money. Sustainable practices are a benefit to the environment, which, let’s be real, benefits us all although this is difficult to measure. For example, reduced pollution from toxic-free manufacturing can lead to lower healthcare costs down the line. Supporting sustainable businesses encourages responsible practices that can help address climate change, pollution and the loss of biodiversity, which is impossible to put a price tag on.
But how can we make sustainability affordable for everyone? Sustainable shopping doesn’t have to break the bank and we have gathered some tips to get you started on a budget:
Buy second-hand: Thrift stores and online marketplaces can offer items at a fraction of the retail price. Look for high-quality, durable items that can become part of your wardrobe and home essentials. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
Sustainable shopping is an investment in your wallet and the planet. By looking beyond the initial price tag, you can make choices that benefit you and the environment for many years to come.
