To help fight climate change, we all need to make sustainable choices where we can. As this is an issue that affects the whole world, everyone needs to be part of the solution. But do you ever feel like some of these eco-friendly recommendations cost far more than you’re willing (or able) to spend?

In this article we break down just some of the ways you can help fight climate change without breaking the bank.

Being told you should buy an electric car and pay to insulate your home in the name of sustainability might not be feasible for you due to the costs. But there are still plenty of budget-friendly steps you can take to help protect the planet ─ you could even end up saving money!

Here are seven ways to live a more sustainable life without spending a small fortune.

It’s fairly common knowledge that using less energy is kinder to the planet. Being mindful of this is good, but don’t think that means keeping your energy switched off when you need it. One simple thing you can do to help is turn down the heat whenever possible. For instance, dial down your thermostat, lower the temperature on your laundry cycle and opt for a cooler shower than usual.

This efficiency will also result in cheaper utility bills. One study found that turning your thermostat down by just one degree can cut the cost of your utilities by up to £80.

Everything we throw in our waste bin is sent to landfills, where our rubbish releases pollutants and greenhouse gases as it decays. Cutting down your waste by reusing existing items is a great way to protect the planet ─ and save money because you won’t be buying replacements.

Bringing your own bag to the shops and drinking from reusable water bottles and coffee cups are the most obvious examples, but you can also get plenty of other multi-use items including straws, cake cases, cotton pads, nappies, sanitary products, paper towels, and more.

Some waste is inevitable, so think about how else you can limit the amount that ends up in landfills. Recycling is the most straightforward method, but make sure you check the details of your local scheme to see what items apply. Contaminating your recycling bin with a non-recyclable could mean everything ends up in a landfill.

In addition, you may want to consider:

Have bills and bank statements emailed to you rather than posted. Online-only bills can sometimes be cheaper too.

For example, choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of those in plastic, and shop on the high street rather than having goods delivered in bags and boxes (and save on delivery fees).

See if anything you’re going to throw away can be repaired, given or sold to somebody else, or be used to create something brand new.

Meat is especially bad for the environment when produced in intensive factory farms because the industry produces huge carbon emissions and is responsible for deforestation that can kill wildlife. This is exactly the kind of meat you’ll see in supermarkets and fast-food chains. However, some research has found that organic meat can be just as bad for the climate.

Greenpeace says meat consumption across the EU and the UK needs to drop by over 70% by 2030 to fight climate change. So, reducing how much you eat will ensure you lead a more sustainable life ─ introduce a few meat-free meals or days if you don’t want to cut it out entirely. This should also slash your grocery bills as plant-based recipes can be up to 40% cheaper.

Clean, fresh water is a limited resource, so to live sustainably, you need to treat it responsibly. First and foremost, that means only using as much as you need. For instance:

Measures like these will also decrease the cost of your bills if you’re on a tariff that charges for what you use as opposed to a fixed rate.

Some water companies even offer free gadgets to help you reduce water usage, such as showerheads that regulate the flow and toilet cistern bags that save water every time you flush. Contact your provider to see whether you’re eligible for these freebies.

Your money is incredibly powerful in the fight against climate change, and making sure yours supports companies and causes that aid the environment can make a big difference. This is called being a conscientious consumer.

Start by taking a look at the financial products you’re currently using and see whether you could switch to eco-friendly alternatives. These may include:

However, it’s important to have your wits about you while doing this. Many companies are guilty of ‘greenwashing’ ─ i.e. exaggerating their environmental credentials to attract customers. So, always research and fact check before choosing a financial product or provider.

Consuming less overall is perhaps the most important thing you can do to fight climate change. This reduces carbon emissions, resource overconsumption, and pollution. In fact, a study by the University of Arizona found that buying fewer things is much more effective than simply purchasing ‘green’ products. It may also improve your mental health, with the researchers noting: “If you relieve yourself of that burden of ownership, most people report feeling a lot better and freer”.

Create a budget (or update an existing one) to cut down how much shopping you’re doing. Dedicating a little less money to things you ‘want’ rather than ‘need’ will immediately reduce how much you can buy. On top of helping the planet, you’ll be left with more money to save!