Inflationary Times: How To Create Sustainable Low-Cost Habits

 

 

Due to the international context of 2022, prices in the markets have increased. Global economic activity is experiencing an inflation higher than seen in several decades, which affects everyone. Therefore, here you can find the top of habits that will help you to create a sustainable budget friendly for the inflation. 

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Inflation is expected to increase in 2022, remaining at high levels even after the crisis subsides. The war and rising global interest rates will tighten financial conditions in many countries, particularly in emerging market and developing economies that are importers of oil and food.

 

"Global inflation has been revised up from 4.7% in 2021 to 8.8% by 2022, above forecasts made earlier in the year"

- IMF, July 2022

 

This is a phenomenon that could worsen and at best will take time to change the economic and financial conditions in different regions. In order to face this economic structural reform, it is essential to improve demand and consumption behaviors. In order to align ourselves to the transitions that the global economy is going through, without risks and pressures in daily life.

Here are a series of tips that can help you build a sustainable lifestyle that also saves money:

 
 

ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULBS 
Efficient lighting for the home can be more indispensable than you might think. Lighting costs are expensive for many people and what better way to reduce electricity bills than by using LED light bulbs. Lighting consumption represents one of the biggest expenses for families, so this switch could help save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

 

BUY SECOND HAND FASHION
Buying and getting second hand clothing is a cheaper practice as opposed to getting new clothes. You have the ability to purchase garments at lower costs even if they are sometimes big brand name pieces. This is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment. Likewise, by taking pieces out of the closet and giving them a second life, it is possible to get extra money.

 

ZERO-WASTE FOOD 
The zero-waste lifestyle is born to prevent and reduce waste in every way. This habit applied to food promotes the concept of only buying what you need and using what is left over. You can use leftover food, such as skins, to cook new dishes during the week or buy more green products to avoid more expensive meat. A common aspect of zero-waste is keeping control of your finances for food purchases.

 
 
 
 
 

BRUSHES NOT SPONGES
When it comes to cleaning up the dishes many opt to get sponges, however one of the best options is to have a brush. Sponges have a shorter life cycle than brushes, so they require constant replacement. On the other hand, with a brush, although the initial expense is higher, in the long run, you save much more money than expected. Investing in a good brush is a smart financial and ecological move.

 

ECO-CLEANING PRODUCTS
Currently, all products used for household cleaning come in the form of plastic bags, plastic containers and paper that end up being discarded. So it is possible to incorporate environmentally friendly and affordable products into our routine. For example, buying bars of soap instead of liquid soap represents a cheap and ecological alternative for cleaning.

 

LOW-FLOW SHOWER FIXTURE 
Just like electricity, water consumption in the home is also a constant concern. Reducing water usage can save as much as $90 USD by simply installing a few water-saving fixtures. This is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to cut water usage and control water bills. Adding a low-flow showerhead means an immediate solution, you would be able to see the potential range of savings each month at 20-40 % less.

 
 
 
 

BIKE AND WALK - TRANSPORTATION
If you avoid driving you could be wealthier. Individually, walking or biking avoids common car expenses such as gasoline, which is often very expensive. You can also improve your health since these are activities that contribute to physical fitness. Without a doubt, although this may be a difficult option if it is raining, it is also a great way to save more money.

 

PAPERLESS BILLS
Receiving an electronic version of your bills is another solution to save time and money. Thanks to the access to technological tools with different platforms and digital information, it is possible to avoid transportation and transaction costs. From your devices you can make payments and get bills online without having to spend a single cent more. It is also a great option to reduce paper consumption.

 

REPAIR FURNITURE
Furniture replacement is usually an expensive purchase that tightens our budget. Therefore, instead of discarding and buying a new piece it is an option to give it a repair or second use, before that happens. On the internet and many more resources one can learn how to compose, repair and reuse furniture, either by the years they have or by the age of the same.

 

© Highlight Image: @Sasun Bughdaryan in Unsplash

 +  Words:

Regina Berndt
Luxiders Magazine