5 zero-waste swaps that save you the most money

You’re thinking about going down the zero-waste path? *she applauds* Or you’re already quite the zero-waster, but you got curious after reading that very enticing title because frankly who doesn’t want to save a few bucks, right?

There’s no need to ditch every bit of comfort or start knitting clothes from potato sacks after reading this article. Figuring out how to live zero waste on a budget doesn’t require extreme sacrifices; it just takes a few sensible swaps that make your lifestyle a bit greener – and your wallet a tad heavier. Here are five cheap zero-waste swaps that’ll save you plenty of cash and help you on your way on your sustainable journey.

01. Save Money, Sip Smarter: Bring your own coffee

Bringing your own coffee is one of those simple zero-waste swaps that sounds simple but packs a serious punch for both your wallet and the planet. Think about it: a latte from a café can easily set you back €3 to €4, which, if you’re grabbing one each workday, adds up to around €750-€1000 a year—enough to keep the lights on during winter. At least in The Netherlands with our current utility prices.

A travel mug and some good-quality coffee grounds cost a fraction of that, and brewing your own coffee at home takes less time than waiting in line. Plus, it’s eco-friendly: no single-use cups, plastic lids, or unnecessary trips. Coffee with a trusty thermos and your favorite brew tastes much better when you know you’re simultaneously saving money and the planet, one sip at a time.

How to make it work:

• Invest in a quality travel mug: Look for one that keeps your coffee hot for hours. There’s nothing worse than discovering your beloved brew’s gone lukewarm.
• Experiment with DIY recipes: Try frothing your own milk, adding some cinnamon, or finding a coffee blend you love. You might just find you can rival your favourite café at home.
• Prep ahead: Brew your coffee before leaving the house, or if you’re in a rush, set up a coffee machine with a timer the night before. This way, your coffee’s ready to grab and go—without waiting in line or swiping your card.

02. Reusable water bottle: save with every sip

The reusable water bottle is pretty much the zero-waste mascot, beloved by eco-friendly pros and gym-goers alike. Buying bottled water is like throwing money down the drain – quite literally, once you’re done in the little room. It’s one of the most affordable zero waste products you can buy, and arguably the one with the best return on investment, plus you’ll keep thousands of plastic bottles out of the environment. 

The money saver:

Now, let’s do some maths. If you buy a bottle of water every day for a tidy €1.50, that’s €547.50 a year. For that much, you could probably buy enough water to fill your local swimming pool. Invest in a quality reusable bottle—€15 to €30 will do nicely— et voilà, you’re in savings territory after just a couple of weeks.

How to make it work:

• Choose a bottle that’s as indestructible as a hammer, or as close as you can get. You want something that can survive a drop from the top of your bag when you forget to zip it up.
• Keep it with you at all times. Pop it in your bag, keep it in your car, and maybe even set it by your bedside. Think of it as your new hydration buddy.
• Look for refill stations. Public places, cafes, gyms, and airports are all water-source oases in the hydration desert. Or if you live in Europe: use the Refill App that shows you the nearest refill option as long as you turn on your location on your phone. 

Reading tip: How to Start a Sustainable Lifestyle: The Ultimate Green Road Trip

03. Reusable shopping bags: Because no one needs 50 plastic bags in their cupboard

The reusable shopping bag. It’s good for carrying everything from groceries to books to, whatever you need. But let’s face it, that drawer filled with plastic bags could probably do with a bit of a cleanout. Using reusable bags doesn’t just save plastic; it also saves you from swiping your card when you realize, too late, that you’ve forgotten to bring one to the shop.

The money saver:

Ten cents here, 60 cents there, and suddenly, you’re a few dimes down, just on carrier bags. If you shop twice a week and need three bags each time, you’re looking at over €30 a year. Fancy reusable bags can be a bit pricier, but good old canvas bags are often free at events or come at a low cost.

How to make it work:

• Keep a stash in the car, in your bag, or even hang them by the door so you don’t forget them!
• Get lightweight, foldable ones that fit in your pocket or purse so you’ll never be caught short.
• If you’re the forgetful type, set a phone reminder before you leave for the shop. (You’d be surprised how helpful this can be.)

04. Cloth napkins and towels: For when you realize you’re not a restaurant

We’re all guilty of using a few too many paper towels here and there as if we’re hosting our very own greasy-spoon café. But that also means you have to keep buying rolls of the stuff. Cloth napkins and towels are just as absorbent, reusable, and—let’s face it—far more sophisticated. 

The money saver:

Your average household spends €70 to €100 a year on paper towels and napkins. On the other hand, cloth napkins and towels cost around €10 to €20 for a decent starter set. Plus, they’ll last for years, so you’re looking at a few cents here and there on the cost of washing them.

How to make it work:

• Keep a few dedicated cloths in the kitchen and designate them for particular jobs. Personally, I keep the yellow ones for the little room in the house, the pink ones for the kitchen and the blue ones for the bathroom. If you’re more A-type than me, buy them in colors that matches your interior.
• Opt for machine-washable, quick-dry options. They’ll last longer and won’t clutter up your laundry.
• Embrace the gentle wear-and-tear look. It gives your home a cozy, lived-in vibe.

05. Refillable cleaning products: Banish the cupboard full of half-empty bottles

Do you have a cupboard under the sink filled with various half-used cleaning products? Instead of buying new plastic bottles every time you run out of cleaner, consider refillable options or even homemade eco-friendly solutions. You can clean just about anything with a few simple ingredients, and they’re a lot a lot cheaper. Okay okay, one more plus, you can make them in under 5 minutes.

The money saver:

Let’s say you spend €8 to €10 a month on cleaning products. That’s around €100 a year. Making your own cleaning solutions with cheap ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and the occasional splash of lemon juice for a fresh scent is a much better option.

How it works:

• Invest in a few quality spray bottles, preferably glass or stainless steel, to avoid more plastic. Or repurpose an old one that is lying nearly empty in that cupboard of yours.
• Use DIY recipes that are simple and effective. There’s no need to play chemist—vinegar and water can clean almost anything!
• Look out for eco-friendly stores that offer refill stations. You can refill your bottles with various cleaning concoctions without buying new ones each time.

Reading tip: 5 DIY eco friendly cleaning products (That Will Save You €270 a Year)

Zero waste swaps for beginners: a mini step-by-step

Not sure where to start? You don’t need a plan, a Pinterest board, or five swaps at once — just one honest look at what you’re actually throwing away, and a bit of patience. Here’s the short version.

1. Look at your bin, not Pinterest. For one week, notice what you throw away most. That’s your starting point — not whatever swap looks nicest on someone else’s kitchen counter.
2. Pick the swap that matches it. Coffee cups piling up? Get the mug. Plastic bags multiplying in a drawer? Start there instead.
3. Use what you already own first. An old jar, an existing tote bag — you don’t need to buy anything new to take the first step.
4. Give it two weeks before judging it. Habits need a bit of runway before they feel automatic.
5. Add the next swap only once the first one’s boring. Boring means it’s become normal — which is exactly the goal.

Zero waste without zero fun

Learning how to live zero waste on a budget doesn’t mean transforming into a hermit or becoming ‘that’ friend who lectures everyone on the impact of plastic straws. It’s about making practical, often money-saving choices that just happen to be better for the planet. Try a few of these swaps, and you’ll see how easy it is to go green without sacrificing a single iota of fun—or financial comfort.

So, grab that water bottle, sling your reusable bag over your shoulder, and embrace a greener way of life.