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Filling up your home and closet with inexpensive items and clothes might seem like a smart way to save money, but in the long run, it may cost you more and harm the planet, too.
The good news? You can be in style by practicing underconsumption and own good-quality gear and home furnishings.
Embrace sustainability without compromising your home’s aesthetic or your wallet: try these simple yet effective tips to create a stylish and eco-friendly living space that you’ll love coming home to.
Practice thrifting
One of the best ways to find deals on long-lasting furniture and clothes is by shopping secondhand. Check out thrift stores, consignment shops, and online markets like Facebook Marketplace. Often, you’ll find items that look new for a fraction of the cost.
You won’t be alone shopping for pre-owned clothes and furniture. The resale market for clothes is expected to more than double by 2028, reaching an estimated $350 billion.¹ Gen Z and Millennial shoppers are driving this trend, with 62% looking at secondhand items before buying new.²
In the U.S., buying used items also helps keep furniture out of landfills, where over 12 million tons of waste ends up each year.³
Take care of the clothes you have
Gen Z consumers are conflicted – they want sustainable fashion, but are hooked on fast fashion.⁴ Unfortunately, the world trashes enough clothes every second to fill an entire dump truck, accumulating over $100 billion of wasted fabric and threads each year.⁵
Taking care of your clothes is one way to balance your competing interests. Mending and altering garments yourself extends their life.
Making furniture and clothes last longer can save money and reduce waste. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and careful use are other ways to help your items stay in good shape for years.
Don’t know where to start? You can learn how to sew, clean and preserve clothes and furniture, and more on social media. Start by watching YouTube sewing, clothes, or furniture renewal influencers or going to Pinterest for ideas.
Rent or borrow
If you only need something briefly, try renting or borrowing it instead of buying it. Many cities have places that rent furniture for cheap. Asking friends or family if they have things you can borrow for an event or a set time can help you save.
Renting is an excellent option for special occasions like weddings or parties, where extra seating or decor is needed. Some stores even let you rent tools for one-time projects around the house. You can try:
- Your local hardware store for lawn tool rental.
- Grocery stores or discount retailers for carpet cleaners.
- Furniture rental stores for affordable, gently used furniture and appliances.
- Party stores for temporary event rentals: think dishes, decorations, and tents.
Research to see what’s available in your area.
You can even rent your clothes. There are online apps that can help you do this: Subscribe to Rent the Runway to rent designer clothes ModLux.Rent for luxury items. Nuuly and Stitch Fix offer everyday clothes. If you’re on a budget, you can try Haverdash. Just make sure you check out reviews on these apps and read their terms and conditions carefully.
Upcycle
Before disposing of an old piece of furniture or clothing, consider whether you can give it a new life. With some creativity and DIY skills, you can turn an outdated item into something fresh and customized to fit your home or style. You can:
- Look online for ideas and how-to guides.
- Paint, stain, or add new hardware.
- Change the fabric or detailing to transform a piece effortlessly.
- You can find inspo on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and blogs to spark your imagination.
Make small changes for real impact
Almost anyone can use secondhand marketplaces for deals. You’re also borrowing, renting, or restoring used items, which is a way to be kind to your budget and the planet.
Sustainable living is easier than you think–it just takes a little effort and ingenuity. By following these tips, you can feel good about what you buy and how it affects the planet.