3 ways to live sustainably and save some cash

Efforts are growing, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada aims to help reduce emissions by at least 30 million tonnes by 2030.

Many people think living sustainably costs more, but that’s not always the case. Small changes to your daily habits can shrink your carbon footprint and your bills at the same time.

For most Canadians, thoughtful changes in just three areas can make a big difference: food choices, reducing plastic use and cutting emissions. These same principles can also guide your investment decisions if you want your money to reflect your values. Here’s everything you need to know.

Make smarter food choices

Food is one of the easiest places to go green and spend less. With inflation pushing prices up, greener options are often the cheaper ones too. Here's how to get started:

Buy seasonal, local produce: In-season fruits and vegetables cost less and travel shorter distances to reach you. Eating root vegetables in winter and leafy greens in summer supports local farmers, cuts transport emissions and helps keep your food fresher longer.

Grow your own food: You don’t need a big yard or fancy equipment. A small balcony or rooftop garden can give you fresh, low-cost herbs, fruits and vegetables while helping reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll also likely reduce your environmental impact in the process.

Cut back on meat and dairy: Animal-based foods carry a high carbon cost. Swapping some meals for plant-based options like beans, lentils, tofu or plant-based milk can help lower both your grocery bill and your environmental impact.

Reduce food waste: A report by Second Harvest estimates that avoidable food waste in Canada is worth about $58 billion. Planning meals, storing food properly and buying only what you’ll eat that week can help you save money and reduce emissions. Composting scraps and getting creative with leftovers can help keep food out of your green bin.

Reduce your plastic use

Cutting plastic starts with small, consistent swaps. Plastic doesn’t biodegrade; it breaks down into microplastics that can harm ecosystems, wildlife and even enter the food chain. Some estimates suggest Canadians throw away nearly 5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.

Here are some simple ways to use less plastic:

• Choose loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged ones
• Pick canned goods over plastic-wrapped options
• Bring reusable containers to the grocery store
• Use reusable sandwich bags or beeswax wraps

Say no to single-use plastics whenever you can. In Canada, several types of single-use plastics have already been banned and many businesses are following that lead. You can go even further by:

• Turning down single-use items you don’t need
• Carrying reusable utensils, napkins and straws
• Packing your own containers for takeout leftovers
• Choosing reusable dishes when dining in at quick-serve restaurants

You can take also make small changes to your everyday routine. For example, bringing your own coffee cup instead of using disposable ones is an easy swap that adds up over time.

Lower your carbon emissions

Reducing your carbon emissions can help you save money too, especially when it comes to energy, transportation and everyday spending. One of WWFs goals is to help reduce Canada’s carbon emissions by at least 30 million tonnes by 2030. Here's what you can do to help:

Choose energy-efficient products: When you're buying appliances, electronics or lighting, opt for energy-efficient models. You can also wash your clothes in cold water and run appliances during off-peak hours to help keep your energy bills low.

Think about an electric vehicle: If you're in the market for a car, consider a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). They often come with higher upfront costs, but their lifetime carbon impact and day-to-day running costs can be lower than gas-powered vehicles.

Shop second-hand: Buying pre-owned items from thrift stores or online marketplaces means no new resources were used to make what you're buying. It's one of the more eco-friendly and budget-friendly ways to shop.

How sustainable living connects to sustainable investing

Sustainable living and sustainable investing are two sides of the same coin. Just as your daily choices can reduce your environmental impact, your investments can reflect what you care about.

Sustainable investing looks at environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors alongside financial returns. It lets you support companies and funds that are working toward positive change while also building long-term financial goals.

As more people look for ways to align their money with their values, sustainable investing can be one more way to extend the impact of everyday choices.