The Cost of Living Sustainably

Living sustainably has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. We know that in order to live a lifestyle based on that principle, you have to make an effort to purchase items that are produced in a sustainable way, such as organic and local foods. Purchasing products from huge, commercialized farms on the other side of the country does not help sustain your community or even your body in a healthy manner. Unfortunately, we have come across a couple problems in our pursuit to live in this manner.

The first predicament we have found ourselves in is the frequently cost-prohibitive action of healthy eating. Whether you’re at your local grocery store wandering through the organic aisle or meandering through the farmer’s market, you will typically find that the foods that you know are the best fuels for your body are frustratingly twice as expensive as the traditional product. When you absolutely have to save money but also desire the best for your body, what do you do? Do you give up the healthy food for junk so you won’t overdraw your bank account? It’s definitely a tough position to find yourself in and one that we know all too well. We don’t have all of the solutions and would greatly appreciate any other creative ideas to get around this problem, but here are some that we, with the help of others, have come up with:

First, think about the big picture. If you go to your local farmers market and buy some of their cheese, they will probably return the favor and come into your store to return the business. Don’t own your company? Well they still might come to your place of employment to do business, which will help to guarantee your next paycheck. The farmers need the business and will gladly deal with a friendly customer whenever they can. Secondly, Daniel and I stop using the “luxuries” as much so that when we do, we know we can splurge on the good stuff. For example, we love milk but instead of using it to make tomato soup, we will use water. It’s not as creamy but with a grilled cheese, it’s barely noticeable!  I also try and cut back on my beloved chocolate milk. Its something I definitely don’t need frequently and when I get it, it’s a real treat. Cutting back on the luxuries can save us a half-gallon a week, meaning we can afford organic milk since we aren’t buying multiple gallons of the store brand per week! Finally, and this idea came from our organic-minded hostess Julia, try and get to know your local farmers. Maybe if you go out to their farm, they will cut you a deal on their products. It saves them gas and they know that they will have a loyal customer in you. If none of these ideas work for you, just think about how much your body deserves this tasty, organic food and try to think of something unhealthy you can cut in order to purchase the good stuff. A block of yummy, handmade cheddar cheese is so much more scrumptious than a pack of cigarettes!

Angie buying Satsumas at the local farmer's market.

Lots of yummy and healthy foods available at the farmer's market!

Similar to the cost crisis of buying food locally and organically, we have found that buying non-edible products from local shops is unfortunately très cher as well. When you really want to support the community, it’s disheartening to find affordable products only at superstores like Wal-mart or Target. So, this is my plea to local specialty stores, please look into providing lower cost products to your customers. They don’t have to be new or fancy, they can be used or refinished, but please consider it. For example, Daniel and I have been bike searching for weeks and we really didn’t want to buy from a department store but we also had a small budget. We didn’t have fancy expectations and were completely fine with used but sadly, the bike stores nearby had practically nothing under six hundred dollars. Its not just bicycle stores, though. Specialty stores need to understand that there are still plenty of people out there who will gladly spend a small fortune on products because they take part in bike marathons or they are avid fine china collectors. I don’t think you will lose money by offering used or less expensive items; you will just win a whole new clientele. We really want to support you, so please give us the opportunity.

On a side note, the one way around this problem is a thrift store. If you do enough shopping and have Lady Luck on your side, you might find just what you are looking for and save a bundle! Plus, many thrift stores use their profits for charitable outreaches within the community and that’s definitely a bonus.

Living sustainably is not necessarily easy, but it isn’t really that hard either. If you prioritize your purchases and make an effort to go to local stores instead of just one giant one, you will usually find what you are looking for at a reasonable price. Furthermore, you will get the pleasure out of knowing you are doing right by your body and the community.