Welcome back to Cosy Corner. This edition focuses on how to become more sustainable without overspending.
Yes, some sustainable alternatives like organic food and clothes from slower fashion brands can be more expensive. But sustainability does not always carry a heavy price tag. The following lifestyle changes are easy, cheap and effective.
Reduce meat consumption
I am not suggesting you become a vegetarian or a vegan completely. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but even going meat-free twice a week is great for the planet and saves money. David Attenborough even encourages it.
Agriculture produces high emissions and requires a lot of land. If everyone in the world reduced their meat consumption, we could save land and water use. Local action with global vision is what changes the world. Farmers can also benefit from this change, as it will reduce the pressure that intensive, low-profit livestock farming brings.
Going vegetarian also makes you more creative with cooking. Many dishes can still hit the spot with plant-based substitutes. Also, vegetables can be rich in protein, such as sweet potato and edamame beans. So, you can still maintain a balanced diet.
Charity shopping or borrowing clothes
Some of my favourite clothes are from charity shops, and yours could be too.
SHEIN’s low prices and range look tempting, but the quality is significantly lower and contributes to the 92 million tonnes of textiles in landfill every year. SHEIN has also been under scrutiny for its treatment of workers with long hours, low pay and in some cases, child labour. You can find higher-quality clothing with SHEIN-like prices at charity shops all over Stirling or your local area.
By shopping second-hand you contribute less to fashion waste and the demand for damaging fast fashion. Vinted, the online reselling shop, is another great place to start with its wider range from across the country.
Limiting food waste
Emissions from food waste and the wasted energy in production and distribution are a strong contributing factor in climate change. If food waste were a country, it would be the world’s third-largest source of emissions.
One way to reduce waste is by meal planning. By deciding what you’re going to cook in advance, you know exactly what you need to buy, and you don’t end up throwing food you didn’t use away. Using leftovers, freezing extra food and composting scraps also reduces emissions and cuts costs.
Choose trends wisely
These days, trends come and go faster than they used to. We also see way more with the presence of social media. Some trends are worth following, but trying to keep up with all of them is impossible and expensive. Seasonal or limited edition merchandise is overproduced to make a profit, and most of it ends up in landfill when the trend or season is over. When you see the cutesy knick-knacks or themed shopping bags around Halloween or Valentine’s Day, stop and think: what do I already have?
No one needs plates which match the current month. Influencers act like they change their bedding according to which holiday is next, but that’s because they’re getting paid to do that. Owning less and shopping more wisely has nothing but perks. Cooking from scratch is more satisfying, charity shopping with friends supports good causes and buying what you need keeps your home clutter-free.
Featured Image Credit: Isla Barker
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
