Totally Sustainable
With the cost of living crisis soaring, many of us are concerned about what we can do to be both frugal and ethical at the same time. This is something I certainly struggle with. I wonder how I can enjoy myself without sacrificing amenities. I'd love a new dress, but where can I buy one? Megan Eccles points out in her article How to be a sustainable consumer on a budget, that buying second-hand clothes is a great way to find something new at a lower price while reducing our carbon footprint. Who knew a trip to the local charity shop or car boot sale would make such a difference?
Inflation has increased by 4.2% since 2021, the highest rate ever, and it's a huge challenge to be able to afford to live. As a student, I always looked forward to the independence of moving away from home. Part of that was being able to make my own dinner and having the freedom to cook what I wanted, when I wanted. That was until I saw the prices of groceries!
More than you bargained for
We all love takeout or cheeky Nandos, but unfortunately, they are no longer a priority in our weekly budget. Since the Covid-19 lockdowns, many people have used their free time to improve their cooking skills and share their simple meal plans on social media. TikTok is the most favourable platform in this regard. Many parents have become viral by taking us viewers on their journey. From prepared meals to simple but delicious and low-calorie dishes, Tiktok has it all.
A favourite of mine is Meals by Mitch, who prepares exceptional meals for less than 5 pounds. The Wolverhampton-based chef's social media journey began with a mouth-watering chilli con carne. Overnight, Mitch Lane became famous and gained 59.5k followers. Lane creates a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious 'fakeaway' meals, such as a simple homemade curry for just £4.59. To do this, he resorts to supermarkets, buying naan bread for 55p, garlic bulbs for 60p and chopped tomatoes for 40p. Mitch uses ingredients from Tesco, showing that supermarkets do still offer affordable food. Keep costs down and waste to a minimum by cooking only what you need.
We face challenges every day that seem difficult to overcome. Many people are going through the same experiences we are, and if you motivate yourself to take the first step, you will find the resources to help you. Social media is a great place to start. If you're already online, just have a quick search!