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    Home » Best Of

    27 Frugal And Green Living Solutions That Make Sustainability Affordable

    Modified: Mar 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · Published: Mar 9, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

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    Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean spending more. Frugal and green living solutions help cut waste, lower bills, and make eco-friendly choices more accessible. Simple habits like reducing energy use, reusing household items, and choosing long-lasting products add up over time. Many of these changes require little effort but can lead to big savings while benefiting the planet. If you’re looking for practical ways to live well on a budget without creating more waste, these ideas are worth considering.

    Micro Homesteading: Your Path to Sustainable Living

    Three jars of homemade preserves are placed on a wooden table.Pin
    Micro Homesteading: Your Path to Sustainable Living. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Think you need acres of land to homestead? Think again. Micro homesteading proves that a little space and a lot of creativity can lead to big self-sufficiency wins. Perfect for frugal and green living solutions, this guide shows how to grow food, raise small livestock, and cut costs without cutting corners.
    Read the Article: Micro Homesteading: Your Path to Sustainable Living

    Why to Choose and Save Heirloom Seeds

    Green leafy plant with small yellow flowers on a wooden surface.Pin
    Why to Choose and Save Heirloom Seeds. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Grocery store veggies can’t hold a candle to homegrown ones, and heirloom seeds make sure you get the best flavors year after year. Not only do they help preserve plant diversity, but they also keep you from relying on overpriced seed packets. A simple, budget-friendly way to keep your garden going strong.
    Read the Article: Why to Choose and Save Heirloom Seeds

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

    Three romaine lettuce heads regrowing in a glass bowl filled with water on a kitchen counter.Pin
    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    That celery base you almost tossed? It’s got a second chance at life. Regrowing food from kitchen scraps isn’t just a cool party trick—it’s a solid way to cut waste and stretch your grocery budget. Frugal and green living solutions don’t get much easier than this.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    Two large ceramic containers with numbers "5" and "3" are placed side by side against a brick wall.Pin
    How to Use a Fermenting Crock. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fermenting isn’t just for food snobs and science experiments—it’s a no-fuss way to preserve produce and pack in probiotics. This guide walks you through using a fermenting crock so you can save money and skip the store-bought stuff. Simple, sustainable, and way cheaper than fancy jars of sauerkraut.
    Read the Article: How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    30 DIY Chicken Coops

    A small red chicken coop with an open wire-mesh door, an attached nesting box, and a water feeder inside. It is situated on a grassy area with trees in the background.Pin
    30 DIY Chicken Coops. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought coops cost a fortune and fall apart faster than you’d like. These DIY designs let you build something sturdy without draining your wallet. Whether you’ve got a few hens or a whole flock, there’s a budget-friendly setup here for you.
    Read the Article: 30 DIY Chicken Coops

    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    Two glass jars filled with mixed bird seeds, including sunflower seeds and millet, placed on a blue woven mat.Pin
    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pre-mixed chicken feed is expensive, and half of it is filler. Mixing your own scratch keeps your birds happy and your budget intact. With this recipe, you’ll know exactly what’s in their food while cutting out unnecessary costs.
    Read the Article: Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Glass jar filled with overflowing bread dough on a wooden surface, next to a metal whisk and a slightly opened lid.Pin
    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    No yeast? No problem. Making a sourdough starter from scratch is as old-school as it gets and keeps you from relying on store-bought packets. This method is budget-friendly, waste-free, and perfect for anyone wanting a frugal and green kitchen.
    Read the Article: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Growing Broccoli From Seed

    A wooden bowl filled with fresh alfalfa sprouts sits on a rustic wooden surface.Pin
    Growing Broccoli From Seed. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Skip the overpriced seedlings and start your broccoli from seed instead. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll have healthier, more resilient plants without the nursery markup. A smart move for frugal and green living solutions.
    Read the Article: Growing Broccoli From Seed

    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    A hand placing seeds onto a white sheet in a brown pot filled with soil.Pin
    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Why buy seeds every season when you can get them for free? Saving seeds means your garden keeps going year after year without extra cost. This beginner’s guide makes it easy to build a seed stash and grow smarter.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

    Close-up of a rooster with a vivid red comb and wattles, standing on a dirt ground. Other chickens are partially visible in the background.Pin
    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    No farm? No problem. Homesteading is more about mindset than land size, and this guide gives you seven simple ways to get started. From food production to self-sufficiency, these budget-friendly tips help you live greener without waiting for the “perfect” setup.
    Read the Article: 7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

    How to Grow Sprouts at Home

    Close-up of sunflower sprouts growing in soil inside a transparent container, with light green stems and leaves.Pin
    How to Grow Sprouts at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sprouts are ridiculously expensive at the store, but growing them at home is easy and dirt cheap. All you need is a jar, some seeds, and a little patience. A great way to add fresh greens to your diet without adding to your grocery bill.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Sprouts at Home

    7 Best Herbs for Indoor Gardens

    Green seedlings growing in a round, brown pot filled with soil.Pin
    7 Best Herbs for Indoor Gardens. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fresh herbs make everything better, but buying them every week? Not so much. Growing your own indoors is an easy way to save money, reduce waste, and have flavor at your fingertips. No green thumb required.
    Read the Article: 7 Best Herbs for Indoor Gardens

    How to Grow Black Beans Indoors

    Potted plants with green stems are arranged on tiered shelves. A logo in the corner reads "Grid Life.Pin
    How to Grow Black Beans Indoors. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Who knew black beans could thrive inside? With the right setup, you can grow a protein-packed staple without a backyard. A smart, low-cost way to add homegrown goodness to your meals year-round.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Black Beans Indoors

    Homemade Plant Food: 7 Easy Natural Fertilizer Recipes

    A wooden compost bin filled with various fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and garden waste.Pin
    Homemade Plant Food: 7 Easy Natural Fertilizer Recipes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought fertilizers are pricey, and half the time, they’re full of things your plants don’t even need. These DIY options use kitchen scraps and natural ingredients to keep your garden thriving—without spending extra cash.
    Read the Article: Homemade Plant Food: 7 Easy Natural Fertilizer Recipes

    Gardening in a Cold Climate: 6 Tips for Northern Gardeners

    Close-up of yellow and green tomatoes on the vine, surrounded by lush green leaves and illuminated by sunlight. A metal support structure is visible in the foreground.Pin
    Gardening in a Cold Climate: 6 Tips for Northern Gardeners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Short growing seasons don’t mean you have to give up fresh food. With these six tricks, you can keep your garden going even when the temperatures drop. Frugal and green living solutions at their frost-resistant finest.
    Read the Article: Gardening in a Cold Climate: 6 Tips for Northern Gardeners

    How to Save Tomato Seeds to Plant for Next Year

    A hand from the November garden holds four ripe red cherry tomatoes, capturing the essence of seasonal harvests.Pin
    How to Save Tomato Seeds to Plant for Next Year. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Stop rebuying the same tomato seeds every spring. With this simple method, you’ll have a steady supply of homegrown favorites—without spending a dime. More tomatoes, less waste, and zero extra cost.
    Read the Article: How to Save Tomato Seeds to Plant for Next Year

    Potager Gardening for Beginners

    A vegetable garden with multiple bamboo teepee trellises supporting climbing plants among lush green foliage. Bushes in the background.Pin
    Potager Gardening for Beginners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A potager garden isn’t just a fancy term for growing veggies—it’s a smart way to mix beauty and function in a small space. This beginner’s guide shows you how to grow your own food stylishly and sustainably. Less lawn, more lunch.
    Read the Article: Potager Gardening for Beginners

    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

    Close-up of a rooster with a bright red comb and wattles, standing on a dirt ground with other chickens in the background.Pin
    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Meat prices are through the roof, but raising your own can keep costs down while giving you better quality food. These five options are low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and ideal for self-sufficient living. More meat, less grocery bill shock.
    Read the Article: The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

    DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars

    A close-up of a glass jar with a grated plastic lid, containing sprouting seeds or greens inside.Pin
    DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sprouting seeds shouldn’t cost you extra. These homemade lids let you turn any mason jar into a sprouting powerhouse. A simple, affordable way to grow fresh greens without fancy equipment.
    Read the Article: DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars

    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

    A neatly stacked pile of chopped firewood is arranged against a wall.Pin
    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Learning homesteading skills doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These free and low-cost courses teach everything from gardening to livestock care, all from the comfort of home. A great way to boost self-sufficiency without breaking the bank.
    Read the Article: Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

    What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started

    A weathered log cabin with a slanted shingle roof is surrounded by dense green foliage and trees.Pin
    What is Homesteading. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homesteading isn’t just about farm life—it’s about making smart, sustainable choices no matter where you live. This guide breaks down what you need to know to start saving money and living greener today.
    Read the Article: What is Homesteading?

    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    Chickens in a wooden and wire mesh pen on grass with a bucket on top. Trees and fencing are visible in the background.Pin
    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought meat is expensive, and let’s be honest, you never really know where it comes from. Learning to butcher your own chickens means better quality, lower costs, and true self-sufficiency. Messy? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.
    Read the Article: How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

    A snow-covered greenhouse with frosted windows stands next to a snow-laden tree branch.Pin
    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stop growing food. These winter gardening tricks help keep fresh greens on your plate even when it’s freezing outside. A must-know for anyone serious about frugal and green living.
    Read the Article: Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

    A glass jar filled with sprouted lentils sitting on a wooden surface.Pin
    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Lentil sprouts pack a punch when it comes to nutrition and budget-friendly food. Growing them takes almost no effort, and they’re ready to eat in days. Perfect for anyone looking to eat fresh without spending much.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

    A close-up view of several light brown chickens in a coop with a "My Off Grid Life" logo in the bottom right corner.Pin
    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Not all chickens are created equal. Some are better layers, some are great for meat, and some are just fun to have around. This guide helps you pick the best breeds for an efficient, cost-effective backyard flock.
    Read the Article: 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

    How to Hot Compost

    Small green plants growing in soil surrounded by broken eggshells.Pin
    How to Hot Compost. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Cold composting takes forever, but hot composting? It speeds up the process and gives you rich soil in no time. A great way to recycle kitchen scraps, cut down waste, and boost your garden’s health—all without spending a dime.
    Read the Article: How to Hot Compost

    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

    Three glass jars with cloth lids, containing liquid, are placed on a red and white mat on a wooden surface.Pin
    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Microgreens cost a fortune at the store, but growing them at home is cheap, easy, and only takes a few days. All you need is a jar, some seeds, and a little water. A no-excuses way to add fresh greens to any meal.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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