The Trump Administration’s tariffs are causing market gyrations. They could increase inflation and cause a recession. Tariffs also harm people with lower incomes in the US the most and people in poorer countries as well – the same people who are also being harmed by the Administration’s cuts to the federal government and overseas aid.
Even with the recent rollback of many tariffs for 90 days, there is an overall tariff in place of 10 percent on all countries, high tariffs on several imported materials and products, and a 145 percent tariff on many products from China, our third-largest trading partner. No one can predict what’s next: each day, the Administration’s tariffs change.
You may be understandably worried about rising prices and falling 401Ks.
Here’s 6 steps you can take as a consumer to go green and save green ($):
- Start a garden
Tariffs will result in rising prices for many goods. Some of them, like the Nintendo Switch, we can live without, or put off purchasing, but we can’t go without food. One great way to cut down on food costs is to grow your own; you can save hundreds of dollars per year growing your own food, and it will be more nutritious. Green America’s Climate Victory Garden campaign will show you how to grow organic foods that also fight climate change. Or, work with your neighbors to start a Climate Victory Community Garden. If you grow more food than you need, you can donate it to a local food bank or share with your neighbors.
- Support a CSA or farmer markets
A great way to support the local economy while eating healthy is to sign up for community supported agriculture (CSA), where you will receive fresh produce every week directly from a local farm. Or, visit a local farmers market to choose between several farms. Either way, you’ll save money and get fresher produce.
- Buy used clothes or do a clothing swap
Thrifting and swapping clothes is a fun way to get a new look while saving money. When you purchase used clothing, you extend the life of that shirt, blouse, or suit, and prevent it from going to landfill or getting dumped overseas. Many used clothing and goods stores support charities, so you are also doing good in the community. Or, you can set up or take part in a clothing swap, where you can meet people while trading clothes out of your closets.
- Take part in or start a lending library for tools, household goods, toys
When you need a shovel, band saw, carpet cleaner or other tools or goods occasionally, why buy them? Instead see if you can set up a lending library with your neighbors. On a list serve or social media page, people can post what they need and borrow it. Some local libraries have set up lending libraries for many items other than books – you can borrow a tool or a game and pick up a book to read as well!
- Buy a used car or go car-less
Tariffs on imported cars will likely drive up prices for many new cars, so it makes sense to buy used cars, where even late-model cars are much cheaper than new. Or, you can take this time to see if you can go car-less. The ready availability of electric bikes (some which can carry significant loads), car-sharing apps and services, and public transportation might meet all your transportation needs while eliminating a major source of climate emissions.
- Repair instead of replace
A great way to reduce your purchases is to make current stuff last. When appliances break, see if you can repair them instead of replacing – sometimes the repairs are cheaper than you think. You can mend clothing, or have someone repair it. Well-made furniture is always worth repairing. Keep your car in good repair with regular maintenance.
You can find more ideas from our Green American magazine issue "Going Green on a Budget".
And, don’t forget to support businesses that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their operations, and steer your money away from companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Target that walked back their commitments to DEI. Instead, make sure to support the greenest businesses across the country for the products you need to purchase new!
These steps are just a handful of the ways you can go green and save money. As you work to save money and save the planet, you’ll create new skills and forge relationships with people in your community. We can all learn from each other how to be more resilient and create mutual support during these hard times.
