As we navigate through the ever-increasing cost of living, we've discovered a surprising method that may help some members of the Senior Discount Club community to cut down expenses – 'going woke’.

In the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis, some environmental and health-conscious options are proving to be not only good for the planet and our health but also our wallets.

While previously, leading a 'woke' lifestyle used to cost more, this cost of living crisis has reversed the situation, making it financially more feasible to adopt greener alternatives.

Here are some examples that explain how 'going woke' could lead to financial savings.

Going ‘woke’, won’t just help save the environment, it’ll also help save you money. Credit: Shutterstock

1. Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle

'No Meat May' is a 10-year-old campaign that promotes vegetarianism and an end to factory farming. The rising cost of living is inadvertently supporting their cause. Research commissioned by Perspectus Global shows that:

- 61% of consumers surveyed are considering eating less meat
- 37% are already buying less meat to save money
- 81% would eat less meat if it would save them one-third off their shopping bill

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that meat prices have increased by 4% in the past year, less than dairy (15%) and fruits and vegetables (5%). However, vegetables still remain much cheaper than meat overall, particularly premium cuts such as steak and lamb cutlets.

Lancet research suggests that a vegetarian diet could be up to 32% cheaper and save over $1,100 a year per person compared to a typical western diet. This is based on a ‘typical western diet’ costing up to $68 a week per person, compared with $57 a week for flexitarians (part-time meat eaters), and $46 a week for vegetarians.

2. Using solar power

While gas prices have tripled since 2020 due to a range of factors such as high international prices, a rebound in demand post-pandemic, and the invasion of Ukraine, the cost of solar hardware continues to drop by around 20% each year, according to the International Energy Agency.

Rooftop solar power is expected to generate more electricity than coal-fired power from this month when AGL closes its Liddell coal plant in New South Wales, says SunWiz.

Over 3.4 million Australians have installed rooftop solar systems, and their power prices have barely risen.

3. Embracing electric vehicles and alternative modes of transport

Fuel costs have skyrocketed, with the quarterly price of Unleaded rising by 11% from $1.64 a litre in March 2022 to $1.82/L in March 2023. Meanwhile, diesel has increased by 18% from $1.65/L to $1.94/L on average.

Although electricity prices have also risen, electric vehicle (EV) drivers who charge their cars at work or using their solar panels can still reduce their fuel expenses. However, of course we will acknowledge the average EV is a lot more expensive than a petrol-powered car.

Alternatively, using public transport or riding a bike can help cut down on the soaring costs of transportation.

4. Letting go of ultra-convenience

Many cheap and ultra-convenient services are now seeing price increases as funding dries up and interest rates rise (e.g., Uber fares, Airbnb rates, Marley Spoon pricing).

Embracing slow food and homemade meals, as well as being conscious consumers, can help save money during this cost of living crisis.

Key Takeaways

• In the current cost of living crisis, it is now cheaper to adopt socially conscious lifestyle choices, such as vegetarianism and using solar power.
• A vegetarian diet can be up to 32% cheaper compared to a traditional diet, saving over $1100 per person annually.
• Solar hardware costs continue to drop by around 20% each year, and switching to rooftop solar can help households reduce expenses on power bills.
• Adopting environmentally-friendly alternatives like public transport, EVs, and bicycles can help save money amidst rising petrol prices and experiencing an end to cheap convenience services by start-ups.

The current cost of living crisis has inadvertently made some healthier and greener alternatives more financially viable for seniors. By embracing these alternatives, you could not only improve your health and contribute to a more sustainable world but also save money in the process.

What do you think, members? Will you ‘go woke’? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Totally agree. I must be getting old because I just cannot grasp this "woke" garbage, It's just an "in" word for the wannabes.

Hotbeds of Revolution and breeding-grounds of Specialised Ignorance! (John Webster, Domain orator, 1970s)

 

[Cheezil]

I'm very happy with my solar system, my last bill was only about $58.00.
I don't buy scotch fillet or my favourite lamb cutlets anymore, just ridiculously expensive, but I buy cheaper beef cuts for the slow cooker, mince although a lot more expensive than it used to be, you can make many different meals with it. I make meatballs, Chinese mince, Chilli Con Carne, Mexican Mince, Cottage pie to name a few.
Chicken is cheap and there are endless meals you can make with it.
I shop four weekly and on shopping day buy a BBQ chicken. We have the thighs and drumsticks with crunchy bread, a corn cob or perhaps a small salad. Next night I put one breast and the meat from one wing with a packet of mie goreng noodles a mixture of veggies and top with fried egg and another night I use a packet of Vietnamese Style curry sauce , from Aldi , with the other breast and wing, vegs of your choice. You could even make it cheaper by cooking a chook yourself, but I find this a cheap way to make 3 different meals, and the meat has only cost you $11 for 3 meals for two people.
Chicken wings make great Chicken & Corn Soup. I don't quite stick to the original recipe, but add carrot grated, celery ,onion, chicken stock, plenty of soup mix, corn kernels and creamed corn. Very yummy, good for you and filling.. Goes a long way and freezes well .

Great tips, thanks