Prior to my baby, I never thought about using all natural or organic materials. In fact, I never thought much of the environment. Now that there is a new addition to the family, I am suddenly aware of the chemical products around the house. You now find me buying Seventh Generation diapers, organic cotton, all natural lotions, organic food, etc.
I agree. Going green can be a bit more costly to begin with. But in the long run, it’ll pay off. Not just environmental-wise, but pocket-wise as well as health wise.
So what are some of the ways in which you can go “greener” without breaking your budget? Here are a few suggestions:
- Recycle! I recycle all of my tin cans, milk jugs & glass. The green part? You’ll get “green” bills returned to you!
- Use cloth diapers. Cloth diapers these days are much easier to use. You no longer have to use the traditional cloth and safety. Cloth diapers now come in velco or snaps to make cloth diapering convenient.
- Cloth diapers still turn you off? Use biodegradable, chlorine free diapers. Did you know that 50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day and they stay there for up to 500 years? Yep. That number is amazing, isn’t it? Actually, these biodegradable, chlorine free diapers are not that much more expensive. Offset the extra few cents per diaper from the recycling you’ve done! Need a recommendation? Try Seventh Generation diapers.
- Use your own canvas shopping bag instead of the traditional paper or plastic when grocery shopping. Or even an extra large tote bag will work. As long as the bag is sturdy enough and large enough to hold your groceries.
- Use tupperware to refridgerate or freeze your leftovers instead of ziploc bags. Tupperware is also reusable so you won’t have to buy another box of ziplocs when you run out. I try to wait until the after Christmas sales and get them for 50% off. Who cares if my tupperware has Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and snowmen on them?
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’ll save you money on your energy bill!
If you have any other ideas, suggestions, or would like recommendations on how you can get greener, post a comment below and I’ll try my best to respond. Just remember, going green doesn’t have to break your piggy bank!
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Posted on 06 February 2008 by Judy Sommers in Green Talk, Money Matter$
These are great ways to live a little “greener.” I just learned another small way to prevent waste. Think of all the plastic, paper, fuel, and energy it takes to manufacture, package, and transport straws. By refusing to use disposable straws you can do your part in conservation.