Welcome to our NEW feature (Tuesday’s Green Space) and our two new bloggers! Chrissy and I very excited to have two very knowledgeable and resourceful women dedicating their time to eco-friendly topics for the frugal family!!
You can read more on parenting and living a greener lifestyle at Meagan’s blog Sage-Parenting
Tipster Tuesday will be replaced with this new feature! We welcome your comments and ideas on living a green(er) lifestyle.
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Considering what has recently made the news — the current financial crisis, global climate change, concerns about BPA in baby products, high lead levels found in toys — it’s not surprising that many families are trying to make choices that are budget-friendly, health conscious and environmentally responsible. Interest in eating organic foods and using eco-friendly products is no longer limited to hippies or residents of Southern California, and it’s not only self-proclaimed coupon junkies who are trying to cut their expenses.
The cost of shopping for products that are pesticide-free, preservative-free, dye-free, or harvested from a sustainable forest, can add up quickly, seeming cost-prohibitive for many families. What’s more, the level of consumerism we are accustomed to and buying, buying, buying — even green products — is not a sustainable or environmentally responsible choice. Going green is less about selecting between items at the grocery store, and more about buying less, making more considered choices, and reusing and recycling where we can.
At first glance it may appear that organic lifestyle does not mesh with wise spending habits, but the truth is that there is a synergy between eco– and budget- friendliness; that is, the two often work together, not against each other! We (Meagan and Katherine) have joined the BeCentsAble team to bring you a tip each week about how to live a more natural, eco-conscious life without breaking the bank.
Here’s a just a few quick and simple examples based on the three R’s of the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle. Many of these examples are no-brainers and the details of several of the others will be spelled out in weeks to come so stay tuned!
Reduce
*Reducing the number of disposables your family purchases by replacing paper towels, paper napkins, paper plates and the excess packaging associated with convenience, single-serve foods will save you money and cut down on waste.
*Reduce your electricity bill by using energy-saving light bulbs and appliances. *Reducing the amount of gas you consume by walking cuts down your gas budget and uses less of a non-renewable resource. This one is obvious, but more strategies for reducing your gas consumption are coming soon.
Reuse
*Repurpose meal leftovers as new meals rather than tossing them.
*Buy used clothing, furniture and other items, especially for children.
* Reuse an old t-shirt and save yourself money on your grocery bill. Again, you’ll have to stay tuned for this one.
Recycle
*Recycle ink cartridges. Some office supply stores will give you a small store credit.
*Some recycling centers pay cash for recycled aluminum or tin.
The list goes on and on. Individually these changes seem small but the long-term impact of these choices can positively affect both your budget and the environment. More practical, action-packed posts on how to live an eco-friendly, budget-friendly lifestyle coming soon. **************************
We want to know: What about you? How are you reducing, reusing and recycling? Is it saving you any money or is it breaking the bank? About what budget-friendly/natural topics would you like to hear more?
