In light of the latest financial news, I thought it would be nice to come up with a list of ways to save money while making good decisions for your health and the health of the environment. Here they are. This list is certainly not exhaustive so if you have more ideas, please feel free to comment!
Food
- Go to your local farmer’s market and ask if merchants are selling “seconds” of their produce. At my farmer’s markets, seconds peaches have been at the bottom of transportation boxes and are usually bruised, but the flavor has not been compromised. Seconds apples are small or have worm holes. I have been able to get organic apples and peaches for about $1/lb this way!
- Eat more legumes. Meat is expensive. Organic meat and poultry are even more expensive. Save yourself money by making more legumes–lentil soup, split pea soup, bean based chili, etc, etc. My favorite lentil soup recipe calls for an onion, a carrot, a can of tomatoes and just over a cup of lentils. The whole pot feeds my family for dinner and lunch the next day and costs just a couple bucks to make.
- Drink water. It’s cheaper and healthier. Think of all the money you’d save by giving up soda, juice, and milk. Make sure that water is filtered rather than bottled and you’ll save even more.
- Double your recipes. Use leftovers for lunch the next day (in lieu of eating out) or freeze it and use when your running low on food (instead of going out to eat or ordering take-out).
- Be a cheapskate when it comes to feeding your baby–in this case, it’s probably better for their health. Breastfeed instead of formula feed (and no, you don’t have to stop nursing just because baby turned one), serve table foods (bits of your own meal, when appropriate) rather than overpriced babyfood. This will expand baby’s palate and help him be a better eater later too.
- Be a planner. Keep your fridge organized. Nothing wastes money like throwing away produce that’s past its prime because you forgot about it.
Energy
- Don’t automatically drive. Think about other options–public transportation, biking, walking, car-pooling. When I can, I try to do things with my children that are walking distance to avoid driving.
- When you must drive, combine multiple errands and stops into one trip.
- Drive conservatively. Don’t accelerate quickly and drive as close to 55 mph as you can on the highway to improve your gas mileage.
- Consider signing up for an online DVD service like Netflix. Watching a DVD at home is cheap entertainment and saves gas.
- Get to know your neighbors. Think of all the gas you’d save if your good friends, and your children’s friends, lived down the street and not across town.
- Wash multiple loads of laundry back to back. Your dryer will use less energy if it’s already hot from the previous load. Maybe even forgo the dryer all together and line-dry instead.
- Use less laundry detergent, especially if you have front load washer. Check the directions on your detergent, but chances are you can use less and still get your clothes clean.
- Unplug cords you’re not using, which draw electricity even when not in use.
- Close vents to rooms you don’t use. Why heat them if you’re not in them?
- Turn down your thermostat and put on a sweater instead.
Stuff
- Buy used–clothes, toys, books, etc. You save money and someone else’s stuff gets re-used and stays out of a landfill!
- Frequent the library. A great free way to entertain yourself and your children.
- Use fewer body products. Do you really need all that makeup? All those hair and body products? Chances are they’re expensive and not good for you anyways.
- Shower every other day. Or at least wash your hair every other day. You’ll use less water and fewer products.
- Arrange a toy swap with fellow parents. If your kids are sick of their toys and need some variety, swap toys with neighbors or friends instead of buying new ones. The best part is that when your child’s toy returns after a month or so, chances are s/he’ll think of it as new!
- Arrange a clothing swap with friends. A friend of mine suggested this once and I thought it was a great idea. If you have a friend that’s a similar size, suggest letting each other borrow some of the clothes/shoes you don’t use often. You’ll get some variety in your wardrobe without having to purchase new clothes.
- Resolve to not buy any wrapping materials this holiday season. Wrap presents in paper you already have (turn non-holiday paper inside out and decorate, use old maps/newspapers instead, etc.) or maybe just skip wrapping presents this year.
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