Great Green Idea: Green Living: Going Green on a Budget

Going Green on a Budget

Does the thought of going green make your wallet cry out in agony? You want to do your part in preserving the earth but the phrase "green living" means nothing more to you but seeing the green dollars disappear from your pocketbook. Don't fret, even for those who are on a tight budget, green living is attainable. Living green on a budget, you can make it work.

Eat Green

Start with what you feed yourself and family first. Try visiting your local farmer's market and buy fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally, instead of buying frozen or canned fruits and vegetables from the store. In the long run visiting the farmer's market will save money because you reduce food waste by buying fresh and only buying what you can eat. Buying less actually helps the environment. It is always beneficial to make a budget when eating green. Organize your grocery list. Plan the grocery list so that you buy certain organic foods only when on sale. This does not mean buying in bulk however, remember, with food purchases less is more. Make meal plans to go with items you already have on hand then add to these groceries as needed on a weekly basis.

Let the Sunshine In

On beautiful sunny days forget flipping the switch or turning on the lamp. Open the curtains, windows or blinds and let the shine give your home light. The sun is great for you and the family, not to mention your house plants. It also saves thousands kilowatts of energy from being burned on a daily basis. You made the environment a little bit better just by letting the sun in and you didn't spend a dime. Now that's green on a budget for you.

Forget the Plastic Bags

When shopping for food or other general goods bring your own reusable shopping bags. The initial price of a reusable bag runs about $1.00 at the most. If you have a sewing machine at home you can get creative and make your own reusable bags. Using reusable shopping bags cut down on paper waste for very little money on your part.

No More Dryers

This may seem as though you are going back in time. Save energy around the home without digging deep into your pockets and think about hanging your clothes out to dry instead of using a clothes dryer. Use the sun's natural drying power. Your clothes will smell like they have been kissed with a little piece of sun and you can feel good for doing your part in an eco-friendly way.

Be Kind to Your Thermostat

It is human nature for us to turn the thermostat up when we get too cold and down when we get too hot. Change your thinking just a little and keep the thermostat at a neutral setting during the summer and winter months and stick to it. If you get too hot shed some clothing. Don't get too carried away however, if you live with others. If you get too cold keep throw blankets on hand or add layers of clothing. Keep these ideas in mind and you are well on your way to going green on a budget.