Many products on the market that claim to be environmentally friendly are really highly priced. However, that is just the marketing side of the present trend to be environmentally friendly. To be truely environmentally friendly and save money it is a good idea to look to ways in which our grandparents lived, in those days basic and natural ingredients were used, for cooking, cleaning, gardening, beauty products, first aid products. Things were repaired not merely thrown away, and they were the first ones to use reusable shopping bags - truly ahead of their times!
Look at the different areas of your life in which you can reduce the use of chemicals, reuse, reduce waste, use wherever possible natural ingredients to clean and cook from scratch and if possible using local or even home grown produce.
1) Cleaning, there are many natural products that you can buy that are 'green' as well as being less expensive than commercial products.
Soda crystals can be used for degreasing, unblocking drains, removing any burnt on food on pans, stain removal in laudry as well as a general cleaner.
White vinegar can also be used for stain removal, cleaning glass and smooth surfaces on is natural and very inexpensive.
Bicarbonate of soda is very versatile and inexpensive, it can be added to laundry as a stain remover, and it freshens fridges, and can be used as a general cleaner.
Lemon juice can be used to clean fridges, kitchens and bathrooms to leave smelling really fresh.
Soap nuts can be used for laundry, household cleaning, is a natural insecticide so can be used as a garden spray and head lice deterrent. They are natural, gentle on skin and contain no bleaches so do not damage clothes and are less expensive than commercial products.
Essential oils can be added to any natural cleaning product to add specific benefits, for example when cleaning your floors with soap nut liquid soap you can add a few drops of lavender for a relaxing aroma, ideal for bedrooms, eucalyptus is a natural anti bacterial cleaner ideal for work tops and floors, lemon and orange is uplifting and refreshing. For a sensual aroma add a few drops of ylang ylang - ideal for bedrooms or before a romantic evening!
2) Beauty, natural beauty products are very inexpensive.
Olive oil can be added to the bath as a moisturiser and also used as a hair conditioner. It can be massaged into areas of dry skin to relieve dryness.
Lemon juice is a great final rinse to brighten blond hair and vinegar really brings out the shine of brunette and black hair.
Shea butter can be used on its own or combined with essential oils to make a deep moisturising cream.
Spots can be treated by dabbing on lavender oil for healing and tea tree oil for anti bacterial benefits.
Cucumber can be used to relieve tired puffy eyes; cold tea is good for irritated eyes.
Salt water can be used as a general antiseptic for cuts and grazes.
A variety of essential oils can also be used as or added to beauty products.
3) First aid, natural ingredients can be used effectively to treat a variety of complaints.
Salt water is antibacterial and a handful in a bowl of water will prevent infection on cuts and grazes.
Lavender essential oil has healing properties and will help any skin heal quicker. Good for cuts, insect bites or irritated skin.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and can be dabbed undiluted onto skin.
4) Gardening, you can reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals in the garden by finding out which natural substances to use for different purposes.
Composting will reduce the amount of waste you produce and also provide new compost and save money.
Slugs can be deterred by using slug traps, copper tape around pots and tubs, laying rough substances, such as sharp stones around plants.
Green fly can be deterred by planting garlic nearby, and spraying with soap nut liquid soap.
Insects such as ants and flies can be deterred by planting mint in the garden.
Companion planting is also effective; planting insect deterring plants together with those prone to attack will reduce damage.
Attracting wildlife into your garden will help nature to look after its self, ladybugs will eat damaging aphids, birds and hedgehogs will eat slugs.
5) Recycling, as well as kerb side recycling you can recycle in other ways, local schools or playgroups are often grateful for 'junk' modelling materials, yoghurt pots, milk cartons, cardboard boxes, old catalogues old cotton reels for example. You can also reuse things yourself, old butter tubs can be used for storing small objects such as screws, buttons or small quantities of food in the fridge. Be inventive and think before you throw things away. The freecycle website is excellant for those unwanted items that others may make use of.
6) Reduce, be aware of the environment as you shop, do you really need that item or can you make or use something else? For storage you can cover and use cardboard boxes. Try to reduce the amount of disposable items you buy, buy cleaning cloths instead of kitchen roll as they can be washed and reused. Use life long bags, you can also reuse them for storage around the home. While cooking prepare and cook only the amounts needed. If you do cook too much freeze it or use the next day. Store food so it lasts longer, remove plastic bags and store vegetables and fruit in containers where air can circulate. Use air tight containers for cheese or left over food.
7) Smart shopping, try to buy natural and locally produced products. Farmers markets are ideal as you can buy locally produced goods that can be used in many recipes. Try to avoid pre-packaged fast foods as these are often high in fat and sugar and are very expensive and often over packed. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables in bulk if possible as this will save money and blanch and freeze. Plan your meals and buy only the ingredients you need. Look out for offers and buy one get one free offers, but only buy what you will use, it is tempting to buy extra and for it to go to waste.
8) Generally around the home there are many small ways which will help you stay green and save energy. Drying clothes on washing lines or racks where possible will save energy. Use long life light bulbs. Insulate your home it may cost initially, but this will be gained back in saved energy and reduced bills. Walk wherever possible or get a bicycle to reduce use of the car, not only saving energy and money but keeps you fit, you can even save on gym fees! Repair items where possible, it seems simple it can save pounds. Buy second hand furniture and restore it, often an old solid wooden item restored is so much more unique and eye-catching than new mass produced furniture.
So we can see there are many ways to save money, energy and be environmentally friendly. It just takes a little thought and planning, once you get into the habit it will become natural, you do not need to change all at once, try a different area each week, be inventive and have fun!