In today's economy, every penny counts. While keeping costs low, it can be difficult to live green and give the best to your family-or maybe you just think it's difficult, when really it can be quite easy. Here are a few simple ideas to save money while living green.
Shopping Bags: Most stores today have reusable tote bags for sale. Most bags cost between $1-$5, depending on the size and the store. These bags hold more groceries than plastic shopping bags, and since they are reusable, they waste less. But they can also save you money! Did you know that many stores will give you a "bag credit" for bringing your own bag? Bringing your own bag cuts costs for the stores and many will offer a credit for saving them a few extra bucks. Most bag credits aren't much-maybe $0.30 give or take, but it will add up the more you use the reusables. The money you save on bag credits will more than pay for the bags themselves within a few months. In my family while growing up, we reused the plastic bags as trash bags for the bathroom, office or bedrooms. If you want to reuse plastic or paper bags for other uses, you can still opt for plastic or paper as needed. Average savings, at $0.30 credit per week with four reusable bags: $2 the first year (when you purchase the bags) and $14 each year following. It may not sound like much, but if you can save even a little while being less wasteful, it's worth it.
Shopping Organic Without Paying More: If you want the best for your family-and the environment-shopping organic is a good choice. But many times Organic fruits and veggies cost up to 10% more than "regular" fruits and veggies. Shopping at farmer's markets is much less expensive than the large chains, and you can find Organic groceries for much less. But there is an added bonus-you are stimulating your local economy! Local growers are suffering now more than ever in this deteriorating economy, and they need all the help they can get to stay afloat. Shopping at farmers' markets is a great way to save money, eat Organic, and support your local growers. The amount you save will vary (depending on what's available at your local market), but you could save up to $150 per month for a family of four. Yearly saving will average around $1800.
Cloth Diapering: We recently switched to cloth diapers for financial and ecological reasons. We saw how much waste was produced from 8-10 diapers per day, and how much money we were losing every week. On average, parents can spend anywhere from $30-$60 per month on disposable diapers. If a parent buys cloth diapers, they can spend around $200-$300 on a dozen one-size-fits-all diapers, which will last through the child's entire infancy, until the child is potty trained. Even if the parents spent only $30 per month and then buy the $300 diapers, the cost can pay for itself within 10 months, saving the parents almost $800 throughout their child's infancy and toddlerhood (assuming the child is potty trained at three years old). That's over $250 per year! And really, who couldn't use an extra $250 per year? It must be said that there has been concern over the ecological impact of having to wash the diapers and the amount of water used. Since starting to use diapers, I have found for myself that it's only about one extra load of laundry per day, using half the normal amount of detergent. It is a little extra work, but when I think about the money I am saving, I believe that it's totally worth it!
Breastfeeding and Pumping: Formula Feeding, at its cheapest, costs over $1000 per year. Breastfeeding without pumping is absolutely free. Pumping and feeding breastmilk by bottle costs at most $300 per year for a pump, storage and bottles. Even if you only pump and do not nurse directly, you would still save at least $700 per year. Not only that, but you would be giving your child the best food possible! Breastmilk is full of antibodies, the proper balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates, vitamins, and flavor! Breastfed babies are less likely to develop food allergies and are less picky with food than formula-fed babies. They are also less likely to become obese later in life, have better speech development, have higher IQs, and have a strong bond with their mothers. If you have trouble breastfeeding, speak with a lactation consultant or an experienced breastfeeding mom.
These are just a few areas in parenting that will help you to save money while giving the best to your family and helping the environment. If parents choose to make all of these changes, they will save an average of $2800 per year. That's a mortage payment-or a down payment on a new car! But whichever of these you choose to do, know that you are saving valuable money and helping the environment, all while giving the absolute best to your family. It is my hope that parents will take this to heart and will be able to make informed decisions for their family.