You may not believe in global warming or that the trash will take over our
backyards or that we will run out of water, but you do know what empties your wallet.
I love being “green.” It's part of my nature and I believe that it’s my duty to be a
good steward of the resources that I have been blessed to receive. But nobody’s perfect,
I too have been known to hose down the driveway or (gasp) toss a recyclable item. It can
be overwhelming to know where to start. So let’s keep it simple, start with one small change and work it into your life before adding another. Every little step helps the earth and can also save you money. Here are a few tips to get you started:
I heart vinegar!
I am constantly surprised at how much money goes into “cleaning” our home with chemicals we are supposed to keep locked up and away from our children, in case they poison them?! Seriously, why would I clean my counter (where I make the food) or floor (where my child often eats from) with something that could potently kill them if ingested?
It’s time to go back to basics. Get out the vinegar, baking soda and lemons. You will be surprised by the cleaning power of these items. White distilled vinegar is effective for killing mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. If you’re not sure how to use it or where to start, check out this website http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7 I use vinegar for everything from our mirrors and countertops to our antique wood floors. The best part -- you can get a huge container at most bulk stores for $3.00. You don’t even have to buy a spray bottle, just use one you already have after the product runs out. Great compared to the average 20-30.00 dollars a month, huh!
Go Cloth!
What did people use before paper towels and paper napkins? Umm, cloth towels! You can buy more than your drawers can handle at bulk wear houses, or cut up old beaten towels in your home. This will save you about 16.00-20.00 a month! I bought 50 cloth napkins online and we now have enough for parties and everyday life. We just toss them in the wash and fold with every thing else. I have not bought napkins or paper towels in about 3years. That is a savings of around $250.00 dollars a year. Yeah baby!
Pull Out The Wool!
Did you know that the chemicals found in dryer sheets have been linked to cancer and other health issues? Not to mention, you toss them in the trash! If you’re using the liquid form, you still are at risk for the harsh chemicals and preservatives that they contain! What’s a momma to do you ask?! Awesome wool dryer balls work over and over (yeah they do)!! You can even make them out of old wool sweaters if you want. Purchasing these can cost anywhere from $7-$20 and they last for years. Sprinkle a little essence oil of lavender on them before you toss them in and you instantly have a moth deterent.
Plastic bags Are Evil!
I very much dislike plastic bags, but I’m not a huge fan of Tupperware containers either. They don’t all fit in the lunch pail and my home has practically no storage for them! There are some awesome moms thinking ahead and inventing stuff you use. Therefore we have REUSABLE baggies! My favorites are http://kidskonserve.com/ and http://www.shopwastenotsaks.com/. We love that you
can get different patterns for each family member.
I’ll say it again, plastic bags are evil! Use reusable grocery bags! You may wonder how this will save money. Most grocery stores and Target now give you a 5 cent credit on your bill for every bag you reuse! You can even reuse their bags!! Whoo hoo! That’s 5 cents I didn’t have yesterday!
Reuse, Reuse Reuse!
The last simple tip I have for you is to reuse. I love to wash out pasta jars and plastic tubs and reuse them. Imagine how much energy and chemicals go into washing and melting them down in a factory when you can do it right in your home. We use them for snacks, when we buy things like beans or rice in bulk, or even to hold toys or crafts. If you’re concerned about reusing plastic for food, look on the bottom of the container and there will be a triangle with a number in it. The numbers represent what kind of plastic it is. The numbers 2, 4, and 5 are safest to reuse for this purpose. So many uses for one little item.
What are you waiting for...get started - grow your green in your wallet and lighten up your carbon foot print. When in doubt, keep it simple and try to eliminate things you put in your trash.
