If you’re on a strict budget, chances are you’ve noticed how expensive “green” products tend to be. (Have you checked out the prices of safe products at stores like Whole Foods or EarthFare? Shessh.)
It can be easy to feel like these safe products are unaffordable. And, truthfully, they are unaffordable for many budgets. For example, as my husband and I shop for appliances, we’ve found that Energy Star products do tend to cost more. (In the long run, though, the energy savings is where the financial savings enters the picture.)
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Here’s the good news, though – when it comes to going green, you don’t have to afford many of those safe products.
Think about safe cleaners. You can eliminate the hefty price tags on any cleaners – safe or unsafe – by making your own cleaners out of ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and castile soap. Norwex is my favorite safe cleaning method, and while it may seem pricey to some people, I love knowing that I don’t have to buy any cleaning products once I have a Norwex cleaning cloth.
When it comes to cosmetics and personal care products, safe and green products can be a lot more expensive. But they can also be inexpensive, depending on your buying habits. Look for closeouts at grocery stores. Check scratch and dent stores. Order from Vitacost.com. Or experiment with recipes and make your own products out of ingredients like coconut oil or essential oils.
As a bargain shopper, I can assure you that I refuse to pay full price for safe personal care products. Throughout the past seven years I’ve been amazed to find some incredible deals – but I’ve had to look for them. Every once in a great while, when knowing I really want a particular product, I’ll pay full price – but it only happens when I’ve exhausted every other affordable option.
Since going green is so much about reducing, reusing and recycling, it’s naturally easy to save money while going green. The process isn’t so much about buying green things – but transforming your lifestyle to become more resourceful.
It’s time to share your bargain tips! How do YOU afford to go green?
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Thanks for the information. I really believe in using safer products. There is solid evidence that harmful chemicals are affecting our health. Thanks for sharing.
The key is just to think natural. “Green” products can be mostly just marketing gimmicks to make you think that they are better for you, and therefore cost more. Baking soda and white vinegar are great examples listed here that are simple, yet effective. A good rule of thumb is the fewer the ingredients, the better it is.