6 Little Green Step to Green Your Budget
Raise your hand if you need to save money? How about save money and maybe make money? I thought so and now that you’ve started to green your home and your community, your wallet might need some help! Who doesn’t like the words wallet and green combined?
1. Resale. Resale. Resale. I’m all about shopping the local resale shops to help the community out and the budget! From nearly new clothing to downright steels on furniture and appliances! I’m a huge fan of consignment shops because not only can I save money when I shop consignment I can take items to the shop and make money!
2. Swap It! Yes, organize a local clothing swap or try one online like thredUP which is FREE to join! You can save almost $500 per month if you start swapping verses buying new all the time!
3. Coupons. Now, I am not a coupon clipper but I highly suggest that if you want to buy organic or “green” items that can sometimes be more costly you sign up for their newsletters online and receive monthly coupons. You’ll be amazed at the coupons Seventh Generation will send you or how you can save on plush yet green toilet paper next time you go shopping! I personally love Mambo Sprouts for green coupons and deals!
4. Make Your Own Cleaners. If you are green cleaning your home you might be surprised that you can make oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, counter cleaners and more just with items in your kitchen cabinet! Find out simple recipes for making your own cleaner here and I promise you it is simple and very cost effective! One of my favorite organizations, Healthy Child, Healthy World has some simple cleaning recipes that you’re sure to love as well!
5. Shut off the Lights. No seriously, shut them off and you’ll save money! Also don’t stand with the refrigerator door wide open hoping for the cheesecake to appear! Energy out the door is money out of your pocket! Find out what you are spending on energy costs and how you can reduce the energy you use and save yourself some green this year! Microsoft Hohm is a free site that allows you to enter your address and information and it will give you tips on how you can personally save money and energy!
6. Think Green! Instead of just giving stuff away start to think about making some green with the items you don’t need anymore! Try sites that are safe like eBay Classifieds for selling and buying used items. Try Buy.Com’s new online Facebook application for hosting a virtual Garage Sale! If you’re a gadget person you’ll have to check out Gazzele for easily selling that old iPod or used phone!
Going green doesn’t have to cost money and can actually make you money! So what do you not need anymore that you can sell? Is there a light on in your house or appliance that could be unplugged? Start thinking smarter and you’ll help the planet and maybe even your wallet!
For more green tips and ideas on going green visit, Sommer Poquette over at Green and Clean Mom. Her blog that makes living green fun and achievable! Join her over on Facebook and Twitter and check out her new My Mommy is a Blogger children’s book debuting the spring of 2011!
