How to Go Green and Save Money as a Stay-at-Home Mom: Part I

Are saving money and going green compatible? Yes, if you know how to put the two priorities into action. As a mom who spends most of her time at home, it is important to use your resources wisely. While working at home means your household consumes more energy during business hours, you also have opted out of commuting to work every day. You may not even have to take children to and from school or daycare. Still, by considering how to go green and save money as a stay-at-home mom, you can help your budget and save environmental resources. Make the most of your flexibility as a stay-at-home parent with these economical ways to go green.

Cut down your laundry pile

1. Set aside play clothes for each child.

There is no need for your children to play in different outfits every day. Instead they can wear play clothes again for several days before washing. Reserve unstained clothes for public outings and take them off when your kids return home.

2. Protect clean clothes.

Got messy eaters? Use bibs or remove some of their clothes when they are eating. Use an apron when you cook or do other messy tasks. Buy reducing your laundry, you save water, energy, and time.

3. Avoid over-washing towels and linens.

Institute a washing schedule for towels and linens. Once a week is usually sufficient. Make sure each family member hangs up his or her towel after bathing. It should be in use for the whole week before being washed. It can be helpful to set up a color system or apply monograms to know who is using each towel. Older children can be made responsible for washing their own linens and towels each week.

Save energy by planning ahead

1. Make a weekly menu.

Shop ahead and you'll avoid extra trips to the store. You will also be less likely to find yourself out of dinner options. By having a plan and getting all ingredients ahead of time you won't have to resort costly, highly-processsed convenience foods or fast food.

2. Choose your cooking methods according to the weather.

Make your oven use mostly seasonal. Baking with your oven is less costly in the winter. In the summer, switch to methods that won't heat up your kitchen so much--use your crock pot, microwave, stove top, toaster oven, or bread machine instead of using a full-sized oven. Or leave the kitchen completely and go outside.

3. Go off the energy grid for a day.

See if you can go for a day or part of a day without turning on any appliances. Try having a picnic outside, hanging up your laundry outside instead of using your dryer, and playing in ways that don't require electric or battery power. Try washing dishes or pots and pans by hand instead of running the dishwasher. You might also consider getting a modern push lawnmower or manual carpet sweeper that don't require fuel or electricity.

See more green, money saving ideas in Part II of this series. Make your money and our natural resources stretch further during these irreplaceable years with your kids.