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

Part one of this series on going green and saving money shared ideas about laundry and planning ahead. With money in your pocket, how can you stay green when it is time to shop? How can you better manage what you have? Discover money-saving, eco-friendly options for shopping and using your resources at home here in part two.

Shop greener

1. Support local and organic farming.

These days, organic foods don't necessarily cost much more than conventionally grown foods. Watch for sales. Buy produce in season from local sources in your supermarket or at a farmers market. Or buy some seeds and grown your own produce as locally as possible--in your backyard.

2. Shop and run errands at off-peak times.

By avoiding high-traffic hours and weekends, you will save time and burn less fuel. Reduce your number of shopping trips as much as you can. Often it is better to go without something for a few days than to drive to the store right away.

3. Shop without a car when possible.

If you really need just a few things, walk or bike to the store with (or without) your kids. Or see what you can purchase online. You might also be able to trade off shopping trips with another family by giving them a list and then returning the favor.

4. Seek out second-hand products.

By shopping strategically, you can save a bundle on clothes for yourself and your fast-growing kids. Be careful to weigh the cost of time and fuel as you consider when and where to shop for second-hand items.

Also consider asking friends if you can borrow or swap for items you need; social networking sites like Facebook can allow you to led your needs be known quickly and efficiently.

Use what you have

1. Keep a close eye on what you have in your cupboards and refrigerator.

Make sure you eat leftovers and use up ingredients while they are still fresh. Reduce the amount of food you might otherwise waste because it sat around too long.

2. Recycle leftover foods.

Got milk that your child didn't finish? Don't dump it. Use it for french toast or in another recipe. Incorporate leftover meat and/or vegetables into soups or stews. Without risking your health, try to use food and drinks in other ways to avoid throwing them away. Spoiled vegetables can still be used to fertilize your garden or plants outside; just make sure you bury them so they can decompose under the soil.

3. Don't buy most of your arts and crafts materials.

There are countless ways to use materials you have at home to create impressive arts and crafts projects. Plastic milk and juice caps, egg cartons, newspapers, catalogs, and even plastic bags can be put to creative use as you reduce, reuse, and recycle. When children color, they can use the blank back side of discarded paper from a home office or junk mail. Look online for craft ideas that use what you already have. To make sure you follow through on ideas you like; try assembling your own "kits" that include all the materials you need, ready to go.

Green actions, global impacts

It's okay to start small, doing one green idea each day. See which ideas work for you and your family. Putting even a few of these economical ideas into your routine can make a definite positive impact. Enjoy a lifestyle that allows you to live without guilt, confident that the benefits of caring for your children and the environment will last for years to come.