Simple Steps Toward Eco-friendly Savings

Despite positive signs in the economy, consumers have begun to re-evaluate their spending habits. How, as a consumer, can you stay within your budget while making eco-friendly choices? The following are four simple suggestions on having your cake and eating it too:

1 - Shop for seasonal organic sales and freeze items whenever possible
Like regular traditional, non-organic food items, organic food items tend to go on sale. When it does, stock up on them and pack them in the freezer. Most organic fruits can be thawed back to room temperatures in 3 to 5 hours and can be prepared and cooked like non-organic foods.

2 - Become a fan or email member of your favorite organic food company
The secret to getting discounts is to sign up for free online email newsletters and/or becoming a fan or your favorite food company. Most organic businesses are beginning to catch up to marketing tactics used by traditional food companies, which include offering coupons, discounts and rewards to loyal customers.

3 - Alternate food shopping with a friend
You have heard of carpooling to the supermarket and yes, it saves you from incurring gas related expenses. Take it a step further. You can save on gas and time, if you agree with a neighborly friend to alternate food shopping each week. What this means is, you select a week in which one of the two of you are the "designated shopper." The other individual provides cash, coupons and a food list to the "designated shopper." The "designated shopper" then makes food purchases for him or herself and also does the food shopping for you. On your week, you repay the favor. This is a great way to save on fuel and time. No need to carpool for food shopping when one individual can get the job done! Believe me, on your week "off" you will finally find the time to read your favorite book, exercise or catch up on some sleep. I started this with a friend and don't think I can ever go back to shopping for one family again.

4 - Invest in motion sensitive on/off light switches for your rooms
Motion sensitive on/off light switches cost around $10-$20 per switch depending on the brand or model. These devices detect a lack of motion in the room and will shut off your light when it no longer senses any motion. These devices are great for kids' rooms or other rooms in which you already forget to turn off the light when everyone has left the room.