• 10 inexpensive way to go Organic
      • by: Musafir  |  last updated: August 25, 2008
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      • Adapting an 'Organic lifestyle' is the latest trend amog people now. Organic simply means to keep it natural - be it vegetables, fruits or even clothes. But all this also comes with a cost. So here is a guide that will help you to be 'Organic' without spending a lot of money. But however, every family decide on its own budgets. Grocery items like vegetables, milk and egg prices go up and down like the stock market. So this makes it difficult for families to adopt one particular life style or a budget plan.

        They have to make the choices that are right for them in case of financial constraints. So suppose, a sign board says apples $1.99 a pound next to a sign that says organic apples $2.35 a pound we would generally reach for the cheaper ones thus compromising on the health aspects. Spending more for organic (which, however isn't always necessary) is not just about wonderful, safer produce.

      • 1. Shorten your Shopping List and Buy Less:

      • It is always better to save money by not buying too many stuff. In regards to clothes,buying expensive clothes is a long lasting investments, because you can use and re-use them over aa=nd over again by changing their combinations of tops, skirts, trousers and casual attires.

        Coats, jackets and good quality clothes can always be handed down among kids. If you have a tear or a not-so-obvious stain, do not throw them away, use your creativity and redesign your wardrobe.

        2. Adapting new Food Habits:



        Get a share in a local, organic farm(CSA - Community Supported Agriculture). During growing season, it's less expensive than buying conventional produce at any nearby supermarket. Some CSA's offer fruits, maple syrup, honey, bread, and (through a collective) meat and a frozen winter share. When shopping in a store, its always better to buy less packaged food. It's pricey and processed. Instead, buy grains and things like nuts and dried fruit in bulk. Try shopping at farmers markets, too. If they're more expensive, at least you get to look the people you're spending more money on in the eye.

        3. Prepare own Cleaning products:



        Make your own cleaning products or use less – you often do not need as much detergent or dishwashing soap as the instructions might claim.

        4. Avoid Dry cleaning:



        It's expensive and dangerous for you and the environment. The chemicals used in it are carcinogens. Most things can be washed (even if labeled dry clean only). For the occasional item, locate a wet cleaner or a CO2 cleaner.

        5. Go for Antiques rather than new furnitures:



        If you're in the market for furniture, buy antiques instead of cheap new furniture that will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Antique wood has already been cut down, it's hard, real wood (not particleboard which off-gases formaldehyde glue fumes) and unless you're looking for museum-quality stuff, chances are antiques are less expensive or cost about the same than new put-it-together-yourself versions.

        6. Prepare own beverages:



        Make your own coffee and tea at home. Spend money up front on a good coffee machine to entice you to do this. You'll save money and be able to use organic coffee, tea, milk, and sugar in a ceramic – not paper throw away – cup.

        9. Avoid unnecessary repairs and renovations:



        Make do with and spruce up what you already have. Not only does renovation release chemicals into your home environment you don't want any member of your family to be breathing (especially the ones with little lungs), it's expensive, too. Do you really need a new kitchen or bathroom? Absolutely splurge where it counts – no-VOC paint costs more and takes longer to dry between coats (so a painter might charge more) but its not worth saving the cash to expose your family to the chemicals.

        7. Have your own beauty salon at home:



        You can always learn to have your own personal beauty regime, instead of going to the salon and shelling out loads of money just for a simple haircut. Cut any corners you can that don't make you feel like you're missing out. Opt to give their haircuts at home. Simple methods like these help you to save up money

        8. Buy only the essentials while expecting a Baby:



        Though books, people or grandparents may tell expectant parents about all the'things' they need, half of the things are a waste and only collects up in mountains of the plastic junk. From special garbage pails to swings to chairs to foam wedges to prop heads up all these items are not necessary and is a total waste of money.

        Spend money on important big-ticket items like organic crib mattresses instead of all of this stuff. Some kids like swings and rockers while some don't, so it is wise to wait and see. A baby will give clues to what s/he needs.

        Use what you have around you – pilates balls become birthing balls become baby rockers, white noise and lullabies can come from a radio you already own. You can give and take any and all hand-me-downs and shop resale stores for what you might want. Parenting/mom message boards are another excellent place to get and offload baby gear, usually for free. So much baby stuff is gently used for a short period of time, it rarely makes sense to buy it new, and all parents – green or not – are thrilled to be able to extend the period of use by passing it along.

        10. Walk instead of driving:



        Walk whenever you can for short distances instead of wasting your car's fuel. Else use the trains and buses if you live in a place with good public transportation. You'll save tons on maintenance and gas and parking and it goes without saying as to how much environmental good you'll be doing. If you have two or three cars, cut down to one or two.

        Besides, being Organic is going back to how humans used to live before. Adapting a healthy lifestyle with a lot of good lifstyle habits is a sure way of keeping all sorts of health problems at bay.
       

      • Guide Comment History

      • McCow said 2 months ago:
        You forgot.... commit suicide...in this way you will no longer use up our diminishing resources, or produce pollution. If 75% of the human population committed suicide, it would solve all the worlds problems.
       
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