We all know that the cost of organic foods are high and while many simply can not afford the higher prices of organic foods or hybrid cars there are other options.

If you are truly concerned with the environment then keep your old car and drrive it less. Use a bike when possible or walk, this gives you exercise and saves on fuel and emmissions. I love to take a walk to the store with the children, they need the exercise and as I sit at my computer constantly researching I do also.

If you would like to have organic foods there are other ways to get them. I have a friend that tried to buy a share in an organic food coop and as all the shares were sold for this year he volunteered and by working a couple of hours he takes home a half share which he says is still more than he needs.

I am looking for a food coop in my community to volunteer at because it will be fun for the kids and they will learn not only about being kind to the earth but about farming. Though I do purchase organic foods I still love the idea of volunteering to bag the foods for others and to sometimes go in the field and pick the vegetables.

Buy some reusalbe shopping bags and keep the plastic and the paper out of our landfills. You can find them for as little as $2 each online and they hold twice as much as a plastic bag so you only need a few for all your shopping. I feed a family of 7 and use about 10 bags when I shop. They will last you for several years and when you have to replace them you can use them for other things. I turned some into pot holders, sewed some together to hold the kids books and I know you can come up with some other creative ideas of your own.

Changing your light bulbs to CFL will save you money on your electric bill and on buying light bulbs. They cost a little more upfront but as they last several years they are more cost efficient.

If you want to go green, the alternatives are endless on ways to save money and help the planet.

Take old T Shirts and cut them up for rags to use around the house. Send good clothes you no longer need to the thrift store, sell them in a garage sale or donate them to good will but don’t throw them away.

When I began going green I did it in baby steps, it is not necessary or feasible to try and do it all at once unless you are a millionaire. I am now planning a new home and it will be green all the way. It has taken me years to become totally green and no one expects you to make the change overnight.

I joined companies like Shaklee so I can use the green products for cleaning my home, personal care and skin care and a candle company with natural soy candles. I joined as a member to get a discount, the products are better than any on the market and I order when I need something. The products are concentrated so they last for months which in the long run saves me a lot of money though they may cost a little more upfront. The biggest problem with swithching to something so concentrated is that people tend to use too much, it just takes a small amount and if used properly lasts. My shampoo lasts our family of 4 adults for 6-8 months. The kids shampoo and body bath lasts the three of them for around the same amount of time.  Be careful when choosing a company to buy from, all green products are not created equal and many that claim to be are not.  There is a lot of greenwashing going on in this competitive market.

Fill out the contact us form on this site for a chance to win a free green cleaning product.  I send something out weekly to someone.

Cut down on waste is one of the easiest ways to help, we are a country of great waste and it is tragic what is wasted in this country daily. So living green on a budget is not impossible, it just takes a little creativity and a lot of committment.

Technorati Tags: living green on a budget

As with everything it all comes to an end sooner or later with newer and better things replacing them.  What do we do when our belongings become obsolete?  We recycle them and keep our landfills from filling up.

So the end of the CD with the invention of the MP3 player.  If you are ready to let go of your CD collection make sure to copy them to your computer before letting them go. 

The Cd Recycling Center of Ameria will take your CD’s and recycle them for you.  You have to mail them in and it does not matter if you have 5 or 500.  You are asked to seperate them by taking the cd and the paper out of the case then mail all of it in for recycle.

I was glad to come across this as I rarely use a CD any more and they are just sitting all over my house. 

To recycle your CD’s go to CD Recycling Center of America to learn more.

As my life each day consists of research on what can and can not be recycled, places to recycle and all ways I can come up with for living green I love to share these with you.  At living green on a budget we strive to keep you aware of the best green living tips we can find.

Technorati Tags: green living tips, living green on a budget

Todays green living tips are all about joining a food coop and how it is beneficial to all.

If you have not heard of the food coops around the country you might want to think about joining one today.

Buying a share in a local food coop not only helps the farmers but gives you fresh and organic fruits, vegetables and meats monthly.  They have a set time each month for you to pick up your prodcuts. 

Food coops are becoming mainstream.  A friend of mine in Colorado called to buy a share in a coop near him and was told that the shares were sold out.  They told him he could come and volunteer and help to bag the food and even pick fresh fruits and vegetables.  He thought this was a great idea and set up a day each week to volunteer.  He was shocked when he finished his first day of volunteering.  He was getting ready to leave and they told him to wait before leaving, then gave him a bag of organic fruits and vegetables to take home.  He now receives these each week by volunteering. 

If you are interested in organic foods then this is a great way to support your local farmers and to take the worry out of what you are feeding your family. You can find a food coop near you by going online and looking for one in your area. 

My husband and I found out about these and were quick to jump on board.  Now we don’t even have to look for an organic market to purchase our foods. 

Help your local farmers today and if there is not a food coop in your community you can visit Local Harvest for more resources for organic foods and meats.

Look for more green living tips daily at living green on a budget.

Technorati Tags: green livng tips, living green on a budget

Becoming earth friendly is not a new concept. The public service announcement I am sharing aired in 1970 when millions came together to take a stand on our environment.

This PSA touched me deeply then and to this day I believe it is the best ever. Share it with others and feel free to leave your comments.  Though many will remember this PSA I am sure there are millions who have never seen it.

Being earth friendly is a choice, a choice I made years ago and do my best to live by daily.

There is a new found awareness in the importance of becoming earth friendly, it’s your decision, choose wisely. My goal at living green on a budget is to raise awareness by leading by example.

Technorati Tags: earth friendly, living green on a budget

Living green on a budget was founded with two goals, to raise awareness to the needs of our environment and to save others money who wish to go green. Though I have been environmentally aware since the 60’s not everyone has practiced environmentally friendly living that long.

I am here to help you make this commitment easier and to reach out to many people on a daily basis.

My mother has told me since I was 4 that I can’t save the world, maybe I can’t but I can make a difference. From bringing home stray animals, including a baby skunk I found to wanting my parents to adopt a whole orphanage of children it was clear at an early age that I was different than my family.

Though I was told my whole life there was nothing I could do to change things. Thankfully I never believed that or I would be stuck at a 9-5 job which I would hate without ever attempting to make a difference in my world.

Today I want to share how Earth Day came about with those that celebrate it but do not know how it came to be.

Senator Gaylord Nelson began the push for politicians to show support for the environment as early as 1962. He visited with Attorney General Robert Kennedy and President John Kennedy who were both open to the idea. The concern over the environment needed to be thrown into the political limelight. Kennedy began what was a conservation tour in Sept of 1963. This became the seed that eventually led to Earth Day though the tour did not succeed in 1963 for many reasons. In 1969 with the Vietnam War protesters making a huge impact the grass roots campaign for Earth Day developed. The same energy being spent on protesting the War could be used to voice concerns over the environment.

The media caught hold of this and sent it out from coast to coast. Now the activist that were demonstrating on different subjects such as the Vietnam War, womens rights and civil rights had a cause they could all come together with.

Early in December, Senator Nelson selected a 25-year old named Denis Hayes, the dynamic former President of the Stanford student body, as national coordinator. Hayes, postponing plans to enter Harvard Law School, immediately set to work making plans for the inaugural Earth Day.

A full-page ad that appeared in the New York Times in February 1970 announced that on April 22, 1970, at locations throughout the United States, citizens would demonstrate for a cleaner environment, piquing the curiosity of network broadcasting giants.

On April 22, 1970 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.

To countless participants, Earth Day was a turning point in their lives, which they remember to this day with awe and reverence. “It was something magical and catalytical,” remarked Denis Hayes, “touching a huge cross-section of Americans.”

On the 20th anniversary of Earth Day in 1990 more than 200 million people in 141 countries participating in celebrations of the planet that supports us.

Today the issue is once again receives much press with such stars as Oprah Winfrey and others doing great shows on Earth Day. How do you celebrate Earth Day? My wish is that you celebrate it year round.

You will find a featured product on my site each week. You will not find anything I do not use or read myself. I know what each product does to help the environment and how they can change your life. If I feature a book it will be one that will continue to give you ideas on going green.

Giving some of the products here at living green on a budget can assist you in finding the best for going green.

Cheryl C McNeil

Technorati Tags: earth day, environmentaly friendly, go green, going green, living green on a budget

My goal with living green on a budget is to reach as many people as I can each day of my life.  If I reach one person today then my goal has been achieved.

Recently when I was dining out I watched how many patrons asked for something to carry their food and drink home with.  What I saw was styrofoam and plastic containers.  Not only does styrofaom never break down there are health issues with drinking a hot beverage from it.  The styrene mixes   This was not acceptable to me, being the earth friendly girl I am, I used my voice for my crusade.

I asked what their carry out containers and cutlery are made from.  I then told them what options they have which I have listed below.

Green restaurants are popping up all over the country and I commend them in their efforts to make a difference.  It may cost a little more but they might be surprised at how the word spreads.  I would rather eat in a green restaurant and would tell others about it as I know many of my readers would.

There are many options to greening your restaurant.  The choice of purchasing containers, cups, bowls and plates made from sugan cane bagesse, the part of the sugar cane left after the juice has been extracted.  There are also options for cutlery and straws that are made from corn starch and potato starch.  The bidegrade in 180 days in a commercial compost facility. 

Suggestion cards are available online at www.dinegreen.com You can give these to your server or the restaurant manager to let them know their options for green restaurants.

I have a quote that I love and do my best to live by. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

See you next time with more green living tips.

Technorati Tags: green living tips, green restaurants, living green on a budget

Today I am going to share some green livng tips for painting.

Up to 50% of the toxic gasses and carcinogens from traditional paints leak into your home up to six years after it dries on your wall.  This does not sound like it is safe for your family, your pets or the environment. Today we have choices when it comes to painting our homes.  I choose Mythic as they have 0 toxins compared to others with low toxins.

With Mytic paints no toxic gasses that leak off into your home up to six years after application.

Why not know that you, your family and your pets are breathing fresh air by using non toxic paints. Though the price may be a little higher the offset of gasses that deplete our ozone and the toxins that harm your family make it well worth the few extra dollars you spend.  After all we don’t paint that often.  What are you giving up buying these types of paints?  Other than the toxins from your average paints you are giving up nothing.  They have beautiful rich,colors and a performance guarantee.

HGTV has began to have designers concerned with the environment which is where I first learned of the non toxic paints.  It is good to know that programs on TV are going green.

We learn each day how green goes with everything is a reality.  For more living green tips check back daily and click the book in the right hand side of my blog for a great book to help you go green.

Living green on a budget is designed to help those with a commitment to the environment and those wanting to commit but believing it too expensive.

Technorati Tags: green goes with everything, green living tips, living green on a budget, living green tips

Hi again, welcome back.  I hope you stick around for some great tips from living green on a budget. My goal is to help each of you that have the desire to make a difference but belive it too costly. 

Today with school starting soon all over the country I want to talk about lunch boxes.  While you may be buying organic foods to pack in your childs lunch box have you considerd what you are placing the food in?  Here are some green living tips that are important to the health of your children and to your world.

I was doing some research as I always am, this topic was of great interest to me as my 6 year old starts school in a few days and wants to take her lunch.  What I found was alarming.

The cute little vinyl lunch boxes can be deadly to your child.  In 2006 a report found alarming amounts of lead in the vinyl lunchboxes.  Consider a metal lunch box instead.  We think of the dangers of our children at school eating things like undercooked chicken or being prepared in unsafe conditions and decide to send them with a healthy lunch from home.  Now we have to consider what to pack that lunch in for their safety.

A report by the Center for Environmental Health found that common soft plastic (PVC) lunchboxes often contain lead. The level of lead in one lunch box, an Angela Anaconda box made by Targus International, tested at more than 90 times the legal limit for lead in paint in children’s products.

The highest levels of lead were found inside the lunch boxes but also on the lid where it becomes very easy to transmit to food and hands.  Small amounts of lead can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage.  Larger doses of lead are scarier yet and can result in death.  Buy a hand held lead testing kit which is available at most hardware stores.  Ther is yet another concern with the vinyl lunchboxes, even the ones that say lead free.  That is they also use DEHP as an additive which is suspected of being a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant.

It might be best to use an alternative and brown paper bags are not the answer as they go into our landfills.  Though healthy for your child they are not healthy for the planet.  I would suggest that you look into Basura Bags, Rainbow Reed Lunchboxes, canvas lunch bags or a metal lunch box.

Our childrens safety is of the upmost importance to us as parents and while we consider their health let us not forget to be kind to the environment at the same time. 

Technorati Tags: green living tips, living green on a budget

The hard facts are we are all looking for ways to save money.  I have some green living tips and the amount of money you can save while living green on a budget.  Though we are in the midst of a recession what better time for going green and putting some extra money in your pocket.

Did you know if you only take 24 pictures a month, and most of us take many more than that, you can save $144 a year by using a real camera opposed to a disposable camera. 

Use rechargable batteries instead of disposables.  Save the billions of ready to use batteries from the landfills yearly.  You will save a ton of money and remember that cell phone batteries, laptop batteries and others can be recycled.

Instead of using paper towels I use microfiber cloths for cleaning up.  You can wash them and use them over and over.  I purchased 4 a couple of years ago.  I use them for cleaning up in the kitchen, dusting, cleaning the bathroom and washing my dishes, I don’t use a dishwasher, if you do set it on air dry or leave the door open for your dishes to dry as to conserve electricity.  That was two tips in one

One of my favorite ways to save is carrying my own cup with me when traveling or for those that commute daily.  You can fill it in any store with coffee or from your pot at home.  I don’t know about saving money on this one, if you fill it from home you will, but it is a great help for the environment.

Buying products in packages that you know can be recycled.  These include packages made of foil, steel, glass and #1 and #2 plastics. 

You can save over $2000 a year in the grocery stores by purchasing large packages over individual packaging.  It may be more convenient with the indiviual containers but I would rather put the $2k in my pocket and less in the landfill.  .10 for every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging, the individual packages rwqauire more packaging. 

We have to buy toilet paper, check to make sure the one you buy is made of recycled materials.

Use boxes that have already been used for moving, there are stores online and in your community that sell green boxes or check with your local restaurants on the days of their deliveries to pick up their boxes.  Keep the cardboard out of the landfills and save trees.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and I will see you next time.

Technorati Tags: green living tips, living green on a budget

By now you know I am an enthusiast about the environment. One of my greatest passions is to share all I learn with you.

I also know that we have a bad economy and saving money is the main concern of millions. I reserach constantly to bring you tips that will not only save you money but will help the planet.

I was looking at things related to olive oil, here are some tips on going green with olive oil.

Use olive oil as a cleanser for your face. Use extra virgin olive oil as it is the best quality. Pour some onto a cotton pad and wipe your face with it, not only will it clean your face it will help loosen blackheads and also clean off your make up.

After doing this clean your face with your regular foaming cleanser, one that is all natural, preferably.Not only will your face feel clean but it will not feel dry as the olive oil will keep it moist.

Apply a light layer before bed time to replace your moisturizer, this tip not recommended for oily skin.

Mix some olive oil and sea salt for an exfoliating scrub.

Olive oil is great for cleaning stainless steel, I use it on my stainless cookware. You can also apply it to copper to keep the tarnish from building up so quickly.

The things you normally use oil for such as a squeaky door hinge, tools and other things you put oil on, olive oil is a great substitute.

Use it as a furniture polish by mixing three parts olive oil with one part lemon.

Rub it into your hands to keep them soft and moist, my hands are constantly in water with having a 4 and 6 year old and this has helped them tremendously.

Rubbing a small amount into your hair after shampooing, again with an all natural product, makes a great hair conditioner.

Dry cracked feet? After showering rub some olive oil into your feet and wear socks to bed. Your feet will soon be soft and pretty.

Try putting some olive oil into your bath water when you give your self the luxury of a long soaking bath, you might choose to add some lavender or some other natural essence with it.

Be kind to yourself, others and mother earth. One more thing, do not go light the BBQ directly after your cleansing routine and if you do, spead some garlic all over for added effect, just a little humor to keep you smiling.

Cheryl C McNeil

Technorati Tags: going green with olive oil, living green on a budget