greenliving

The other day, I had a friend moan about how it’s all very well to write about being green, but to actually go ahead and commit is quite expensive! Of course, she was talking about shopping at ‘organic and health’ food stores, which indeed have a high price tag attached to them.

So, it got me thinking - what can someone, who is on a budget, really do to make a difference? And here are 5 things that you can do, under $10.

1. Buy toilet rolls made from recycled paper - Top of the list, but that’s because we use so much each day. A 12 pack roll for $7, should last a family of 4 for the month.

2. Buy local organic fruits or vegetables- Make a choice, depending on which ones you and your family will consume that week, and go for it. The price difference in certain fruit such as bananas and apples is not so much, and apart from being good for your system, it’s good for the local farming community as well.

3. Line dry your clothes - A dryer does not cost much, a simple one can be got for under $10, or alternatively, look for a second hand one. Don’t think of hanging out clothes to dry on outside lines, unless you have a completely private backyard - there’s nothing worse than walking up to someone’s home and spotting Papa Max’s XXXL undies hanging out to dry!

4. Change your skin care products - Invest in good organic ones, especially for the children. Most brands like Burt’s bee’s or Avalon products can be got for under $10. If nothing else, try switching your lip gloss or under arm deodorant to one that’s organic or made from natural materials like sea crystals and hemp.

5. Place recycle bins in all the rooms - Pick up inexpensive baskets for the rooms, to ensure you recycle all paper - magazines, children’s craft projects, letter, junk mail….If you have a basket in each room, you’ll be more likely to toss recyclable material into it.

So ‘friend’, if you’re reading this, go ahead and make a start. And if anyone out there has other ideas, please do send them in.

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