Monday, August 4, 2008

Green living on the Cheap

Yeah. The environment means a lot to me. But... I do live on a budget. I've been green shopping for about 3 years now, and I've learned my way around a little. Here are some of my finds:

Stores I shop:
Whole Foods - Well, not always cheap, but if you learn how to shop, you can find really great deals.

SuperTarget - Notice I linked you to the press article that talks about how SuperTArget has become a certified organic retailer. We have one right on the corner, and it's a life saver.

Products that work, at a low price {plus, they come from companies of integrity. No, I don't trust the new GreenWorks stuff. Time will have to prove it to me. At the moment, it feels a little too bandwagon.}:

Laundry Detergent: Ecos from "Earth Friendly Products. This stuff does the job. It really gets our clothes clean! And it's only $9.95 at Whole Foods for the "100 load" bottle. I don't know about you, but I do a lot of laundry around here...
Seventh Generation's detergent was great, just not in my budget...

Cleaners: Method. Not only do they look and smell awesome - they're ok for people and the environment. Does it get better than that?

I especially like:
their glass cleaner. It smells like mint, people. :D And though it's listed at $4, for some reason, I'm thinking I buy it for $2.99 at SuperTarget. It's also available at WholeFoods.

and

their bathroom cleaner. It really works. That's one of the most important things to me. And though it's listed at $5, I know I don't pay that. More like, $2.99, again.

Dish Detergent: I use either this one, or this one. Both of which I can get for around $2.99.

Dish Washer Detergent: Seventh Generation. I don't remember th pricing on this one - I'll have to check tomorrow. It's worth it to me, though. ;)

Why does it matter? I never used to think twice about using any of the common brands. They work great, and they're inexpensive for the most part. The problem? Most detergents are petroleum based. And they contain things that really aren't good for the environment, or people for that matter. :(

Hope you'll think twice about what you purchase next time! This is just what I've found to work, and save me money. Hope it's helpful! {I was so lost when I first started looking for this stuff!} :D

6 comments:

Camille Petrocelli said...

Thanks for all the research
and info. If we each just do
a little, it will make a difference.

Amanda said...

Great info Leah... I really should be making some changes myself. Go Green! ;)

Haberdawoman said...

How great of you to share this with everyone. I am also trying to do my share. I like Melaleuca products which are awesome. By the way, my girlfriend Tammie said that if you decide to teach a sweing class, she is so in ;D

Lisbet said...

I was surfing around looking for some inspiration and then I came across your side. I have stoped a long moment to look at everything. It´s great.

Lisbet
www.digiscrapp.blogspot.com

Dina said...

Love this list, thanks for the good ideas.

Sherry said...

I've been going natural for a long time, a little at a time. I make my own, all-purpose cleaner from water, vinegar, seventh generation dish soap and tea tree oil. Smells great and gets the job done for CHEAP! I don't trust those mainstream brands to bring a REAL organic product to me, so I go with the small companies that have been doing this for years and not jumping on the bandwagon! Great post!

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