How the Ethical Consumer Saves Money

I'm often surprised when I hear claims from people that being environmental is expensive. I mean, I understand the point that organic fruit and vegetables cost more than conventionally grown produce, or that eco-products are often more expensive. But on balance, I think that living sustainably has caused me to save more money.

So today I thought I'd give you some tips for how to save your money, and still be environmentally conscious.

1) Ditch the paper towels in favor of washable rags. You can probably make rags out of old tee-shirts you have lying around the house, so this doesn't even have to cost money. If you don't want to use old tee-shirts, a one time investment in a few cloths can last you several years.

2) Wash and re-use your Ziploc bags. One day, I was washing out my Ziploc bag in the office kitchen, and a co-worker looked at me and exclaimed, "Oh, Oprah does that!" Now I don't know that Oprah really re-washes her Ziploc bags, but hey, that would be pretty cool, wouldn't it? So wash out your baggies, and pretend to be Oprah.

3) Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying the disposable bottles. And then fill your bottle at a public fountain.

4) Go no 'poo! I've ditched my shampoo, and just use bar soap on my hair. Others have tried various methods including vinegar and baking soda.

5) Use other products more sparingly. A tiny blob of toothpaste will go very far.

6) Use old yogurt containers and the like as storage containers instead of buying tupperware.

7) Instead of buying books, or renting DVDs, use your local public library. And walk, bike, or take PT to get there.

8) Buy used and join Freecycle.

9) Grow your own fruits and vegetables. You can grow a few herbs on a balcony, and most cities now have places for community plots so even us urbanites can grow our own food.

10) Go TP-free. You know you want to .... ;)