There are all kinds of ways to save money while going green. Regardless of which is your primary goal – going green or saving money, you will find that one will follow the other. I thought that sharing a few of the ways I am going green that have helped me save money in the long run might help you too.
Household Cleaners
If you ever stop to add it all up, you probably spend a significant amount of money on household cleaners, from toilet bowl cleaners to sink scrubbers. There are concerns that the chemicals used in many of these cleaners are unhealthy, and, in the case of bleach and other substances, potentially carcinogenic.
As you green your lifestyle, it only makes sense to stop buying and using commercial household cleaners. You can make your own natural cleaners for a fraction of the cost, thus saving money and being green.
One of my favorite ingredients to use in green cleaning is baking soda! Baking soda made into a paste with water makes a good sink and bathtub scrubber, and can even be used to clean an oven. Combined with borax, a little liquid soap, and peppermint essential oil, baking soda becomes a cream scrubber.Another favorite of mine is vinegar! Inexpensive white vinegar and water make a good floor cleaner for hardwood. Add a little lavender essential oil to the vinegar and water and wash your windows.
Personal Care Products
Beauty products can cost a great deal of money, and some of the ingredients are dubious. In fact, substances like parabens, found in many cosmetics, have been implicated in cancer. It's considered green to use natural personal care products, but that can be even pricier. Making your own is far less expensive and just as natural and healthy.
For a creamy, moisturizing cleanser for your face try:
- coconut oil
- water and witch hazel
To make an exfoliating cleanser add:
- coffee grounds
- sugar
Instead of spending a lot of money on shampoos and conditioners mix:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cupful of warm water and pour that over your head as a shampoo
- Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons per cup of warm water) makes an effective conditioner
What's your favorite green recipe?