The Budget Diet

If your New Year’s resolution is to go green, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that you’ll also save some green. How many of these earth friendly ideas will you try this year?

The Return of the Clothesline – Start using a clothesline, and you’ll save nearly 6% on your monthly electric bill according to the Department of Energy…plus your house will be quieter & cooler! If your city or homeowners association prohibits clotheslines, your best option is a clothes drying rack (available at Target, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond for about $30). I use my drying rack until the clothes are almost dry, and then I pop them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to fluff them up. So, let’s do the math…if your monthly electric bill is $200, your friend the clothesline just saved you about $12 a month & $144 a year!

Burn Calories, Not Gas – Walking or riding bikes is budget friendly, earth friendly and figure friendly…so, what do you have to lose? Maybe a few pounds???? Let’s here it for pedal power!

Consider Carpools – Could you organize a carpool for work, school or after school activities? You’ll save both time and gas!

Plan Ahead – Are you guilty of running errands every single day or making two trips to the store because you didn’t make a list? There’s more to life than errands, and planning ahead will save you both time and gas money.

Slow Down – Driving 65 miles per hour uses 15% more gas than driving 55 miles per hour – that’s like paying 40 cents more per gallon! Of course, you’ll likely be the only one on the highway going 55!

Pay Bills Online – Save trees, save stamps, save money!

Find a Farmer’s Market – Discover your local farmer’s market, and your budget will love the prices and you’ll love the fresh taste of just picked produce! To find a farmer’s market near you, visit LocalHarvest.org and enter your zip code.

Stop Junk Mail – Save trees, save your sanity! It only takes a minute to visit DMAChoice.org to remove your name from mailing lists for catalogs, insurance offers and more!

Reusable Lunch Containers – Instead of a brown bag, carry a lunch box. Instead of zip top bags, invest in reusable bags. You’ll spend a little money upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run.

Stop Buying Bottled Water – Bottled water has become the American way, and up until a few years ago…I was guilty of buying a 24-pack every single week! WOW…that’s $4 a week, $16 a month and $208 a year for WATER! Stop buying bottled water and start buying refillable bottles for your family to take to work, school and sports.

Unplug – Phantom Electricity is the electricity that is used when a device is plugged in but not in use. For example…you leave your cell phone charger plugged in all the time, but you only charge your phone every few days…did you know that your charger is still using electricity when it is plugged in but not charging? This is “Phantom Electricity”, and little bits are being used throughout your home everyday hence the name “phantom.” Wasted electricity is not earth friendly, and wasted electricity is wasting your money!

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle – If you’re not recycling, this is a great week to start! The first step is to have a system and make sure everybody in your family understands it! The Budget Diet girl’s system is two trash cans in the kitchen – one for recycling and one for trash. After a few weeks, recycling will become a habit, and your neighbors will be green with envy when you only have one small bag of trash each week!

Homemade Cleaning Products – Make the switch to homemade cleaning products that cost pennies to make and clean just as well without harsh chemicals. Try these recipes for homemade cleaning products.

Repurpose – Look twice at things before throwing them away! Could you cut off the fronts of some of your Christmas cards to use a gift tags next year?

GO GREEN AND SAVE SOME GREEN!

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Image courtesy of: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Reduce, Reuse and Save…we’ve all heard it, some of us live it, but what does it really mean? Did you know if you make an effort to reduce waste, you’ll be saving Mother Earth and saving money! Most earth friendly ideas are budget friendly.

Think about it…if you stopped buying a $5 case of bottled water each week and switched to a reusable water bottle, you’d save $20 a month and $240 a year!

According to the EPA, the average American school-age child throws away 67 pounds of lunch waste a year. With the population of kids in the US alone accounting for over 70 million, that’s over 4.6 billion pounds of waste that could be easily avoided by switching to reusable lunch containers.

When you think of a reusable lunch container, you probably think of using a lunch box instead of a brown bag. Well, switching from a brown bag is a good start, but let me introduce you to some great options, so you can kick the plastic baggie habit!

The folks at ReUseIt.com recently sent my teenage daughter a set of Bento Buddies, so she could kick the plastic baggie habit! She has one for her sandwich and three different sizes for snacks. Peanut Butter & Celery is her new favorite lunchtime snack that was made possible by her Bento Box lunch kit! Just imagine peanut butter and celery in a plasic baggie…messy!

Think of the savings with your Bento Buddies lunch kit…

You can buy a big jar of applesauce rather than overspending on those little containers.

Say goodbye to the overpriced individual bags of chips and crackers, and say hello to your Bento Buddie medium sized container!

No need for expensive individual containers of salad dressing because you can easily pack dressings and dips for healthy salads and veggies in the Bento Buddie small container.

Of course, you won’t need to buy those little plastic baggies every month!

If you make an effort, you’ll discover there really are reuseables for every area of your live.

Reduce, Reuse and SAVE MONEY!

When economic times get tough, sometimes even the best of intentions can go out the window. Living green can sometimes seem hard to do if it exacts too high a price. Fortunately, there are ways to protect the planet while also saving money. When driving a car there are certain things a driver can do that not only are good for the environment but will also keep their pocketbook healthy.

While driving

There are several measures that can be taken from behind the wheel. It might require changing some driving habits, but most of them will reduce the amount of gasoline being used which will also reduce emissions and save money.

• No speeding – Gas mileage begins to decrease at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. Maintaining a constant speed also helps, so use cruise control during long stretches of straightaway driving, such as a highway.
• Navigate – Getting lost can be a major waste of gasoline. If the car does not have its own navigation system, invest in a portable global positioning system (GPS). When driving to new or unknown locations, be sure to input the address.
• Don’t idle – Turn the engine off when stopping at the store or when waiting for passengers to arrive. Idling burns fuel unnecessarily.
• Be gradual – Don’t make quick starts or stops. Accelerate gradually from a standstill and coast up to stops before applying the brakes.
• Leave the baggage behind – Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or the back of the vehicle. Hauling around extra weight causes the engine to work harder and use more gas.

Before leaving

Maintaining the vehicle can improve gas mileage and save on costly long-term repairs.

• Air filter – Regularly check the air filter to make sure it is not dirty or plugged. Replace when necessary.
• Check the tires – Tire pressure can play an important role in the operation of the vehicle. If they are inflated to the recommended levels it will improve fuel efficiency and provide them a longer life. Don’t over inflate as this will cause a safety hazard.
• Get in tune – Have the engine tuned if it seems to be performing poorly. If an oxygen sensor becomes faulty it should be changed as soon as possible as one that has failed will cause a dramatic drop in gas mileage.
• Plan it out – Before taking off on a round of errands, plan the route out so as to avoid backtracking. Try to chain the stops together one after another. If it’s possible to park in one place and walk to several stops that’s even better.

Trying to save money in a bad economy doesn’t mean having to compromise principals devoted to being good to the environment. No driver needs to feel like they sold out the Earth for a few bucks. By applying common sense driving techniques and keeping a vehicle properly maintained, money as well as the planet can be saved.

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This is a guest post from Jane Simpson, who believes it’s possible to be green and save money at the same. Her budget won’t stretch to an expensive eco car, but she used a car payment calculator to help purchase a used car she can afford. She uses the tips in this post to reduce her gas consumption, and believes we can all make simple changes to our driving habits to help the environment.

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Image courstesy of: Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lemons come from the citrus family, and provides a very useful and nutrient rich liquid when squeezed or boiled. Lemon juice, either when concentrated or in its natural strength, is a rich and very potent source of Vitamin C, and has many health and beauty benefits.

Lemon juice comes loaded with flavonoids, the most powerful antioxidants in the world, known to fight so many diseases, especially age-related health complications, heart diseases, and cancer. As if that is not enough, fresh lemon juice is a very useful and practical beauty product, for both hair and skin care remedies. Check out the top 5 uses of lemon juice.

1. Lemon Juice forWeight Loss
   Mix together a half liter of lemon Juice with 2-3 teaspoons of honey, and drink at least three times a day – preferably on an empty stomach before breakfast, lunch, and supper. This mixture has proven a very effective weight loss remedy. Lemon juice in this case acts as a natural bowel cleanser by getting rid of accumulated toxins in the intestinal walls and stimulating bowel movements. As a result, all digestive related complications such as nausea, gas, and constipation, are eliminated. Likewise, when someone is having kidney stones, the juice elevates urinary citrate levels, which helps prevent the formation of stones by helping them dissolve easily and rapidly.
2. Lemon Juice for Shiny Hair
   Lemon juice has proven effective in treating dull hair, and hair that is in stunted growth. The juice can be applied directly on the hair to give it that natural lustrous shine. After washing your hair, thoroughly apply the lemon juice and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out. It can also be applied on scalp to help get rid of dandruff. This is best done when the scalp is still dry. Apply lemon juice evenly on the scalp while gently rubbing it in, leave for 15-20 minutes, and wash your hair as you would normally.
3. Lemon Juice for Skin Care
   If you are suffering from eczema, acne, blackheads, whiteheads or your skin is sun damaged…you have a reason to smile because this natural remedy has proven very effective when used regularly. The rich antioxidants in lemon juice help flush out harmful toxins thus replenishing the skin and preventing premature aging and wrinkle formation. For best results, take a fresh lemon and rub it gently on your face and all affected areas at bedtime. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and cleanse it off with cool distilled water. Pat dry and then moisturize your face with your normal moisturizer.
4. Lemon for Stress Relief
   Additional health benefits of lemons include stress relief. It has proven very effective in relaxing and cleansing the whole body, mind, and soul, especially when used during aromatherapy. Lemon oil is best used for aromatherapy.
5. Lemon Juice for Cleaning
   Tackle stubborn stains by dipping a cloth in lemon juice and rubbing it on the stain until removed. Rinse. It’s an inexpensive and chemical free alternative!

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written by:
Avina Walker

Avina is a contributor for the site Ultimate Cosmetics where you can learn some useful beauty tips .

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Image courtesy of: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Baking Soda is a friend of the frugal! It’s both budget friendly and earth friendly.

That little yellow box (that costs less than a dollar) is a pint size miracle worker!

So, exactly what are the uses for baking soda? Let me count the ways…
 
 
 
 

1. Teeth Whitening – Put your regular toothpaste on your brush, sprinkle with baking soda and brush as usual for a whiter and brighter smile!
2. Facial Scrub – Don’t you love that silky smooth feeling after a facial? Baking soda can give you that smooth skin without a trip to the spa! Simply mix equal parts of your facial cleanser with baking soda to form a paste and wash as usual. Ahhhh….
3. Produce Wash – It’s hard for any money saving mom to justify spending $6 on a bottle of produce wash, but we all know the importance of removing pesticides and bacteria from our fruits and vegetables. It’s baking soda to the rescue again! In a spray bottle, mix together 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Spray fruits and vegetables, let sit 5 minutes and rinse. No more pesticides, no more bacteria, no more dirt…thanks baking soda!
4. Check out the complete list of 55 Uses for Baking Soda – you’ll find great ideas for personal care, camping, car care, homemade cleansers and more!

 
What are your favorite ways to use baking soda?

There’s no measuring how proud you are of your high school graduate. Unfortunately, your debit card does have limits. You’d like to buy the kid a new car or gaming system before he or she leaves for college for four years, but many of us can’t exactly afford it. Fear not! The following gifts are sure to please your graduate, your bank account, and the planet.

Budget-Friendly and Eco-Friendly Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Speakers. What 18-year-old doesn’t want to express him- or herself through music? Your graduate will love these “Design It Yourself” speakers ($16.99) and these “Terra-Cycled” M&Ms- or Skittles-themed speakers ($14.99 and $19.99).

2. Water-powered clock. Yes, you read that right. This clock doesn’t need batteries. It just needs water! That means fewer trips to the store (and less money spent) by your graduate as well as you.

3. Travel mug. College kids generally love their coffee. If they don’t drink now, they probably will by sophomore year, and that means a lot of paper or Styrofoam cups going into landfills. Get your graduate a trendy coffee mug for those mornings when a brisk walk just isn’t going to give them the boost they need. There are plenty of handmade ceramic mugs with lids on Etsy or you can buy this one from The Nature Conservancy.

4. Reusable water bottle. Sometimes, the mere act of bringing water to the lips is enough to keep college kids awake in a morning or evening class. Plastic bottles are the bane of the environment and stainless steel reusable bottles can more than make up for the cost of disposable bottles even within a week. This bottle ($20) from Riverkeeper benefits a group that protects New York’s Hudson River and this one benefits The Nature Conservancy for just $8.50.

5. Flower or herb pot. Although flowers and green things may be the stereotypical mother’s addition to any dorm room, a pot of aromatic lavender or rosemary can help calm any stressed student’s nerves.

6. Full-length mirror. Every college kid—boy or girl—could use one of these. Check out Freecycle, Craigslist, or your local thrift store for cheaper full-length mirrors than you’ll find at Wal-Mart or anywhere else.

7. Staple-free stapler. Students no longer need to fret about running out of staples and can instead show off this adorable dog-or cat-themed stapler ($8.99). It “noms” papers and presentations with a single push.

8. Rechargeable USB AA batteries. Batteries are difficult to dispose of properly and not every college campus provides information on how to do it. Save your future student from spending cash on batts and polluting landfills with them later with these rechargeable AA batteries ($17.99). They can charge from the USB port of any computer.

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written by: Bridget Sandorford
Bio: Aside from school and working part-time as an Assistant Chef, Bridget Sandorford is the resident Culinary Schools blogger where recently she’s been researching culinary colleges in Massachusetts as well as culinary colleges in California. Her passion for food is only met with her passion for writing. She lives outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

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Image courtesy of: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Repurposing is a new word in my frugal living vocabulary, and I love it!

Repurposing simply means reusing something in a new way, a.k.a. turning trash into treasure, but in honor of Earth Week we’ll use the more updated term.

So, exactly how do you get started repurposing?

• Put on your creative thinking cap and before you throw anything away ask yourself if it can be reborn as something else.
• If your creative juices just aren’t flowing, ask the search engines! Simply type: how can I repurpose _________?
• If all else fails, give someone else a chance to repurpose by donating your item to charity.

Now I’ll show-off my repurposing talents!

Denim Pockets
Pockets on old blue jeans can become super cute magnetic pencil holders for a locker.

1. Cut the pocket off the jeans making sure to leave 1″ on the top of the back piece of denim.
2. Fold down the extra 1″ piece so it’s even with the front of the pocket. Use stitch witchery to hold it down. Stitch witchery is available in sewing stores, and if you can iron…you can sew!
3. Glue 4 magnets on the corners of the back of the pocket.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Decorate the pocket with iron-ons or pins.
5. Now you’ve got a great looking pencil holder for a locker!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shopping Bags
Let your shopping bag take on a new life as a gift bag.

1. Dig through your piles of scrapbook stickers and look for a few that will cover-up the store logo or use a piece of scrapbook paper to cover-up the logo.
2. That’s it, you’ve rescued a bag from the recycling bin and given it new life as a gift bag!

a recycled shopping bag becomes a beautiful gift bag

Picture Frames
Picture frames are my specialty when it comes to repurposing!

1. Old picture frames are readily available at thrift stores, Goodwill and garage sales. Look beyond the ugly picture and look for a great frame.
2. Spray paint will give new life to your frame before you repurpose it. How about black? Red? Hot Pink? Gold or Silver?
3. Instructions for making a chalkboard.
4. Instructions for making a bulletin board.
5. Instructions for making an earring display.

old picture frame repurposed as a chalkboard

Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet Paper rolls come alive as rainsticks or come in handy for all sorts of things! Check out 20 Uses for Cardboard Tubes Beyond The Bathroom

Please click on the title of this article to share what you have recently repurposed!

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’ve heard it over and over – SLOW DOWN, SAVE GAS – but how much gas are we really talking about?

Over spring break, I put my gas guzzling sport utility to the test, and I’m a believer! Although, I must admit if you drive 55 m.p.h. be prepared to be the slow poke in the right lane that everyone passes and stares at!

Here are the results:

70 miles per hour = 18 miles per gallon

65 miles per hour = 20 miles per gallon

55 miles per hour = 23 miles per gallon

Let’s do the math on the gas savings:

Pretend we’re going on a 300 mile trip, and the premium gasoline that my sport utility loves is $4.00 a gallon!

Driving 70 miles per hour, I’ll need nearly 17 gallons of gas at a total cost of $68!

If I slow down to 65 miles per hour, I’ll need 15 gallons of gas at a total cost of $60!

And if I drive like a granny at 55 miles per hour, I’ll only need 13 gallons of gas at a total cost of $52!

Is it worth it?

You have to ask yourself what’s more important – saving time or saving money. Driving 70 miles per hour will get me to my destination 1 hour and 15 minutes faster, but it will cost $16 more. In celebration of Earth Week, why don’t you slow down and enjoy the scenery on your next road trip!

Other ways to save gas without driving like a granny:

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
• Take it easy on the accelerator…you don’t really have to be the first one to race ahead from the stop light!
• Instead of idling in the car pool line, turn your car off. The same goes for waiting in the line at the drive-thru!
• Choose the route that requires the least amount of stop signs and traffic lights even if it’s the longer route.
• Opt for carpools.
• Walk or ride your bike whenever possible! Couldn’t you walk your child to school instead of driving a mile?
• Enter your zip code at GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area.

 
Just think, if gas nears $5 a gallon, we might all be driving like granny!