ECOnomize

It seems that there is a general feeling in our neck of the woods that we should all be scrimping and saving. Even if we are not feeling the pinch yet, the economic future is so unsteady that it looms over us all like a black cloud. For those of us who have made a conscious shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, does scrimping mean that we have to forgo our green essentials for something more affordable?
No way, says Jenn Farrington, co-founder of www.maxandzane.com. Being more aware of one's finances does not have to mean trotting off to SprawlMart for the latest in cheap Chinese-made sweatshop goods. Here are a few ways to be smart with your money but keep your green priorities in check.
1. REUSE, REUSE, REUSE.
We probably don't have to tell you that it is much smarter for both the environment and the pocketbook to put all those leftovers in a reused yogurt container or pyrex dish than to plastic baggie it. Sending your kids off to school with their lunches in recycled containers, too, can save $100 plus per year, not to mention all that plastic that is avoiding the landfill.
2. LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS.
Don't just stick your leftovers in the fridge and ignore them until you discover a mold farm on trash day. Websites like The Leftover Chef make it easy to search your leftovers and other ingredients that need to be cooked up to find a cool new meal idea. Forget about nuking last night's chicken, revisit it in tonight's menu with a dinner that no one will guess began as leftovers. So simple.
3. MOOD LIGHTING.
A recent week long blackout here in Ohio (thanks to Hurricane Ike) made us realize how much electricity we can live without. A row of tea lights down the center of the dinner table makes family dinners lovely, and Solio solar chargers will keep cell phones totally juiced up sans the electrical outlet. Without the distractions of television and computers, we found ourselves playing cards at the picnic table with neighbors we had never met. Electricity makes things more convenient, surely, but forgoing it from time to time can not only be healthy for your mind and body, it can reduce your carbon footprint and save you a few pennies.
4. EAT ORGANIC
Yup, you heard me right. The cost of food is rising, but, if you are a wise shopper, you can still buy organic. Ultimately, the cost of feeding your family processed foods is far greater than the cost of organic foods. Hit the local farmer's markets, where you can still find some great buys on organic goods. Or buy organics on sale at the store and freeze, baby, freeze. Bread, fruits, veggies, and flour all freeze well and can save you big bucks in the long run. Don't forget about the grocery store brands, too, as many large chains now have organic canned goods and cereals at affordable prices. Another option is buying a share in a community-supported agriculture program. CSAs are a cost effective way to get your green on, and it doesn't get much fresher than straight from the farm.
5. LAND OF THE FREE
You don't have to be a dumpster diver to get free stuff. Craigslist and Freecycle are two great resources for finding things you may need that aren't exactly in your budget. From hardware to pet supplies to baby gear, we've seen it all listed. Get what you need for free and squirrel away that cash you would have spent, and rest assured that you are not contributing to wastefulness. Now that's green.
You can also save big by attending free activities. Going to the movies, for example, is a ridiculously expensive treat, even for a small family. Seek out the free movie on the library lawn, the weekend festival with no admission, or the free concert at the University. Kids and adults alike will likely be surprised at the fun things to do out there that cost nothing.
Got other ideas for staying green and saving green? We would love to hear them! Email us at info@maxandzane.com or post a response here.