If you’ve tried to do your part for the planet and go green, but find it draining your wallet, you’re not alone. The price of buying organic products is undeniably higher than conventional products, due to the fact that the idea is still fairly new, production is far lower in comparison, and farmers and manufacturers can’t yet afford to lower their prices.
The good news about going green is this: as more people start to pay higher prices, even if it’s just for one or two items, the price will eventually start to go down. The better news is this: you don’t have to give in to higher prices to make an impact. If you want to go green but are too impatient to wait for the prices to meet your budget, here’s some ways to be organic and inexpensive, all at the same time.
- Let the benefits be your guide: Experts agree that the best way to help the planet is to reduce energy consumption. Instead of buying only organic and naturally-made products, do things like clean your laundry with cold water, unplug your electronics when they’re not in use, and switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. The light bulbs will cost slightly more than an incandescent bulb, but they last longer – an immediate benefit. So while you’re going green by making small, virtually free, changes, you’ll be saving yourself money every month on bills.
- Use less and save more: With the price of gas today, you may find yourself taking a second look at that Hybrid car. Instead of trading in your gas-guzzling car for one that gets 50 miles to the gallon, think with your feet. By using your car less and finding other ways to get around – public transportation, biking or even walking – you’ll be saving yourself money, contributing less pollution and feeling better about yourself immediately.
- Buy for quality, not cost: Many people are turned off by the price of organic clothing. Understandably so, as an organic cotton T-shirt can cost $20 more than a conventional cotton one. But consider the benefits of buying that more expensive shirt. Instead of buying multiple shirts made with conventional, inexpensive products, you can buy just one or two organically made shirts and know that they will last just as long, if not longer. That rule goes for anything and everything made with natural products, from t-shirts to dresses. If you start buying for quality, you can buy less, replace your products less often and in the long run, save yourself a lot of green.
Just because you’re not ready to fork over the extra money for more expensive organic products, don’t think that you’re not making an impact. Learning how to be organic while staying inexpensive is beneficial in more ways than one. Working on a budget yet still making healthy changes a priority will do more for the planet, and your wallet, than you think.
