Being green can be difficult when one cannot afford to buy organic foods, a new hybrid, or the best natural cosmetics. With some simple changes in daily life, a woman can make a significant impact on paper and plastic waste, save fossil fuels, and eat healthier all within a modest budget.
Green Personal Hygiene Tips to Save Money
Most women waste at least a container of tampons or pads during each period. By purchasing a reusable menstrual cup, such as the Mooncup or the DivaCup, a woman will significantly cut down on her waste footprint. In addition, a menstrual cup costing between $25 and $30 USD for a year is significantly less expensive than the monthly cost of disposable feminine hygiene products.
Cosmetics are another area where many women waste money and materials. Many women buy a new face cream or lip stick and never finish it. Other women have so many tubs and bottles they cannot keep track of them.
Select a basic skin care regime, a few make-up stables and use all products until gone. Stick to a lipstick, for example, and use the whole tube. If purchasing fewer products, one may even be able to afford natural product lines, such as Burt's Bees Skin Care, which pride themselves on making cosmetics from all natural ingredients grown in a sustainable manner.
How Women Can Save on Green Food Purchases
Eliminating fast food and convenience store food purchases saves money and eliminates paper waste, not to mention slimming the waist line. All the cups, wrappers, and bags are no longer on one's conscious.
Plan for food emergencies with healthy snacks or a light meal in the car. Small insulated coolers the size of a lunch box are readily available, so a healthy snack such as yogurt, juice, or a small salad can remain fresh in the car.
Buying and preparing food in bulk is another way to save the environment. Select fruits and vegetables in season, such as squashes and carrots during the winter, and make enough food to freeze extra portions of an entree.
In general, the more natural the food is, the healthier for the consumer and the environment. Try to cook with meats, pastas, and vegetables rather than with the boxes from the freezer section.
Many people waste gas on multiple trips to buy food during a given month. Make a list and plan food trips ahead of time. Walking to the grocery store for extras such as milk can also save gas and create an opportunity for a little extra exercise.
How Women Can Be Green While Shopping
The simplest trick to being green while shopping is eliminating the plastic bag collection stores love to hand out with every purchase. Carry reusable bags for shopping trips. Some bags even roll up small enough to fit in a standard purse, making them convenient and nearly impossible to forget.
Another environment-friendly shopping spree is the consignment store. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other second-hand stores recycle gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. Not only explore shopping second-hand for a low-cost thrill, but get in the habit of dropping off unneeded clothing and junk to recycle unnecessary items from one's own home.
Eco-Friendly Activities for Women on a Budget
The outdoors is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves the environment, but especially for the woman on a budget. Cancel the gym membership and explore biking, jogging, or walking at a nearby city or state park with a friend. Pack a picnic for the family and enjoy a nearly free outing following by hiking or swimming.
Another low-cost activity that produces little waste and environmental harm is participation in religious or spiritual practices. Most church or synagogue services are free. Practicing meditation, yoga, or another relaxing spiritual activity are also low-cost activities that can increase one's ability to connect with the earth and appreciate the environment. Many such activities also reduce stress, an added incentive.
Being green and saving money don't have to be opposing forces on a woman's conscience. With some planning and awareness, going green can be easy and even fun for women on a budget.
For more ideas on how to enjoy the outdoors more, How to Walk More Daily may be of interest.
GOG101
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
