Buying Organic On A Budget

With the state of the economy many of us are having to cut back on household expenses. Sometimes the quality of the food we bring in for our families can be affected by that. Buying organic can get expensive, but it is very important when it comes to many items on our menus.

Why is organic healthier?

Studies suggest organic produce has more nutrients than it's conventional counterparts. Why? The soil used for organic produce is typically better. It is taken care of and not used for constant repeated planting. Organic produce does not contain pesticides so there is no residue left on the fruit or vegetable after washing it. Non-organic fruits and vegetables are grown with potentially toxic chemicals including pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.

Even low levels of pesticide consumed over time can be problematic. A study in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, for instance, found that people who had been exposed to low levels of pesticides were 1.13 times as likely to have Parkinson's disease as those who had never been exposed. Other studies have also linked pesticides to health problems including:

Cancer
Fertility Problems
Brain Tumors
Childhood Leukemia
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Birth defects
Irritation to skin and eyes
Hormone or endocrine system problems
Nervous system damage

With that in mind there are some decisions that can be made as to what you need to buy organic and what you can get away with not buying organic.

When it comes to meat and dairy organic is just as important as produce. When any animal is raised either for slaughter or for milk, eggs etc there are factors that come into play with how that animal is raised and how it is taken care of. In the latest USDA meat inspector report it was found that the government is failing to even test 4 of the most harmful chemicals the law requires when inspecting meat. Contaminants can be found in meat and dairy from a variety of sources. One that I never even thought of is how the animals are fed.

While shopping for eggs I used to think it was really silly that someone would buy free range eggs. I thought this meant the chicken was so much happier because they were not kept in a cage so you pay more for the eggs..the real truth in all of this is what they are fed!

The way most animals are raised to be used for our food there are MANY things you have to worry about. First, the grain they are fed is laced w/pesticides which the animal eats. You can exactly wash those off. Second, many animals are injected hormones and/or antibiotics to speed up growth and ensure the animal is at the largest size possible. This would increase revenue for the farmer however, it's not exactly the healthiest way to raise animals that humans ingest.

Here are some important things to remember when purchasing meat.

• Beef fat contains 10 different pesticide that can be identified (those are just the ones we can identify)
  
• Pork meat can be contaminated but pork fat is more likely to be contaminated w/as many as 8 pesticides
• In chicken the thigh is the most contaminated.

When shopping for meat it's important to look for certified organic..meaning it meats the USDA standards for feed and given no hormones or antibiotics. Searching out grass fed ensures the animal was fed a natural diet. An alternative is looking for a local farmer so you can find out directly how the animals are raised.

Hormones and pesticides are just as likely to be found in milk also. Milk Pesticides and other man made chemicals are found in breast milk so it's no surprise that chemicals are found in our milk. 12 different pesticides have been identified in milk and milk is a staple of our diet especially for children. Looking for organic milk can be very important. Organic dairies can not feed their cows with grains grown with pesticides nor can they give antibiotics and/or growth hormones.

Now reading all of this can be kind of scary. The price of organic is a huge factor in many consumers decisions. I thought I would do a little research on what you really SHOULD buy organic and what is not as important to balance the budget a little for everyone. I did find that meat and dairy are two of the most important to buy organic. Those are two of the most expensive items on most people's grocery list. An alternative would be to have maybe one meal a week without meat. Get a little creative with the menu.

Here is some information to take based on the latest study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non profit research organization.

Here are some of the vegetables or fruits that you SHOULD buy organic:

• Peaches - Peaches are one of the most contaminated fruits. 62 pesticides were detected in the residue after washing
  
• Apples - 42 pesticides found in residue
  
• Blueberries - 52 pesticides
• Bell Peppers - 49 pesticides
  
• Celery- Celery has no protective skin so it makes it next to impossible to get all contaminants off.
• Strawberries - 59 pesticides were detected in residue.
• Spinach - 48 different pesticides
  
• Kale
  
• Cherries 42 different pesticides
• Potatoes 37 different pesticides
  
• Grapes (only imported) if you buy domestic you are ok.

These were LEAST likely to have pesticides detected on the parts you eat...this is AFTER washing..so if you are on a budget and can not buy everything organic trying not using so many of the upper fruits and vegetables and use more of these:

• Onion
• Sweet Corn (frozen)
  
• Avocado
  
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas (frozen)
  
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Papaya
  
• Watermelon
• Broccoli
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Sweet Potatoes
  

Just Released New Green Water Pitcher

I'm so excited about the release of this new product!



Here are just some of the important highlights of this green water pitcher:

• Filters 80 Gallons Of Water – double all the leading brands
• Only pitcher with a refillable carbon block filter (reducing waste in landfills)
• Only pitcher with an automatic meter so you know just how many gallons you have filtered.
  
• Only pitcher made with sustainable coconut shell using zero emissions process.
• Only pitcher proven to reduce 99% of lead found in tap water
  

If you would like to learn more information about this green water pitcher visit:

http://www.SwitchYourHouse.com

For product discounts contact me directly at info@switchyourhouse.com

Eco Filter Washable Filter

Eco Filter- Washable Furnace Filter
I was out at the hardware store yesterday picking up some things and I came across this great new product! With the heat of summer kicking in we all need to be changing our filters a little more often since units are running a lot more. This will keep your unit performing at it's peak. I have heard that you do need to change your filter at least every 4 weeks. If you do the math that's 12 filters costing anywhere from $10-$20 depending on the type you use. I use the type for allergies and asthma as a lot of parents do they are a bit on the pricey side. Low or high side that still puts your cost at $120-240 a year and that is for one year.


In researching this product it is said to last around 6 years. You use the filter as normal but then every 4 weeks or so you take it out and wash it off. Then you put it right back in. The price of the eco filter that I have found is $19.97. You may be able to shop around and find it cheaper. Now you do the math!! That's a ton of money you save.

Here are the perks...

• It's adjustable so if you move chances are it will fit your new furnace.
• Washable..can use for up to 6 years

This means major savings for you and removes a whole lot of waste from our landfills.
Click Here To Order Eco Filter

Green Up Your Laundry

We all know that cleaning isn't always green. That fact holds true for your laundry too. The average household does around 400 loads of laundry a year. I know I am on the high side of that stat! We consume on average 13,500 gallons of water to do that laundry. Most detergents contain solvents, optical brighteners, surfactants, colorants and builders..in short, pollutants.

Our washing machines expend a lot of energy, especially when you are washing in warm water. Dryers are even worse than the washers. On average they consume 875 kilowatts per years. That is 6-10% of the total residential power usage.

That is a lot of bad news..so let's get to the good news. There are a few small changes you can make to make a huge difference. This will green up your home and the environment plus save some money on your electric bill.

- Start by switching to an environmentally friendly detergent
- When you are ready to replace your washer and/or dryer switch to an Energy Star appliance.

Changing your detergent will help keep toxins out of your home and your body. When toxins are on your clothing they transfer not only to the skin but can transfer to the bloodstream as well.

Switching to an Energy Star appliances will help reduce the water and electricity you are using. Energy Star appliances use 30% less energy than a regular model and save more than 7,000 gallons of water a year.

Last tip...run only full loads of laundry and use cold water whenever it is possible. About 90% of the energy used when doing laundry is for heating the water. Cold water is just as effective as using warm water. I have only washed my laundry in cold water for over 10 years when no problems. Another plus is cold water prevents clothes from fading!

If you can hang your clothes out to dry. I just put up a makeshift clothesline in my sunroom. The sun breaks down stains and also will not wear down your clothes the way your dryer does. When I put up my clothes line in the spring it cost a total of $7 the rope hooks everything.

For more information on environmentally friendly laundry detergent and more money saving green tips visit http://www.SwitchYourHouse.com

50+ Tips To Save Money Going Green This Earth Day

This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the green movement has become a World Wide phenomenon!

Lots of political positioning and posturing for different hidden agendas with buzz words like Global Warming, in my humble opinion, have sort of muddied the waters a bit and have caused many people to lose focus on what should be the central message of the day...

COMMON SENSE!!!


Doesn't it just make good common sense that we should ALL do everything we can to leave this place a little better for our kids and grand kids than the way we were blessed with it??!!

Forget all the other stuff for a minute, THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE WE GOT!!

I know we are looking for water on Mars and thinking of Condos on the moon but really, who could afford a weekend get a way with the current price of Rocket Fuel?!

FACE IT! We are stuck here and it would probably be a really good idea to pick up the place!

So..today in honor of Earth Day I am going to share 50 easy tips to go green that will either not cost you any more than you already spend or my personal favorite, save you money.


Simple Tips For Around The House

• Clean the lint screen in your dryer after every use.
• Turn off the lights you don’t need, especially when you’re leaving a room.
• Use power strips and turn them off when not in use.
• Air-dry clothes rather than using the dryer.
• Use rechargeable batteries. (they are even making C batteries rechargeable in certain places which will save you a lot of cash when powering children's toys)
• Close curtains in the summer to keep out the sun.
• Open curtains in the winter to let the sun in.
• Put on a sweater instead of turning on the heat.
• Weather strip and caulk.
• Find a Freecycle group to trade with. Freecycle is a network of people actively looking to reuse things rather than throw them away. Essentially, people are giving the things they can’t sell away for free to others who may want or need them. Sometimes there’s some trading involved, so it’s a win-win for everyone. If you want to find a group in your area, check out their website
• When purchasing new appliances, go with energy efficient ones. Energy Star appliances are the most highly recommended...cash in on the tax savings right now
  
• Light bulbs. If you are above the curve already in switching to CFLs then as those go out..which I am still waiting on. My oldest CFL is almost 4 years old and still going. But as they go out replace with LED bulbs..I will have the updated energy efficiency dollars coming soon for you
• Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
• Keep dampers closed on furnace and fireplace when not in use.
• Use cold water to wash clothes whenever possible.
• Use filtered water rather than bottled water. (please do not buy bottled water..more information click here)
• Insulate your water heater – unless specifically instructed not to do so.
• Donate clothes or pass them on. You would be surprised how many clothes are sitting in landfills.
  
• Use environmentally friendly cleaners instead of chemicals.
• Decorate with plants to absorb indoor pollution. Saves a lot of money on doctor bills!
  
• Make the most of gifts..Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper..most people will reuse them.
  
• Use candles instead of air freshener. Air fresheners can poison pets and cause problems with your own health. (Click Here To Research Healthy Candle Choices)
• Always use reusable mugs. Usually there is a price break for doing so.
  
• Shop at second hand stores for clothing.
• Donate your books to the library or to local shelters.
• Participate in recycling programs in your community. -- While reducing packaging should be your #1 goal whenever possible, recycle what you have. You would be surprised by a simple Google search how many local programs may receive benefits by your recycling in a designated area, especially schools. For example our school receives money for paper recycled. Once a week when I have to pick up my daughter at jazz band anyway I drop that recycling off. Another school in our area receives benefits for any recycling (which includes cardboard recycling which can be hard to find) we go there once a week anyway for softball practice. I take whatever cardboard have and fill up the rest my recycling container with other things and drop if off there. I am already driving there anyway so someone mind as well benefit from the recycling that I would have done anyway.
  

At Home Or The Office

• Subscribe to online newspapers.
• Send e-cards rather than actual cards that will just get thrown away anyway.
• Use spell check before printing out documents to avoid excessive reprinting.
• Direct deposit your checks to save on paper and trips to the bank.
• Download music instead of buying CDs. Most CDs go obsolete within a few years and end up in the landfills.
• E-mail the office memo rather than passing out paper. -- Our school has been doing this for important notes this year for the parents who have the ability to receive email. It's good not only in the fact it saves the district money on paper, but it ensures I get the important notes.
  
• Recycle ink and toner cartridges. Some office supply stores are even offering a discount towards your next purchase if you bring in your old cartridges.
• Use a manual pencil sharpener.
• Embrace technology, ditch the post its and written lists whenever possible. I am a list MUST HAVE girl. All the smart phones offer applications for list making if you are a chronic list maker like myself. Or use can use a simple notepad on your phone for free. Use it for to do lists, grocery lists anything you can think of. There are many places online that you can do the same thing and keep your notes organized. (watch for post on using these effectively between your home computer and your phone)
  

When You Are Out And About

• Buy locally grown produce. Cheaper shipping means you get a better price!
• Go with fresh produce instead of canned or prepackaged.
• Do NOT use plastic bags.There are reusable bags everywhere now and will not cost you a lot of money switch over a little at a time. When I first started I bought 1 a month until I had enough. With kids you need a lot of bags!
• Dedicate yourself to buying things that have been recycled whenever possible. I have found in research many of the popular products that are available post-recycling the recycled version is either very close in price if not the same.
• Create a recycling center in your car. A lot of people have a trash bag in their car..why not a bag for recycling.
  
• Purchase the product with the least packaging. Sometimes it's better to buy in bulk because of that. Weigh that decision with coupons etc to decide which is best for you with each product.

In The Kitchen

• Use reusable containers for leftovers. Avoid storage bags and foil.
  
• Unplug all the little appliances you are not using.
• Reduce what you throw away. Studies show that American’s throw out an average of 4.4 pounds of trash per day, yet only a pound of that is recycled, composted, or reused. Landfills are brimming to the top with garbage that could otherwise have been put to better use. Incinerators are releasing harmful toxins in the air. And, having either of these in your area seriously devalues the price of your home.
• Use wash cloths to clean a mess rather than paper towels.
  
• Use reusable containers for lunches. I use small reusable containers for my kids lunches now that I am in the habit.
  
• Cover saucepans with lids to reduce cooking time.
• Don’t peek in the oven. You lose 25% of the heat in the oven every time you open the door.
  
• Ok kids..Decide what you want BEFORE opening the refrigerator door
• Fill the dishwasher before running it.
  
• Turn off the heated dry on your dishwasher
  
• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs

In The Yard

• Pull weeds instead of using chemicals.
• Use natural and organic pest control methods.
  
• Build a bird house to attract bug-eating birds.
• If you have a chronic weed problem in a certain area use a pan of hot boiling water and dump it on them. It will kill the roots as well without chemicals.

So there are some tips to get your thinking!

Also check out my Earth Day spot light for the month of April

http://www.switchyourhouse.com/edh2/

Formaldehyde In Your Personal Care Products

We are all educating ourselves more and more about the toxins that we expose ourselves to voluntarily in our day to day lives by our product choice. However, sometimes toxins can be hiding where you would not even suspect they might be. One that has been brought to light is the use of a chemical called Formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a is a colorless gas compound (HCHO) that is known as a carcinogen, meaning that it causes cancer. It is an allergen that can also irritate your eyes, mucous membranes (eyes, nose and throat) and the upper respiratory system. It can also cause headaches, rashes, hives (blistery, white, and itchy), dizziness, nausea, and chronic fatigue. Some other symptoms include: heart palpitations, ear infections, trouble sleeping, memory loss, trouble focusing, depression, weakness, migraines, abdominal pain, aching joints and muscles, and difficulty breathing.

Sounds like a pretty scary thing right? What's even scarier is what it is in!

Formaldehyde is found in MANY personal care products. What's even worse...it's in even more infant care products as well. We are exposing our newborn babies to this is hospitals when they are born even. This is NOT across the board. These are specific companies that manufacture their personal care products with Formaldehyde. What makes it even trickier is that Formaldehyde comes in many forms so it's not going to be listed as the word Formaldehyde on the product, making it harder for consumers to pinpoint which ones do contain the toxin.

Formaldehyde can be found in hundreds of products, including cosmetics, paper, wood and clothes. Simply touching those products, or just breathing the formaldehyde they release into the air, can cause intense symptoms. Your best defense is to limit exposure to this chemical. Here are a few that I have found so far.

Shampoo

• Avon Kids 2-in-1 Super Gentle Shampoo for Normal Hair
• Dove Shampoo Extra Volume
• Unilver
• Johnson's Baby Shampoo
• Softwash Baby Shampoo
  
• Kissably Baby Soft Johnson & Johnson

Conditioner

• Avon Kids Super Gentle Conditioner
• Avon Detangler
• Dove conditioner
• Intense Moisture, Unilever
• Nizoral A-D Non-medicated
  
• Daily Conditioner from Janssen Pharmaceutica

Hair Gel

• Avon Kids Super Gentle 2-in-1 Soft Styling Gel
• All Hair Types Avon
• Dove Shape & Lift Volumizing Gel
• Unilever (so multiplicity discipline smoothing gel)
• Innovative Styling Options

Baby Wipes

• Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes
• Unscented Kimberly-Clark Huggies Newborn Baby Wipes (Fragrance Free)
• Kimberly-Clark Pampers One-ups
• Baby Wipes with Aloe, Alcohol Free, Proctor & Gamble

Vitamins

• Flintstones Children's Complete Multivitamin Chewable Tablets
• Centrum Kids Complete Vitamin
• One-a-Day Kids Scooby-Doo Multivitamin plus Calcium

Is there any better reason to choose Shaklee products? You can be sure the safety and HEALTH of your family is Shaklee's goal! Shaklee products are unique ...Shaklee shampoos, conditioners, vitamins, handy wipes and children's vitamins, DO NOT contain formaldehyde!


Visit http://www.SwitchYourHouse.com for more information on safer alternatives.

Source :
Dr. Benjamin Asher Pediatric Annals 36:1

Celebrate Earth Day Right This Year

This month we will be celebrating 40th anniversary of Earth Day! How exciting!! Think of all the awareness that has been taught over two generations if not more. Awareness of health and wellness as well as the of the dangers of taking our planet for granted.

Many people pick the month of April to concentrate on environmentally friendly alternatives. There is so much knowledge out there to be gained. Here we do that year round but, it's a great time to pinpoint some great products.

Of course you know my criteria.

Non Toxic, environmentally friendly, healthier for my family and saves me some money at the same time.

The most important product choice that I made 3 years ago was Basic H2. I have written about it before but I want to talk about it a little bit more. While Earth Day celebrates it's 40th anniversary this year, Basic H celebrates it's 50th anniversary.

This product can save you hundreds of dollars right away just by the cost upfront. I originally switched to this product solely for cleaning since it is non toxic but it's also highly concentrated so it saves a ton of packaging and the long history the product had. Just one bottle of Basic H2 will make 5,824 bottles of Windex. The more I started researching and talking to other users the more I learned about this product. It's a jack of all trades.

Today I would like to pinpoint a couple of the most toxic products it replaced in my home.

• Bug Repellent --Completely safe to use on the skin even for infants. Tip.. I made the mixture and put it into a travel spray bottle to make it easier to use.
• Drain Clog Remover --add 2-3 drops down the clogged drain with a little bit of water. Follow up about 30 min later with some cold water.
• Pesticide -- Mix 1/4 tspn w/16oz of water in spray bottle. Spray directly on plants or vegetables. I also like to add a drop to my pitcher that I water all the outdoor and indoor plants with once a month and it gives them a little life.

For the month of April I will be running a special on Basic H2 to celebrate it's anniversary
Click Here to find out details.

If you would like to find out more information on this product including cost savings and many more uses you can simply visit http://www.SwitchYourHouse.com/edh2/

Using Non Toxic Candles

I have walked through many green changes in my families life but one of the hardest things for me to give up is one of my favorite things in my home..my candles! I had thought for so long that I needed to completely give up my candles and I had never even thought of using non toxic candles. Honestly I didn't even realize that there was such a thing.

First, it is very important that we understand the reasons why using the regular candles we have been using for decades without a second thought may not be the best decision for our homes. I have talked before about the dangers of air pollution. Not the smog you think of in a city..the air pollution in your own home. Homes can be much more toxic than many major cities with the use of toxic cleaners and chemicals in our homes we create a toxic brew that we reside in each day. Adding to that toxic brew can be the use of candles.

The standard candles that you purchase at any local store or even most candle specialty stores are usually made of paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a by product of petroleum. Petroleum is not only a non-renewable recourse but is linked directly to poor indoor air pollution. The black smoke you see hovering over a candle of the mark it leaves on some walls is a petro-carbon soot. Paraffin candles release that soot into the air in your home. It circulates through your home and also gets into your air ducts.

Why is this soot so dangerous? According to the American Lung Association the soot released contains eleven documented toxins. Two of those toxins Tulaene and Benezene are known carcinogens.

Another problem with the standard candles is that most use lead core wicks. These wicks emit lead particles into the air in your home leading to further indoor air pollution from the same source (the candle). When lead is inhaled 100% of it is absorbed in your bloodstream. Children are particularly vulnerable to the side effects caused by chronic low level exposure that can be emitted through burning these candles. Here are some of the side effects to children:

• Permanent neuro-psychological defects
• Behavioral disorders
• low IQ
• Short attention span
• Hyperactive behavior
• Motor difficulties
  

So that's the bad news. The good news is I have done a lot of research and have found some great ways to use non toxic candles to improve the air quality in your home. The other good news is that using non toxic candles is no longer complicated with the internet available to most of us.

When shopping for candles here are some things you want to look for. All are very important to using non toxic candles the correct way and also not having the wool pulled over your eyes as to what is really non toxic and what is claimed to be "green" or "organic". Just because something says those words means NOTHING. You need to know your facts before purchasing them. If those steps aren't taken you mind as well be buying your candles the way you do now. Here are some important things to remember.

• Soot Free
• Lead Free
• Using Renewable Resources
• The correct type
  
• Try to stick with companies or farmers that practice environmentally social responsible forms of agriculture.
  
• There are many types look for beeswax, organic soy or vegetable wax candles.

Do not take these points and look for one make sure the vendor you are buying from meets all of these qualifications. I have found many vendors sell candles already in a jar which is fine. I have also found in that search thought that many not only sell these jar candles in recyclable glass but in recycled glass. Meaning this is glass that has already been recycled before and can be again. If you find yourself having to pick between the two go for the recycled glass. A company that would hand make their candles with already recycled glass is very likely to be environmentally conscious.

To help make the transition to using non toxic candles easier for you I have found some great sites and narrowed down a few of my favorite. These are based on price for products, how eco friendly the company and the product are and the variety of scents they provide. Here are some places to get you started.

• Naturally Good Scents
  
• Lumia Organic
  
• Beeluxe
• Madison Avenue (one of my top picks)
• Sapphire Tree Candle CO
  
• BsaB Candle
  
• Butterfly Effects Natural Soy Candles
  
• Eco Candle Company (one of my top picks)

Some tips for picking the best deal is do not just consider the size of the candle but also the burn time. Many may be different sizes but the burn time could be more of less depending on the material the candle is made of.

Hopefully this will be a helpful guide to you for using non toxic candles. This will be a huge change for myself. I had felt for so long that I needed to get candles out of my home to complete my home transformation, but after studying for this article I am finding that just might not be the case.

Frugal Cleaning Products

I have talked to you guys quite a few times about the safety and the great price of Shaklee products. I was pleased to see though that two of my MUST HAVE favorite products were featured on Frugal Living! It was an awesome article and really broke down the price to the point I didn't even realize how budget friendly they are and I have been using them for 3 years.

Here is part of the article:

Like you, I’m always looking for ways to save money. That is why, when reader Liz approached me showing me her amazing product, I was intrigued, and thought you may be interested in this as well.

You may recall I have a family of NINE (it still startles me to say that!). So we are doing a LOT of cleaning. And a lot of germ sharing. I’m the first to admit I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I’m always spraying down counters and tables, wiping doorknobs and don’t get me started on the bathroom. It can get expensive.

So this is why I was so intrigued by this product called Basic H2. Check it…

• 16 ounces of concentrated ORGANIC super cleaner!!
• Dilute to make over TWO HUNDRED BOTTLES of all-purpose cleaner! * Cost comes to approx $.07 per bottle. WOW!
• Cost comes to approx $.07 per bottle. WOW!
  

Here is another product that is a germicide or Basic G (aka: germ killer! – just what I’m needing with my big family this winter!), and is ALSO safer than other germ killers, which means this is safe for your kidlets and pets. .

• Basic G is sold in 32oz bottle and will mix 64 gallons of germicidal cleaner
• this comes to about $.31 a gallon! Frugal cleaning indeed!

Pretty cool article! To order these products click here.

You can become a member of Shaklee for a mere $19.95 (cheaper than Costco membership – and it’s a ONE TIME fee).

I am also offering FREE SHIPPING on new member orders of 50 PV (Point Value) or more!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at karen@switchyourhouse.com

My 2010 Goal Cashing In On Saving Energy

Each year as spring approaches I try to think of one major change we can make in our household for the next year. Now major not meaning redecorate or build a new room or anything but a change that can not only make our home more energy efficient but save us something money throughout the year. The goal is to have it completed either as soon as possible or no later than the next spring..depending on how large the undertaking. If it is something that can add up we usually stagger it out through out the year.

In 2007 we took on advanced recycling. Meaning we would make the most of the materials that could be recycled not just relying on our curbside service. There are many things that our curbside doesn't accept such as card board and some other things. We set up a recycle center on our back porch with containers for everything that could not go in the bin for weekly pick up. I go once a month to take the other materials to the areas in the metro area that recycle those materials. I also started setting my paper aside to take to the school instead of curbside since the schools in my area earn extra funding from that. To date we usually have 2-3 bins of curbside recycling each week. We have less and less trash as we are more aware of the packaging that a product has. It sometimes can make the difference of what product I will buy. If there are two companies that make the same product and one has less packaging unless there is a huge price difference I will go with the one with little packaging. So the 2007 goal was set achieved and even advanced over the years:)

In 2008 we had already began some changing of our light bulbs to CFLs and back then they were still pretty pricey. So that was a year long commitment doing them a little at a time. We did succeed before the next spring rolled around. We even had the lights in the garage and basement replaced which I was really proud of. Up front we paid some extra money but long term...we haven't bought a light bulb in almost 2 years and we are more energy efficient (=saving money on our electric bill) for it. The cost of CFLs has gone down so much also that it makes that switch easier. (Now with the new LEDs I have been seeing I am going to start looking into those!) They are great...a little pricey though so I'll give them some time to go down. Their life is so much longer than even CFLs.

Last year in 2009 (which you may remember) I made the commitment that my family would no longer use plastic water bottles. The effect of those bottles on our eco systems was becoming very apparent and after putting a lot of study and time into the subject of water quality I realized just how unhealthy bottled water was!! There are so few regulations on it. I decided for my family the healthiest and most cost effective method would be using our Best Water pitcher and over time I purchased many BPA free bottles to make it easy for us to take water with us no mater where we go. The Best Water pitcher filter only needs to be changed about every 6-8 weeks (of course that is with a 4 person family with two young kids--one of which is in athletics year round...we use a lot) so it was very cost effective. I am saving at least $300 a year by the switch at this point. You know kids..they will only drink more over time too. This undertaking was a 100% success by May of 2009.

So here we are in 2010.. what is my goal for this year. I actually have two for the year. The reason is that I think they can both be accomplished. I don't think they are too much. The 1st while very important is not as big of a job as changing every light bulb in an 8 room house + closets + outside lights + garage..ya know. The first goal for the year is something I have been wanting to do for a while but it can get a bit expensive on front end cost just like a lot of these ideas. Going green does save us money but it is a change. It is making changes in our lives..those changes cost $$. The good news is on the back end it saves you $$.

This year I am going to do my best to eliminate as much phantom power in my home. If you are not aware of phantom power it is the power that is used in your home for appliances or devices that are plugged into outlets even when they are not being used. There are some of these items in our homes that can become just too hard to unplug. Computers, alarm clocks, TVs and cable systems can become hard to unplug and plug back in each day without one big ole hassle. There are quite a few power strips or power saving devices on the market today that help eliminate this phantom power. Some are a little pricey but have some nice features. I am going with the one I think is reasonably priced. It also has been on the market for more than two years so I know they work and they are also a little less expensive than they were when they first came out.

I am switching to what are called Smart Strips. It is a brand of power strips that eliminates that phantom power. It is able to sense if something that is plugged in and blog power supply from the outlet. I am not sure of all the science on how it works but I have put a lot of research into it and every scientist says..it works...so that works for me. I am going to start with all our TVs and computers first and then in time I will get to one in each bedroom for alarm clocks and things you do not want to have to reset every day. Smart Strips can be found in many places on the internet but I have found some great deals on them at Amazon.com. They even carry them at Wal-Mart now. Depending on the size of the strip that you want the price ranges from $29-$40. So it's something to think about. In the long run not only are you using less energy in your home you are.....SAVING MONEY:)

I said I would be taking on two goals this year. The second goal will be eliminating plastic bag use to only when necessary. I have just began reusing my plastic bags. Some use is necessary because they do preserve my frozen food the best, but for my children's lunch and my husbands lunch we only use reusable containers. I just think there is more that can be done. I made myself a home made dryer for the plastic bags that I wash so that they dry correctly. Pretty soon I will post a video for you on how to do it. I did it myself and it cost me less than $5. They do sell them online if you do not want to put in the time yourself but I feel they are a little pricey. Usually around $15-$20.

Is there a goal that you can pin point for you or your family this year? Not just taking steps to have a greener healthier household, but a budget friendly household. I hope you can find some inspiration with a few ideas. Remember you can always take it one step at a time.

Rebates + Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Appliances

With many right in the middle of income tax time a lot of people use this time to make larger purchases for their home with income tax refunds. This year we decided to do just that. Making upgrades around the house to improve the energy efficiency of our home (aka save us some money!). We originally began looking for a new hot water heater. The more I started reading information on the new high efficiency (HE) appliances the more I realized the savings that could be involved.

We have had our washer and dryer for about 6 years so they are not too old, but the dryer needs to run twice to actually dry clothes and the washer base has started to leave a little rust stain here and there on clothing. They are functional so of course not really at the top of our list. The more I read the information about the savings being offered right now the more I am thinking this may be the perfect time to make the washer and dryer upgrade. Not only does it use less energy, most require less detergent to do the same job.

An even bigger bonus...the government is actually giving rebates for upgrades to energy efficient appliances. They do require that your previous appliances be recycled though. They will be picked up when the new ones are delivered. If you would like to find out more information about the specific rebates for each appliance you can visit http://www.EnergyStart.gov to get more information.

Another perk to this also is that you can also write those same upgrades off on your 2010 taxes. You are allowed a certain amount of money for energy upgrades to your home that you receive credit back for. Some examples are upgrading or adding additional instillation in your house, upgrading your windows and energy efficient appliances are included in that as well. You are getting a double credit if you decide to upgrade now.

So if you some upgrades around the house are in your immediate future or on your list of tax refund purchases this could be the time to act.

Non Toxic Nail Polish Alternatives

There are many things in our lives that are easier to switch to green alternatives than others. Switching our houses makes sense, it effects the health of your entire family in a positive way.

When it comes to things that we use as women we are usually last to think of those. I think every Mom thinks that way. We put the lives of our families ahead of our own and I am sure it will continue to be that way until the end of time.

There are some things that we need to consider though when thinking of yourself. Your health is so important to your family. I remember a day a few years ago while I was driving my daughter home from school and I mentioned I just was not feeling well. My daughter said please Mom do not get sick I do not want to eat peanut butter and jelly again like the last time you got sick! Yes, our health is important to everyone in our family.

I have found it easy to switch my makeup easily to non toxic alternatives but one thing I really did not want to think about was my nail polish. Being a work at home Mom the look of beauty is not always there:) I am busy at times working answering IMs, helping a child with homework and making dinner at the same time. I know you have seen yourself in a very similar scenario. Some days my pretty nail polish is all I have!

Research over the last 10 years have concluded more and more how dangerous cosmetics are for our bodies. Chemicals like formaldehyde (linked directly with asthma in adults and children and many cancers) are popping up in places we could not even imagine. Even in trusted baby wash that we have used for years thinking it was safe. Nail polish is included in those studies and I am sure we can all admit by the smell of the nail polish it's not good for us or anyone around us.

I started doing some research to see what the dangers of nail polish really were I wanted to find out if I should I expose myself to these products. Here are the results of what I found:

DBP

• Nail polish contains an array of chemicals but, the most dangerous is dibutyl phthalate (DBP). DBP is a member of a group of substances known as phthalates.
  
• Phthalates are chemicals added to plastics to soften them and make them more malleable.
• DBP has the potential to disrupt hormone levels in the human body and potentially cause birth defects, cancer in humans and childhood asthma.
  
• DBP is so serious Europe has banned the use of this chemical in any cosmetics.
• As seen with many toxins the FDA has not moved as quickly and it can still be used in the United States.

Toluene and formaldehyde

• Both are thought to cause organ damage and potentially cancer
  

In researching this I did find that three cosmetic companies in the United States have stopped using all three of these chemicals. Those companies are Avon, Maybelline and Elizabeth Arden.

There are some other alternatives too. I found many companies that produce non toxic nail polish and non toxic nail polish remover as well. You want to look for a water based polish vs a patrolium based polish. Here are some brands that have been around for a while and have a good reputation for quality. They hold up the same as the nail polish you are used to. These will typically only last about a week on your nails but I usually have plenty of chips in my regular nail polish after a week that it needs to be changed anyway. Many also offer a peel off version of the polish so that no nail polish remover is even needed.


Here are a few examples:

• Priti -Also has some salon locations check your state on their website.
• Piggy Paint - A children's line of natural nail polish.
• Honey Bee Gardens
• Organic Pharmacy

Many of these brands can also be found on sites such as Amazon or Ebay at a discount since many have a wholesale buying option.