This month we started taking a look at the cost of green products. So far we’ve discussed:

If green products are worth the extra cost
The number one tip for buying green products on a limited budget
Tips for buying green products on a limited budget

Besides the above choices there are other ways to find affordable green products. Such as:
Shop around. Like any products, green goods cost less at some places than others. If you’re not shopping around you’re likely not getting the best deal. To find a variety of green stores visit the National Green Pages and the Organic Consumers Association / …read more

We’re looking at whether or not green products are worth the extra cost. As I’ve noted earlier, I think green products are worth the cost and I think green products are attainable – even on a slim budget. But you have to follow some strategies. Yours may not be the same as mine, but below is what works for my son and me.

First read: The number one tip for buying green products on a limited budget
Other ways I’m able to afford green products on a slim budget…
I DON’T USE THE “I HAVE KIDS EXCUSE”:
Kids are so expensive and need so …read more

This week we’re looking (in part) at the money side of green. Yesterday I gave my thoughts on whether or not green products are worth the extra cost. Today we’ll start looking at why the cost of green is a major misconception.
Green to me is worth the cost and I’ll just go ahead and put it out there that I also don’t think green products are unattainable – even on a slim budget. Almost anyone can afford green products over conventional with some planning and strategy.

Where I’m coming from: Just so you don’t think I’m spouting total bunk about anyone …read more

There was recently a little debate about the cost of green school products in the blogosphere. It started when Green LA Girl posted about Sustainable Group’s Green Back to School kit a collection of schools supplies made with 85-100% post-consumer content that retails for $44.99. After that, Chris at Lighter Footstep wrote a post about how this kit is too costly and not worth the cost AND that items like this are likely why, “Consumers are becoming jaded toward green products.” I don’t agree with the Lighter Footstep post but to be fair Chris’ post did offer some great alternative green …read more

Cloth napkins are one of my favorite green tips for green newbies. They’re easy to start using, cut consumption, and save trees. Plus for a family they’re very cost affective. Then today I saw that posted the following:Treehugger
Are Paper Napkins More Environmentally Friendly?

This piece notes that the footprint may be smaller if a big business (think restaurant) uses paper. They’ve got calculations to back it up. While they do err on the side of cloth still being better for home use, they got their calculations by factoring in typical cotton napkins not organics or other fabrics (although they do …read more

There are some decent sales going on right now, out there in the world of organic kiddo fashion. We don’t usually talk clothes often here, so I thought some nice sale items might be a cool way to kick off the weekend…

Chapter One Organics (shown above) has some seriously inexpensive sale items right now, all organic and healthy for your little one.

$16 – earthluxe olive onesie
$14 -  floral side-snap pants
$13 -  patch leaf onesie

Other deals:

Green doesn’t have to be costly. In fact, green done right is usually less expensive both up front (i.e. buying less junk) and in the long run (i.e energy saving appliances). However, green often gets a bad rap budget wise. People assume that green changes can cost a bundle. With that in mind, here are 10 easy green changes you can make for $15 or less.

Switch to a reusable water bottle. right now Gaiam is offering FREE standard shipping on new and pretty water bottles. COST: $10.38 (plus all that money you’ll save on bottled water).
Compost on the cheap: if …read more

When it comes to powering up your house it can take a lot of energy and cost some big bucks. Nowadays we power up everything from lamps, to laptops, to toothbrushes, and more. To save energy and money try the following…

Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. This not only saves you cash but saves landfill space as well. Some studies show that it can take as many as 1,000 regular batteries to cover the lifespan of one rechargeable battery.
Install light sensors that automatically turn off when people leave the room.
Use voice mail service vs. an answering machine. If you have only …read more

Because the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway was extremely successful, and because we had so many amazing comments, Annie Rose, maker of Moonpads, wanted to offer up a little something extra for all the contestants who didn’t win.
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The deal:
FREE SHIPPING on Moonpads now through March 15th, 2009.
How to snag this deal:
Type in code “thf” in the notes section when you place your order and Annie Rose will send you a refund for shipping via PayPal.
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VERY cool! This makes right now an extra great time for you to try Moonpads.
Head over to Annie Rose’s official Moonpad shop and grab some …read more

Maybe creating a saner budget was one of your new year’s goals. Or maybe you don’t believe in new year’s goals, but everyone can use at least a little budget restructuring.
If you’re making over your budget for financial reasons, why not make it over to be greener as well? Some easy steps to greening your budget…
Bank and invest responsibly: Especially with a big tax refund coming (hopefully) now is the ideal time to think about socially responsible investing and green banking. To learn about which banks offer the most green for your green check out the Socially Responsible Investing Basics …read more