| Hi, welcome to this weeks Come Clean newsletter |
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 | Be GREEN, be FRUGAL; easy tips to save you cash In the Kitchen - Cook your own healthy food: it’s cheaper that pre-prepared food, and contains less salt, sugar, fat and preservatives. - Plan ahead: If you know what you want to eat for the week, you’ll be less likely to buy unnecessary groceries or get take out. - Buy local and seasonal: it’s cheaper, fresher and better for the environment. - Eat more vegetables(and less meat): vegetables are far cheaper than meat, plus they take less energy to produce. - Start your own veggie garden: To really cut back on energy and cost (not to mention nasty chemicals), why not grow your own veggies! You can also save on mulch making your own compost (for more info, go to http://www.cleanlife.com.au/cleantips/compost_and_save.html). - Take advantage of leftovers: why not cook extra for lunch the next day? Or you could freeze leftovers for a quick and healthy meal when you’re pushed for time. - DIY coffee: instead of spending a few dollars a day on take-away coffee, why not invest in a good thermos and make your own? In the Bathroom - Conserve water: try reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower. Not only will you save water, but you’ll also save on your water and heating bills. - Use less:even if you have long hair, you’d probably be surprised by how little shampoo and conditioner you really need. - Short and sweet: why not try a shorter hairstyle? It’s easier to maintain uses less product. In the Laundry - Cool washing:washing machines use 90% of the energy it requires to heat the water. Most loads only need a maximum temperature of 40°C, and for most things cold washing is perfect. - Hang your washing out: did you know that your dryer uses the second highest amount of energy in your household? Save money by hanging washing on the line. - Make your own cleaning products: it’s cheaper, safer, and helps reduce toxic chemicals around the home. For some easy recipes, head to http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/assemble-a-green-cleaning-kit.html. In the Garage - Leave the car in the garage: Walk, ride or catch public transport and avoid parking and petrol costs and save on the gym membership - Keep your tyres inflated: it increases the efficiency of your car so you can make the most of each tank of petrol. In the Office -Turn your computer off at night:it’s one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bill and extend the life of your computer. -In fact, ensure everything in the house is turned off at the wall, when not in use. In the Wardrobe - Shop your wardrobe:pretend your wardrobe is a clothes store; you’d be surprised how many new outfits you could come up with! - Repair it yourself:keep a small sewing kit with a few needles and different threads, and hang on to those spare buttons that usually come with a new garment. -Swap your clothes with friends:go to or have a clothes swapping party such as those run by the fabulous Clothing exchange www.clothingexchange.com.au - Visit an op shop; make vintage chic or vintage hombre your style Need some inspiration for life in general or perhaps some new years resolutions? Visit our BLOG, this month we have features on certified organic cosmetics, a new natural skincare brand and Gina's recent case of affluenza and subsequent challenge. Want some more summer reading? Pick up a copy of Perth VITA magazine, for Gina’s regular column or CleanFood Organic for Gina's feature articles in issues 5 and 6. Find out what is NEW at our directory for everything you need for eco-friendly living. References http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/get-recession-ready.php http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/tighten-your-belt-in-the-kitchen.html http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/frugal-green-living-6-tips-save-money-1000-dollars.php?page=2 http://water-conservation.suite101.com/article.cfm/unique_ways_to_save_money http://www.mytwodollars.com/2008/03/27/frugal-and-green-living/ http://building-personal-savings.suite101.com/article.cfm/everyday_moneysaving_tips http://www.which.co.uk/advice/using-your-washing-machine/program-guide/index.jsp |