5 Ways to Save Big on Your Green Purchases

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle sometimes feels like it’s out of reach but the truth is, it’s easy to go green with the right information and a little shopping savvy. Many eco-practices are simple to incorporate into your daily routine and eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean mega-expensive.

Try these simple tips to save the green in your wallet while you save the green on the planet:

Shop Savvy. It pays big to plan ahead and take advantage of deals on eco-friendly items. Instead of giving in to impulse buys, research the items you need, such as energy efficient light bulbs, then scour the stores for the best deals. Let popular websites make deal searching easy. For example, go green and save at theultimategreenstore.com where you’ll regularly find oodles of eco-savvy deals.

Stay in Season. When it comes to saving on organic produce, buying in season fruits and vegetables is also prudent as the prices will be at their lowest point. Did you also know that there is a season for non-perishables, too? For example, shoes, linens and appliances tend to be cheaper or on clearance in the winter months and garden tool, electronics, and hardware bargains are plentiful in the summer time. Keep your eyes open to spot the trends in your area, then take advantage of the natural seasonal savings.

Use Coupons. Manufacturers love to vie for your business and offer premium incentives in the form of coupons, rebates, mail-in offers and various other coupon-related promotions. One of the most common places to find big savings on eco-friendly products is the internet. Check your favorite store websites for special offers or simply run a search for a coupon code for the products you needs. Here’s a deep discount coupon that you can use right now: save $10 off a $25 purchase with coupon code ECOSPRING at Abesmarket.com

Buy Local. Purchasing vegetables, fruits, meats, nuts and herbs from your local farmer’s market, nearby farms, or local co-op is not only a fresh food option, but it’s often less expensive than purchasing through traditional consumer channels. You can often find local eco-friendly products at a reduced cost, as well. Though they may be a few pennies higher than a bulk retailer, consider the gas and time savings involved. Not to mention, the health benefits of being able to walk or bike over to purchase or the reduced gas consumption and emissions if you need to drive to pick up your purchase.

Consider Borrowing. Do you need an eco-friendly item short term or would just like to test it out prior to committing to purchase, considering borrowing an item or asking for a sample from a family member or friend. When it’s not practical to borrow, check out local or inline swap and share services (like Craigslist) to see if someone is offering the items you need for free or at a reduced cost. Be sure to check out garage sales, flea markets and consignment shops, too. Sometimes, the best way to live green is to up-cycle or re-use gently used items.