Reduce, then reuse, then recycle.

Money doesn’t seem to go as far as it did even a few years ago, and raising a family while being green can be expensive if we believe all of the hype about buying more green stuff.

Over the last ten years, our family has learned to reduce our consumption, choose good green products, and live on a budget so that we can avoid unnecessary debt. It was definitely a challenge at first, as it requires a shift in thinking, a lifestyle change, but now it’s become second nature.

30 Green Ways to Stretch Your Family’s Budget:

Go green and use less fuel:
1. Plan all of your errands and make one trip in the car instead of multiple trips throughout the week. This also helps to cut your spending, because it’s easy to get just one more thing every time you go to the store.
2. Break out the bikes. Anytime we can go somewhere on our bikes or on foot, we do. A bike seat or tag-a-long or trailer makes it easy to go by bike with kids, and a baby backpack or carrier and stroller will help with the pedestrian conversion.
3. Cut back on your car insurance. If you can get by with mostly bike/walking/public transport, you may be able to just get “recreational” insurance for your vehicle. Usually there is a mileage restriction per month/year, but if you live close to work/shopping, it may work for you. The savings are quite a bit. Ask your agent.

Read more of this story »