Question: What about “green”-conscious families, like mine, who are on organic/nonprocessed diets with recycled paper/plastic products, and nontoxic cleaners? They don’t have coupons for this stuff or carry it at warehouses. Do you have ideas to save money yet live healthy and environmentally-friendly?


Answer: We’ve seen several organic products and some environmentally friendly cleaning products at our local Costco. When buying “green,” the principles of establishing a buy price and stocking up still apply. Know your prices for items you purchase. Over time and through research, you’ll find sources for what you want. Then when you find a better price, stock up.


Minimize use of paper products. Disposable products are wasteful and costly. We use cloth napkins, cloth dishtowels and old shirts for rags. We use very few disposable products.


Consider making some of your own cleaning products. Visit makeyourown.net; they have recipes for everything from air fresheners to homemade soap.


The best way to guarantee organic produce is by growing your own vegetables or planting fruit trees in your yard. Look for organic produce at farmers markets or join a co-op. Greg Peterson, a local “green” expert, is owner of the Urban Farm in Phoenix. Learn about his ideas here: YourGuideToGreen.com.

Going green is more expensive. So decide what the non-negotiables of your lifestyle are, find the best prices and work on saving money in other areas.