One of the biggest complaints about organic food is the price. Admittedly, some of it is a bit pricier than traditional chemical, antibiotic, and hormone-ridden foods. But, the good news is that organic food is really quite accessible if you shop around, use coupons, and make eating safe food a priority. Here is a list of the foods that I consider easy, inexpensive, no-brainer switches to organic. I have included the approximate price that I usually pay at my mainstream grocery store... obviously all stores are different, so you may pay a little more or a little less. If you are fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe's nearby (as I am) then you might pay much less (I LOVE YOU, TRADER JOE'S!) :)
So here's the list...
1. Carrots- very minimal price difference for a vegetable that is normally grown in pesticide-filled soil and then eaten raw. I think I pay between .99-$1.50 a bag.
2. Celery- how often do you go through a head of celery? Less than once a week, I bet. This is listed as one of the most important pieces of produce to eat organic and the price difference isn't much. I pay $2 a head.
3. Kid's yogurt- Stonyfield has so many coupons available that there is no reason to give your kids the other stuff. With a coupon I pay $2.50 for a 4 pack.
4. Ketchup and mustard- with the amount of time that it takes to go through a container (months, for me!) it is worth the extra 50 cents or so.
5. Crackers- look for the store brand organic crackers or Annies's (at Target) you may get a little less in the box, but the price is about the same as traditional. Stretch the box to last as long by eating fruit and veggies instead!!! $3-4 a box.
6. Boxed cookies- I'm a big baker, so we don't buy much of these... plus they are probably not the best thing to be eating. But if you must, organic is the way to go. Newman-O's (which are similar to Oreos) are comparably priced and quite tasty. There are plenty of others out there, too. If you get less in a package- consider yourself lucky and go eat some fruit instead! :) $3-4 a box.
7. Macaroni and Cheese- Yummiest and best for you homemade, but I don't know many mom's who don't use this for lunch in a pinch (if you don't- you're a better mama than me). Try Annie's mac and cheese. There is a very minimal price difference if you get it at Target (who for some reason, has Annie's foods much much cheaper than the grocery store). Back to Nature also has some which is reasonably priced. Maybe $1.50 a box...? I'm not positive on this one.
8. Jam- I'm planning on making my own this summer (and so will you when I tell you how!!), but until then... it's important to me because it's full of concentrated fruit (and non-organically- that's concentrated pesticides). It lasts a couple weeks and you might pay a dollar more. I pay $2.99 a jar.
9. Oats- We should all be eating lots of these and the switch costs pennies. I think I pay $1.50-2 a canister. It's less if you buy them in bulk at the health food store!
10. Cereal- Cascadian Farms always has coupons out there and some grocery stores do buy one, get one (with which you can use two coupons and save a ton!). They even have some kid friendly flavors, which are made much more healthfully than traditional kid's cereals. Store brand organic is also a great deal (Publix Cheerios are a steal at $3.99 for a huge box).
11. Canned tomatoes- These are similar to jam in that they are sprayed heavily with pesiticides and then concentrated down into cans. Muir Glen puts a lot of coupons out and store brands are reasonable. I pay $2.19 a can.
12. Pasta- Watch for sales, but store brands are very well priced. I pay $1.39 a box for organic, whole wheat spaghetti.
13. Beans- We eat a LOT of beans in our family, and for that reason, we only eat organic. You're going to save money by buying them dry, but I usually just get canned. I pay $1.13 a can.
14. Canned/boxed soup- Make your own! But if not, watch for sales. Wolfgang Puck is very well priced and Muir Glen has lots of coupons. Look at the ingredients in regular soup and you will want to make the switch. I pay about $2 a can.
15. Bottled Iced Tea- Sweet Leaf Green Tea with Mint and Honey is one of our favorite drinks! I pay $1.50-2 a bottle.
These are just a few of the amazing deals out there. I encourage you to make these changes now, and then systematically start switching out your other foods for organic. One thing to remember is to make it yourself when you can! Typically, whole foods are less expensive than packaged foods (and much, much better for you!) Take a look at your grocery receipt from last week, I bet if you added up how much you spent on unnecessary and unhealthy packaged food, you could have bought all organic produce, meat, and/or dairy! One frozen, ready-to-eat dinner costs $6-8... you could make it yourself and use the savings to make a big difference in the way you eat. One bag of Doritos costs $4, skip the Doritos and switch something to organic. Name brand toilet paper and paper towels are ridiculously expensive- switch to the store brand recycled stuff and save a ton! Everyone has places in their shopping that they can cut back... find yours and make some changes today! Happy shopping!
Showing posts with label Lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lists. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Baking Soda List
Baking Soda is another one of those amazing products that can do almost anything. It's dirt cheap and completely safe and natural.
Quick science lesson... Baking Soda is actually the mineral, sodium bicarbonate, which occurs naturally in all living things. It's function is to balance pH (keep them from being too acidic or too alkaline). It can be manufactured by mining sodium carbonate and dissolving it in a solution through which carbon dioxide is bubbled. Baking soda's ability to balance pH is one of the things that makes it such a useful, multi-purpose product.
So, here's the list...
To Deodorize:
1. Small bowl or box in the refrigerator and freezer.
2. Sprinkle in garbage and diaper pails and inside each new bag.
3. Soak containers in a solution of baking soda and water.
4. Sprinkle in drains and garbage disposals and then run warm water.
5. Sprinkle carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
6. Sprinkle in litterboxes.
7. Sprinkle your dog and then brush.
8. Sprinkle in your laundry hamper between washdays.
9. Add to each load of laundry.
10. Sprinkle camping gear and sports gear before putting it away for the off season.
To Clean
11. Sprinkle on a damp cloth or sponge to use as a light scrub. Rinse with water.
12. Clean silver with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rinse with water.
13. Remove scuff marks from floors by sprinkling and wiping up with a damp cloth.
14. Clean pans with baked on food or grill racks by sprinkling and then soaking overnight.
15. Clean stains off kitchen or bathroom surfaces with a paste of baking soda and water.
16. Clean hairbrushes and combs by swishing in baking soda and water.
17. Clean a carpet spill as normal, but then sprinkle with baking soda and vacuum.
18. Clean toys or lawn furniture with 1/4 cup baking soda per quart of water. Rinse.
19. Pre-treat grease stains with a baking soda paste.
20. Clean mildew from kiddie pools with baking soda and warm water.
21. Clean thermoses and coolers with baking soda and warm water.
22. Run your (empty) dishwasher through a cycle with baking soda instead of detergent.
23. Clean/deodorize garlicky or fishy hands by scrubbing with baking soda paste.
24. Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster. Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda.
Other Ideas
25. Throw handfuls of it at the base of grease or electrical fires to put out.
26. Can be used in pools to balance pH... see Arm and Hammer website for details.
27. Keep drains clear by occasionally pouring 1/4 cup down and and then running hot water.
28.1/2 tsp in 4oz of water every 2 hours as an antacid. (Not more than 7 times per day-- not more than 3 times per day if you are over 60 years old).
29. Sprinkle on ant piles.
30. 2 TBSP in baby's bath to relieve diaper rash.
31. Sprinkled liberally in an adult's (cool) bath to relieve sunburn.
32. Paste on insect bites, rashes, and poison ivy.
33. Used as a mouthwash it will relieve canker sores.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Wheat Germ List
Question: What is one of the healthiest foods in the world, inexpensive, tasty, and extremely versatile and easy to use?
Answer: Wheat Germ!!
So what is wheat germ? The wheat kernel can be separated into three distinct parts: the endosperm, the bran, and the germ. The endosperm makes up about 80% of the kernel; it is the foodsource for the plant. The bran is the outer layered shell of the kernel. The germ is the smallest only about 3% of the kernel and is the part of the seed that could sprout into a new plant. (FYI: whole wheat flour incorporates all three parts of the kernel, white flour uses only the endosperm). This tiny food packs a huge punch containing a whopping 23 nutrients; most notably folic acid, potassium, and iron. It is also a good source of B vitamins, protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. It contains an immune system boosting antioxidant called L-ergothioneine, which is not destroyed by cooking. It looks like small, tan colored flakes and has a very mild nutty flavor. It can be purchased raw or toasted, but since raw wheat germ spoils very quickly, it's a good idea to be the toasted stuff. It can be found in any grocery store, usually in the cereal aisle for about $4. Keep it refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
Now you're convinced that it's amazing... so, how do you use it? Easy! Wheat germ has such a mild flavor and texture that it can be added to almost anything! Here's the list...
1. Sprinkled on hot or cold cereal
2. In pancake or waffle mix
3. In or on top of muffins
3. In place of or combined with bread crumbs
4. Sprinkled on top of casseroles as a crunchy topping (ex: mac and cheese)
5. Sprinkled on yogurt
6. In smoothies
7. In soups or stews
8. As a salad topping
9. In crumbles on top of desserts (ex:apple crisp)
10. Toss tofu or bananas in it as a snack for babies (or grown-ups!)
11. Use it to line brownie or bread pans instead of flour.
12. Sprinkled on cottage cheese
13. In oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies
14. On ice cream
15. In peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
16. In homemade granola
17. In place of flour in homemade bread (check online for exact substitutions)
etc... etc... etc...
This is something that you can really be creative with and use all the time. There are so many health benefits in adding wheat germ to your diet, you'd be crazy not to!
Bottom Line: Buy it and use it! You're going to love it!
Answer: Wheat Germ!!
So what is wheat germ? The wheat kernel can be separated into three distinct parts: the endosperm, the bran, and the germ. The endosperm makes up about 80% of the kernel; it is the foodsource for the plant. The bran is the outer layered shell of the kernel. The germ is the smallest only about 3% of the kernel and is the part of the seed that could sprout into a new plant. (FYI: whole wheat flour incorporates all three parts of the kernel, white flour uses only the endosperm). This tiny food packs a huge punch containing a whopping 23 nutrients; most notably folic acid, potassium, and iron. It is also a good source of B vitamins, protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. It contains an immune system boosting antioxidant called L-ergothioneine, which is not destroyed by cooking. It looks like small, tan colored flakes and has a very mild nutty flavor. It can be purchased raw or toasted, but since raw wheat germ spoils very quickly, it's a good idea to be the toasted stuff. It can be found in any grocery store, usually in the cereal aisle for about $4. Keep it refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
Now you're convinced that it's amazing... so, how do you use it? Easy! Wheat germ has such a mild flavor and texture that it can be added to almost anything! Here's the list...
1. Sprinkled on hot or cold cereal
2. In pancake or waffle mix
3. In or on top of muffins
3. In place of or combined with bread crumbs
4. Sprinkled on top of casseroles as a crunchy topping (ex: mac and cheese)
5. Sprinkled on yogurt
6. In smoothies
7. In soups or stews
8. As a salad topping
9. In crumbles on top of desserts (ex:apple crisp)
10. Toss tofu or bananas in it as a snack for babies (or grown-ups!)
11. Use it to line brownie or bread pans instead of flour.
12. Sprinkled on cottage cheese
13. In oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies
14. On ice cream
15. In peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
16. In homemade granola
17. In place of flour in homemade bread (check online for exact substitutions)
etc... etc... etc...
This is something that you can really be creative with and use all the time. There are so many health benefits in adding wheat germ to your diet, you'd be crazy not to!
Bottom Line: Buy it and use it! You're going to love it!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Borax List
You can find a box of it in the laundry section of any store... but what is Borax? What can it be used for? Borax is a natural substance known of and used by humans for thousands of years. Also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, it is a mineral compound of the element boron (combined with water, oxygen, and sodium). Borax is sold commercially in the form of a white granular and is primarily marketed as a laundry booster, but it has many, many more uses. Here are some of them...
1. Laundry booster; improves power of detergent, removes stains. Add 1/2 cup.
2. Alternative to color safe bleach.
3. Softens hard water.
4. Deodorizer
5. Safe for soaking and washing baby clothes. (I add it to each load of cloth diapers).
6. Wash delicates in 1/4 cup Borax, 2TBSP detergent, & warm water for 20 minutes. Rinse.
7. 1/4 cup in toilet bowl, swish with brush, soak 30 minutes, scrub and flush!
8. Sprinkle on wet sponge to remove soap scum from showers and tubs.
9. 1/4 cup in 1 pint water, sponge on carpet/rug, let dry, vacuum to deodorize.
10. Sprinkle on wet sponge to clean grease and grime from kitchen appliances and counters.
11. 3TBSP in garbage disposal or drain, let stand 15 minutes, rinse with disposal on.
12. 1/4 in dishwasher to boost detergent and remove spots from dishes.
13. Cleaning outdoor furniture and garbage pails.
14. Deodorize mattresses.
15. Preserving flowers (Google this for complete directions; it's a pretty in-depth project).
16. Natural insecticide.
This is just a short list of the many things that can be done with Borax
*Borax is safe for septic systems.
*Borax has an indefinite shelf life in a cool dry place.
*Please remember to label any containers you put Borax in.
*Borax is NOT to be digested and keep out of reach of children/pets. It is a natural substance and much safer than chemicals, but you still don't want them eating it!!!
Bottom line: go buy some Borax, it costs next to nothing and can be used for everything!
1. Laundry booster; improves power of detergent, removes stains. Add 1/2 cup.
2. Alternative to color safe bleach.
3. Softens hard water.
4. Deodorizer
5. Safe for soaking and washing baby clothes. (I add it to each load of cloth diapers).
6. Wash delicates in 1/4 cup Borax, 2TBSP detergent, & warm water for 20 minutes. Rinse.
7. 1/4 cup in toilet bowl, swish with brush, soak 30 minutes, scrub and flush!
8. Sprinkle on wet sponge to remove soap scum from showers and tubs.
9. 1/4 cup in 1 pint water, sponge on carpet/rug, let dry, vacuum to deodorize.
10. Sprinkle on wet sponge to clean grease and grime from kitchen appliances and counters.
11. 3TBSP in garbage disposal or drain, let stand 15 minutes, rinse with disposal on.
12. 1/4 in dishwasher to boost detergent and remove spots from dishes.
13. Cleaning outdoor furniture and garbage pails.
14. Deodorize mattresses.
15. Preserving flowers (Google this for complete directions; it's a pretty in-depth project).
16. Natural insecticide.
This is just a short list of the many things that can be done with Borax
*Borax is safe for septic systems.
*Borax has an indefinite shelf life in a cool dry place.
*Please remember to label any containers you put Borax in.
*Borax is NOT to be digested and keep out of reach of children/pets. It is a natural substance and much safer than chemicals, but you still don't want them eating it!!!
Bottom line: go buy some Borax, it costs next to nothing and can be used for everything!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Must Buy Organic Produce
All of us are at different places in our organic journey... here is a good jumping off point for those who are just starting out.
Time and again, research has shown that there are certain foods that are most affected by pesticides. These are the foods that we should uncompromisingly buy organic. It's true that it can be pricey, but faced with the alternative of exposing ourselves and our children to the harmful effects of pesticide residue... I'd say it's worth the extra few dollars a week. Check farmer's markets, farm stands, etc... to compare prices.
Time and again, research has shown that there are certain foods that are most affected by pesticides. These are the foods that we should uncompromisingly buy organic. It's true that it can be pricey, but faced with the alternative of exposing ourselves and our children to the harmful effects of pesticide residue... I'd say it's worth the extra few dollars a week. Check farmer's markets, farm stands, etc... to compare prices.
The "Dirty Dozen"
1. Apples
2. Cherries
3. Grapes, imported (Chili)
4. Nectarines
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Raspberries
8. Strawberries
8. Strawberries
9. Bell Peppers
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Spinach
"If a fly landed on your apple, would you spray it with Raid, wash it off and eat it?" Green Babies, Sage Moms
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Vinegar List
Distilled white vinegar. This is an item that 99% of households have sitting on a shelf somewhere. But do you use it? What's it there for? This simple stuff can replace many of the chemicals in your life! Here's how...
1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to wash windows and mirrors.
2. Add a splash of vinegar to your laundry to brighten whites and colors.
3. Mix one part vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle to clean produce (rinse with water before eating!).
4. Undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle as a disinfectant. Kills 99% of germs, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs/viruses.
5. Pour a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of the dishwasher for sparkling dishes!
6. Spray it on full strength to cool sunburn, other burns, and soothe itching.
7. Gargle it for a sore throat.
8. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to clean tile floors.
9. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and run it through your coffee pot to clean it.
10. Full strength vinegar as weed killer- be careful to only spray the weeds!
11. Freeze equal parts vinegar and water in ice cube trays and put them through the garbage disposal to clean it.
12. Disinfect wood cutting boards with full strength vinegar.
13. Remove soap scum from shower doors with full strength vinegar.
14. Unclog the shower head by soaking it in vinegar.
15. Clean/deodorize the toilet bowl with full strength vinegar.
16. 1 tsp of vinegar in a quart bowl of your pet's water will keep fleas and ticks off of them.
17. Clean pet urine out of carpet by sprinkling it on the stain, wait a few minutes, and then sponge off (test an inconspicuous spot first).
18. Full strength as an adhesive remover.
19. Remove deodorant stains from clothing by rubbing with vinegar and then laundering.
20. Mix equal parts vinegar, water, and dish soap as a bug spray for your skin.
This is only a small portion of the things that can be done with vinegar... there are literally hundreds of uses for it! The smell WILL go away when it dries!
Bottom line- go buy some spray bottles and a big bottle of vinegar. Portion it out and label the bottles. It will be ready to go and you will be a greener cleaner!
1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to wash windows and mirrors.
2. Add a splash of vinegar to your laundry to brighten whites and colors.
3. Mix one part vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle to clean produce (rinse with water before eating!).
4. Undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle as a disinfectant. Kills 99% of germs, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs/viruses.
5. Pour a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of the dishwasher for sparkling dishes!
6. Spray it on full strength to cool sunburn, other burns, and soothe itching.
7. Gargle it for a sore throat.
8. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to clean tile floors.
9. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and run it through your coffee pot to clean it.
10. Full strength vinegar as weed killer- be careful to only spray the weeds!
11. Freeze equal parts vinegar and water in ice cube trays and put them through the garbage disposal to clean it.
12. Disinfect wood cutting boards with full strength vinegar.
13. Remove soap scum from shower doors with full strength vinegar.
14. Unclog the shower head by soaking it in vinegar.
15. Clean/deodorize the toilet bowl with full strength vinegar.
16. 1 tsp of vinegar in a quart bowl of your pet's water will keep fleas and ticks off of them.
17. Clean pet urine out of carpet by sprinkling it on the stain, wait a few minutes, and then sponge off (test an inconspicuous spot first).
18. Full strength as an adhesive remover.
19. Remove deodorant stains from clothing by rubbing with vinegar and then laundering.
20. Mix equal parts vinegar, water, and dish soap as a bug spray for your skin.
This is only a small portion of the things that can be done with vinegar... there are literally hundreds of uses for it! The smell WILL go away when it dries!
Bottom line- go buy some spray bottles and a big bottle of vinegar. Portion it out and label the bottles. It will be ready to go and you will be a greener cleaner!
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