In theory, the concept of going organic sounds great. It’s definitely a healthier option for you and your family. Organic food is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides, which gives you peace of mind as your prepare and enjoy meals.
When you tack on an extra $100 to your monthly grocery bill, however, going organic isn’t as appealing. Why it costs more to sell foods naturally grown and prepared remains a mystery, but there are ways you can enjoy the benefits of incorporating organic foods into your diet and buying organic products without the added expense.
Plant a Garden/Make Products at Home
Part of the reason why organic food is more expensive is the extra care involved in growing it. You are in control of everything that goes into your garden. If you have garden pests, there are plenty of natural remedies to use to get rid of them. You can also extend this concept to making certain products at home.
If Martha Stewart can do it, so can you – maybe not on such a grand scale. You can easily download instructions online or find books on how to make your own organic products. You’ll have to spend a little bit on supplies, but the savings will quickly add up. Organic products you can make or grow at home include:
• Butter
• Syrup
• Honey
• Jam
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Cleaning products
• Beer and wine
• Fruits and vegetables
• Paints and watercolors for children
• Cosmetics
Use Coupons and Look for Deals
Coupons aren’t limited to commercially processed products. If you do a search online, you’ll find plenty of coupons and deals for organic products. Some are buy one, get one free deals, while others require you to purchase more than one item to save. This can still be a bargain, as long as it’s an item you purchase on a regular basis anyway. Many organic markets have special deals and offer online coupons for loyal customers. If you sign up for newsletters and emails, you’ll get access to more deals. Many organic stores have discount programs such as a rewards card to further entice loyal customers.
Go to Farmer’s Markets
Another good way to save money on organic products is to network. Networking in this case refers to getting out and visiting local farmer’s markets. Become a regular. Take time to get to know the farmers. Some farmers will make deals for regular customers. You can also make visits to local farms. Many farms sell products such as eggs, milk, and fruits and vegetables directly for their farms.
Buy in Bulk
It may seem counterproductive to buy in bulk, but it can actually be a great way to cut the cost of organic products. The only items you should really buy in bulk are the ones that you know you’ll need on a regular basis such as recycled toilet tissue, cold-pressed organic olive oil, eco-friendly household cleaners, and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Another way to save is to join a shopper’s warehouse store. They usually offer discounts to members. These discounts extend to organic products, which usually have their own section.
Buy Organic Products Online
Another way to save money on organic food is to purchase some of it online. The same applies to most organic products such as cleaners and personal care items. Buying organic products online also gives you a chance to carefully look at ingredients and do a little research before making your final purchase.
Buy Store Brands
Organic products are so prevalent today that many stores offer their own store brand. While still more expensive than their traditional counterparts, store brands are cheaper than brand name organic products. The packaging is plain, but you’ll still get the same quality of gourmet varieties of popular items such as organic baby formula, olive oil, canned vegetables, vitamins, soy milk, and recycled paper products. The same ingredients are used, you’re just paying a little less by skipping the fancy packaging.
Organic products have numerous benefits for your health and environment. The main hesitation with buying organic products on a regular basis is the expense. Fortunately, you can save money on organic products by purchasing some items online, using coupons, looking for deals, buying store brands, going to local farmer’s markets, and buying items you frequently use in bulk. The extra effort is worth it to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a healthier diet free of potentially harmful chemicals and preservatives.
