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Go organic without going broke with these tips from Simply Green Parties by Danny Seo.
It is true that most organic foods — fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, and prepacked foods — do cost more. But the one thing to keep in mind is that organic food means higher-quality food; artisan and handmade touches, smaller batches, obsessive attention to the freshest, most delicious ingredients. I believe organic and gourmet go hand in hand. But I, too, like saving money and have some tips:
1. Search the Internet.
Many organic food companies offer printable coupons available on their Web sites.
2. Buy in bulk.
Warehouse clubs are beginning to carry a wide variety of eco-friendly household items (recycled paper towels, cleaning supplies) and organic food items; larger quantities up-front, mean bigger savings at the register. Consider buying the essentials you will always need: cold-pressed organic olive oil, recycled paper toilet tissue, a big bag of organic lemons (if you are planning to make freshly squeezed lemonade for a party, etc.).
3. Save money with store brands.
Decades ago, supermarkets created “no-frills brands” that lacked expensive packaging, and passed the savings on to the consumer. These generic items were easily identifiable by their plain, black-and-white packaging. Today, supermarkets have evolved generic into store brands. These are high-quality, gourmet varieties of popular items like soy milk, chocolates, olive oil, canned beans, frozen fruits and vegetables, and much more, often made from organic ingredients at lower prices. The store-brand organic soy milk I drink is actually cheaper than the lowest-priced regular milk!
4. Sign up for a free shopper’s-club savings card.
Many supermarkets have a bonus card program so they can collect valuable data on consumer habits, helping them stock the stores with items their customers actually buy. To reward your loyalty, they often offer discounts throughout the store; these items frequently include the organic items, often at very steep discounts. If you see a good deal, stock up.
5. Grow your own.
One way to save on organic foods is to grow them yourself. Get several amazingly simple and effective tips in my video below on how to fertilize, control pests and kill weeds without chemicals. For more how-to's like this, check out my new Gaiam DVD Simple Steps to a Greener Home.
From Simply Green Parties: Simple and resourceful ideas for throwing the perfect celebration, event, or get-together by Danny Seo Copyright 2008 HarperCollins Publishers. Republished with permission.
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