Ways to save money buying organic

Check around your city to find local stores carrying organics.  Some may carry their own USDA certified store brand of organics.

1. Don’t shop at Whole Foods. Whole Foods is one of the most expensive organic carrying stores. Currently, they’ve created (or tried to) somewhat of a monopoly on organics and natural foods. I’m not saying ban them, but don’t buy there if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

2. Only buy the organics you need. For instance, cereal comes low on the found pesticide level, you can buy conventional and save a few dollars. Save your cash for organics that actually matter, like apples, cheese, butter, eggs, bell peppers, soy, and so fourth.

3. Eat less meat.  Additionally, you should only buy organic meat, which can get expensive, but conventional meat is a big baddie. Eat less, save more, and always avoid hormone filled meat.

4. If you’ve got the space, grow some of your own organic foods. If you don’t have a green thumb, check out an Aerogarden, as an option.

5. Buy in season. There’s a reason out of season foods cost more; shipping costs and demand vs. availability. Buying in season saves transport energy and costs less. You don’t need melon year round.

6. Save money elsewhere. For example if you make my Homemade Sugar Body Scrub instead of buying a $25 jar of body scrub, that’s money saved for food which your family needs. You can also do things like sign up for a Weatherization Assistance Program or use less AC and save money that way.

7. Don’t buy junk. Seriously, if you’re buying chips and soda, I don’t even want to hear any “Organic foods are too expensive” whining. Beans, veggies, and rice can be tasty fun - I swear.

8. Cook it yourself. Cooking a veggie pot pie vs. buying frozen will save you money, lots. In the long run, you can master cooking your own soups, chili, breads, cookies, and more. Believe me, you’ll get faster as you learn.

9. Don’t spend money because you’re tricked. Get to know your labels. In some cases buying a food (or other item) labeled “organic” may mean you’re only getting a food that’s 40% organic. People will say anything to get you to spend more, but it’s not always worth it. For example, you can’t even buy organic fish - did you know that? There’s no standards for organic fish, so don’t waste your money.

10. Look online. Sometimes bulk ordering organics online can save you money. Sometimes! Check prices, also, you’ll have to contend with the fact of transport energy; but hey, you didn’t have to drive to the store, so bonus.

11. Buy from a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm. Most CSA farms will allow you to buy weekly or bi-weekly, and you’re almost guaranteed to get fresher produce than at any store. See this site for a local farm near you, http://www.localharvest.org/

12. Visit your local farmers market at the end of the day, when folks are looking to sell stuff no matter what. See these sites for local farms and local farmers markets in your area, http://www.localharvest.org/ and
http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/