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shopping and cooking green on a budget
I know that grocery shopping isn't much fun anymore. Everything costs so much, and we are all worried about our jobs, tainted foods, the economy, and the environment. Well, we can't do a lot about most of it, but we can take a few little steps to go green when we're shopping.
We have all seen those "green" shopping bags that they sell at the supermarkets. You can buy a few of those and try to remember to bring them with you when you shop. You can bring your own bags made of cloth, mesh, or recycled materials. And even just bringing back your paper and plastic bags and reusing them is better than taking new ones all the time. Keep a bagful of bags in your car for that purpose.
You can also start buying in bulk whenever possible. Single serving sizes not only cost more, but use so much more paper, plastic, etc. Buy cereals in the big plastic bags instead of little boxes. Divide up your bulk foods when you get home, putting them in reusable containers.
Try to buy loose vegetables and fruits in the produce section. Large items, like lettuce, bananas, celery, cabbage, mangos, and melons don't need to be put in plastic bags, do they? You intend to wash them before you use them, right?
Paper products like napkins, coffee filters, paper towels, tissue, and toilet paper can all be bought recycled. And many companies are packaging in recycled paper and plastic. Support these companies whenever you can.
written by expert - Lisa Mason
Cooking on a budget can be simple. Begin with an effective shopping plan; the key being to save money. If possible, grow as much produce You can at home. Consider keeping chooks; for eggs and for cuts of meat.
One way to save on shopping is to buy in bulk. Take note when specials are on certain items and stock up. When buying cheap meat in bulk ensure that You divide into meal-sized portions at home and freeze. This can limit wastage.
Another shopping tip is to purchase generic brands. Many foodstuffs are of a similar quality yet the price differs through elaborate packaging. Try some of the cheaper items to see if they suit Your taste.
When cooking food it sometimes pays to keep the recipe fairly simple and flavours and spices can be added by each individual. Many times, a large hidden cost occurs with sauce bases and expensive condiments. Dispense with them and grow your own herbs in pots. And try boiling your own sauces at home.
Utilise all ingredients well. Meat carcasses and chicken bones can be boiled up for stocks. These make great recipe bases for other dishes. The flavour is fantastic!
When cooking for a family ensure that you prepare healthy sized portions. If there are leftovers refrigerate and consume promptly to avoid spoilage.
When an excess of fresh ingredients are available at low cost, cook large meals and freeze several portions. If growing produce at home be sure to freeze any excess or give to neighbours. The old saying, 'waste not want not' is very true.
Instead of buying expensive take-out meals cook your cheaper version at home. Pizzas, fish and chips and healthy hamburgers can be prepared more cheaply. The family needn't feel cheated of a good fry-up and you'll save.
A nutritious diet is usually the most affordable one. Fresh fruit and vegetables should provide the basis of a Family menu. Weekly trip to the farmers' market is a terrific way to contain spending; up to 70% less than a standard supermarket.
Finally, spend time talking with the whole family to learn everyone's favourite dishes. Food that is enjoyed is rarely wasted so stick to recipes that please everyone. Bon apetit!
written by expert - David Braybrooke
"We all know that running a home can be costly
so great savings are essential and helpful
to a balanced home life".
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