Mummy Deals ™: Organic on a Budget

This week I'm doing a slew of posts on how to Go Green and Save Green for Earth Day. Here's the first one from guest blogger, Michelle.

You don't have to spend a fortune by buying organic. Here are a few tips for buying organic on a budget.

Before you do anything, take a look to see what you already have on hand. Fridge. Freezer. Cabinets.
Make a menu using things you already have in the house.
Prepare your grocery list. Make it simple.
Check for sales. You can incorporate the sales into your weekly menu. For example: chicken is on sale, come up with a recipe for the chicken with things you already have in the house.
Buy in bulk. For example I checked on Dried Chives. I could buy a spice jar size for $5.00 or I could buy the same amount in bulk for about .40 Yes, the price difference was that much!!!! From now on I will always buy spices in bulk.
Check for coupons. I have found that the products I buy the most offer coupons on their site.
If it's not on the list then it doesn't go in the buggy.
ABSOLUTELY NO IMPULSE BUYING!
Make more homemade meals. For example I make muffins and bars for snacks. Using mostly what is already in the house. "Convenience" will cost you much more. I've talked about how much I save by making my own granola bars verses buying them by the box. You may want to read about that here.
Make enough for left-overs.
Buy a rotisserie chicken. You can eat on it for a week. Lunch. Dinner. Have you ever wondered what you can do with one rotisserie chicken? I get the chicken home. 1) Take off the breast meat. I can use it for chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, or reheat the meat to use with other dishes. Like tacos! 2) Throw what's left of the chicken, bones and all, into a stock pot. Cover with water. Cook on medium high for 2-3 hours. This is making your stock. Drain through a strainer. Pick off any meat that is left. Put back in the chicken stock. You can add carrots, celery, onions, wild rice and whatever spices you have. You have a nice soup to eat on for the week. Perfect for lunches.
Buy in season. You can find awesome deals at local tailgate markets! You are buying straight from the farmer and helping support their business! Check the local paper to find out where the nearest tailgate markets are located.

Michelle is a native to Asheville, North Carolina. She is the mom of four. She believes in buying organic food for her family. Her blog The Adventures of Supermom is all about life at their house. She gives helpful tips for saving money with a big family. Shares great recipes. She shares funny stories and tells the crazy stuff her kids do, while doing her best to not embarrass them.

Tomorrow, Teaching Your kids How to Go Green