Tips to Save Money (and Go Green!) with Kids!

I was watching the on-going (and horrific) coverage of Nadya Suleman, more infamously known as the Octumom, on CNN last night.  They were estimating that the costs for her eight newborns would be in the $135,000 per month mark!!!  All this by a single Mom, with no job and on the verge of having her home foreclosed on.

I too was a single Mom at one point in my life so I really know what it is to have to stretch a dollar.  At nineteen, I found myself pregnant and single.  I had unending support from my family, friends and community though which is something that Ms. Suleman cannot count on.  I went to school full time while raising my son and graduated University when he was 3.

Saving money and going green really do go hand in hand as both issues have the same major cause — that of over consumption.  Living beyond your means, whether that’s on an individual scale or on a global scale.  Kids do really cost a bundle although there are many ways that you can go green and save money at the same time while raising healthy, happy, financially responsible and globally aware children.  Here’s a few tips to get you started:

1.  Buy Used!!  Whether that means buying used equipment such as a crib, stroller, or clothes buying used can save money and help save the environmental costs of endlessly producing new products.  Kids grow so fast it seems as though they hardly get any use out of them at all.  Good places to buy used equipment are at garage sales, consignment stores and online websites such as usedeverywhere, Kijiji or craigslist.  Ensure that the products you are buying meet all current safety regulations though!

2.  Consider Cloth or Flushable Diapers– disposable diapers make such a huge impact on the planet as they take so long to break down.  And then all of the “stuff” (read pee/poo) inside of them is not disposed of properly.  This can lead to bacteria leeching into our water ways.  Check out G-diapers for a flushable alternative to either cloth or disposables which can both have their drawbacks.

3.  Home Cooking — cook for your kids (and teach them how!).  Less processed foods are healthier and generally more affordable than pre-packaged, ready to eat stuff.  Teach them the joy of cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables.  If the climate allows, consider planting your own backyard organic garden.  You can make your own compost with kitchen scraps and enjoy the “fruits” of your labour!