Hello, all my bargain shoppers and coupon clippers out there! We would all love to buy healthy, organic products that help protect the earth’s natural resources, but who can afford it in today’s economy? Well, pay attention! Listed below are the top ten money-saving tips for my frugal friends when buying organic”¦
1. Do Some Research: You may have a lot more choices for organic food in your community than you realize. Research organic associations and organizations in your state to find out what is available to you.
2. Shop at Farmers' Markets: They are great sources of fresh local produce. A just-picked tomato from a local farm tastes better than a tomato that's traveled thousands of miles before reaching a supermarket shelf.
3. Join a Co-op: A food cooperative is a member-owned business that provides groceries and other products to its members at a discount. Many of the products lining the shelves of co-ops are organic and much of the produce comes from local family farms.
4. Buy in Bulk: Buying in bulk is a great way to stretch your food dollar. For beans, grains, lentils and nuts, head straight for the bulk containers. Just make sure you have a cool, dry place in your kitchen to store your dry goods for a few months. Be sure to bring your calculator along on any bulk shopping run because not all buys are worth the bother. Do the math.
5. Buy In-Season: The absolute best time to buy an organic fruit or vegetable is at the peak of its growing season. Stock up on in-season fruits and veggies and preserve or freeze the extras!
6. In the Off-Season, Buy Preserved Foods: When the weather turns cold, turn to preserved foods. Steer clear of high-priced, in-store produce and buy canned, frozen or dried organic fruits and vegetables instead.
7. Love Your Freezer: Your freezer is good for more than TV dinners and frozen pizzas. Just haggled a great deal on a whole bunch of organic fruits and vegetables? Freeze your leftovers and pull them out as treats during the winter.
8. Clip Coupons: Snatch up all the coupons for organic food that you can find. Check store fliers, the Sunday newspaper and even the inside of food packages. Organic foods sold under such brands as Cascadian Farm and Amy's often have coupons on the inside of their packages.
9. Grow your Own: If you're really serious about garden-fresh organic produce, why not plant your own? Embrace your green thumb!
10. Shop Online: Can't find a local source for the organic food you want? Don't give up”¦ go online! You may be able to order the organic foods that you want online.
You can buy organic on a fixed budget! Just follow the above advice and reap all the benefits that organic products can offer.