12/2/10

If you see an organic food item or eco-friendly cleaning supply on sale, how many should you buy without buying too many? If it's something you use on a regular basis and you know you're saving money, then stock up on about 12 weeks' worth of product. This is the average length of time in between sales cycles for most items found in a supermarket. So if you eat one jar of organic pasta sauce a week, then on average, you should buy 12 jars.

12/1/10

To avoid cross-contamination when using reusable shopping bags, designate specific bags for specific items. Choose one bag for meat products, one for fruits and vegetables, one for household items, and so on. The bag containing meat products should be disinfected on a regular basis (tossing it in the washing machine with hot water will do the trick), while the others can be washed as needed.

11/30/10

This holiday season give the gift that everyone can use: a gift card. With millions of actual presents purchased, wrapped, shipped and then returned to stores, it makes sense to give something that lets the recipient choose exactly what they need and will actually use.