According to professionals this year it costs about $600 for the parents to send one child to school. Nonetheless the expenses can be minimized if you create a saving strategy and you stick to it.

Inventory

Before you actually start shopping look through the clothes of the child and see what you can use from last year. Prepare an inventory sheet and have the child try on everything to see whether it fits or not. If it does, it goes on the inventory sheet. In case clothing doesn’t fit, it should go into the donation box.

Regarding the supplies, lunch boxes and backpacks, you might have to get a new one every year, because the requirements change in every grade.

Budget

There are some items that are non-negotiable, such as the required supplies, but when it comes to shoes, clothing, lunch box and backpacks you have a higher degree of flexibility.

You could start by taking a look at how much you have spent last year. This could motivate you to make bigger savings this year. Naturally the budget varies from one family to the other. You could be using the system of envelopes, placing the money you wish to spend on school items in a separate envelope. It is also a good idea to teach older children about saving if you offer them a clothing allowance.

The list

Using the inventory sheet you will be able to determine what you need to buy. Regarding the clothing the little one should have about 5-7 items that can be mixed and that shouldn’t be very expensive.

As an example in case of a girl there should be about two pairs of jeans, a pair of black pants of khakis, a sweater, two shirts and also a skirt or a dress. Also add some inexpensive T-shirts, scarves, tank tops, belts and tights. The good thing about accessories is that children can’t outgrow them. You could also consider getting summery items, like a dress that can also be used in the next season by wearing it with a sweater and leggings.

Make sure that you use the checklist that you have made so that you won’t have to see your child fall in love with a shirt that is just too expensive.

Bulk

One of the best things you can do to save some money is to buy in bulk items like paper and pencils.

Numerous things are known to gain value with time, such as wine, quality clothes, furniture and also classic cars. It is up to you whether you choose to keep them in their original state, or you prefer to upcycle them and to create something unique.

Since people use so many different objects, it is just natural for them to get old and this is why upcycling has such a huge potential.

According to those people working in this niche, the majority of the consumers seem to be throwing away furniture that they think they don’t need anymore, or that they would like to change.

The main point of upcycling is to give some old items a new life, and to turn objects that people don’t want anymore into objects that they wish to have and that they are willing to pay money for.

To Catri Osborne-Barrett it is a thrill to make something beautiful of something undesired and to her someone’s trash is a real treasure.

In her case it is really important to experiment with different kinds of materials and to bring boring items back to life.

There is another professional regarding upcycling called Lupe Castro, according to whom in case an old chair is missing a leg it doesn’t make it less beautiful. She has a talent of finding new purposes for old objects.

For example she has found an old traveling trunk and she has turned it into a dressing table. The materials that she used were all old, and people didn’t want to use them anymore.

According to her the best thing about the upcycled items is that they take her into another era. She says that the best ways to find objects that are craving for upcycling is to go to flea markets or small town auction houses, but she admits that her best findings come from skips on the street.

Simon Belsher is also handling such kinds of furniture, and his work can be easily recognized since it is meant to focus on the British heritage. The majority of the chairs are covered with Union Jack.

He claims that one of his simplest creations has been a medicine cabinet that has been created from old wooden boxes with hinged lids. He seems to have real talent for this activity, since he managed to turn and upside-down side table into a baroque bed and a telephone seat that has been used during the 70’s into a mini chaise lounge.

Up to now the people that have been mentioned are antique shop owners, but you should also know that they aren’t the only ones who know a thing or two about upcycling. There is the company called Cafedirect that is also known in this kind of activity. It all started when they have created Container House, and they used old coffee sacks to reupholster the old chairs.

Although the pieces created by professionals might look stunning, you can also achieve similar results if you have a bit of creativity.

For the last five years the last Saturday of March is being celebrated as Earth Hour. Last year more than a billion people participated and all they were required to do was switch of all electric appliances including lights during the designated hour 8.30-9.30 P.M.

This is a voluntary gesture and with a billion plus participants it has become the single most biggest voluntary act.

Switching off the power on a Saturday evening? Does it sound like a bummer? And how does one spend the hour? Well, actually, there are so many suggestions about what could be done that you may volunteer for more than an hour and much more often than just once a year.

There is a lot you can do, by yourself, with your partner or with your group of friends. For the ones who like to be alone or who would love to have some alone time, long walks( may be with your dog), star gazing, long lazy candle lit baths, meditation, catch up on sleep and write by candlelight are among the few things they can do by themselves.

For the more romantic and amorous people candlelit dinners (may be on the roof), candle lit bubble baths (together of course), candle light strip poker, long drives or walks together, an hour of togetherness with heart to heart conversations are a few of the things they can do together.

If you would like to enjoy the hour with a group of friends, gather a few for candle night potluck dinner, sit together and share scary stories, bring out the musical instruments and sing along, hold a séance with a Ouija board, play kiddies games like dark room, hide and seek and even tag or have a wine tasting party.

With so much to do, you may start wondering, why don’t you do this more often than only once a year. All of these and more can easily be done if we decide to turn off the power. Happy Green Thinking!

Setting off on an exciting backpacking trip for several months can be a great way to experience other cultures and ways of life in some exotic destinations. However, an increasing number of travellers are concerned about the impact budget travelling can have on the environment so we’ve taken a look at some great ways to lighten your conscience and minimise your carbon footprint whilst on the road.

Whether you’re planning a multi-stop backpacking jaunt around the world or a short city break to a European capital, one of biggest factors affecting your carbon footprint is the mode of transport you choose!

For certain long-haul destinations, such as New Zealand and Australia, you will have little choice but to fly but air transport can make a significant contribution to your carbon footprint, especially if you’re travelling on round the world tickets. As airlines and passengers have become increasingly aware of carbon emissions, you will now find many carriers offer the option to ‘offset’ the emissions your travels create by making a donation to support environmental initiatives. Pioneering websites such as carbonfootprint.com offer innovative ways to offset those nasty emissions.

Such a contribution could mean you help fund the planting of trees or production of solar panels, allowing you to do your bit for the planet. However, if you’re looking to travel to destinations that are a little closer to home, continental Europe for instance, consider alternative methods of travel than flying.

It is possible to reach mainland Europe by ferry and train, with both options proving to be less environmentally damaging than air travel. Perhaps you’re looking to take in countries such as Portugal, Spain and France during a backpacking trip and if you’re keen to do with environmental issues in mind, you may want to purchase an international rail pass. Check out seat61.com for the best passes available.

Doing so can take care of all your transport needs from country-to-country in one go and as you arrive at the train station of your next destination, you should be in a central position where you do not have to travel far to find your hotel or see the main tourist sights. No expensive shuttles from the airport with train travel.

Using public transport will also result in fewer emissions, but you’ll find interacting with the locals is far easier and far more frequent when choosing the likes of trains, trams and buses! Hiring a bike or walking when you’ve arrived in your destination can also provide you with a green form of transport to see the sights, while also getting some exercise at the same time.

But there are other areas to bear in mind when it comes to being eco-friendly while backpacking. The chances are you’ll have packed a number of battery-run gadgets in your luggage, such as a digital camera, mobile phone and iPod. As these will need powering up on a regular basis, why not purchase a charger that runs on solar energy as opposed to being plugged into the mains?

This helps to reduce the amount of electricity you use and can be a handy way to charge your gadgets on the go, for example if you’re on a train where there are no spare plug sockets close at hand.

Similarly, torches and radios that are powered by winding them up are an ideal green option. As they do not require batteries, you don’t have to be worried that using these gadgets will increase your carbon footprint.

To keep emissions low while travelling give some thought to the food you eat and any souvenirs you buy. Eat regionally sourced seasonal produce and purchase goods from local businesses wherever possible. This will have a double benefit of reducing ‘food miles’ whilst you contribute to the local economy and get to enjoy the tastes of locally produced dishes.

With a little forward planning and a spot of big picture thinking, it is possible to go on a great backpacking trip without harming mother earth too much in the process.

Learning to drive and maintain your car in a more economical way will have positive effects not only on the environment but also on your wallet. There are a few easy tips and rules which you can follow which will cut your fuel consumption and therefore your impact on the environment.

Before you drive

Driving economically begins before your key even enters the ignition, by making sure you vehicle is optimized to consume as little fuel as possible. Firstly you should make sure to remove any heavy objects from your car that are not going to be needed on your journey.

For example if you are a golfer and leave your golf clubs in your boot even when you are not planning on playing, you are adding unnecessary extra weight to your vehicle that will mean you have to use more fuel. This also applies to roof racks, bike racks or car seats that you are not needed.

Secondly is it vital to ensure that your tyre pressures are at the correct level, a check that you should be making at least once a fortnight. By ensuring that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure you will not only be improving your cars braking, acceleration and steering but also increasing the fuel economy of your vehicle – which over the course of the year will keep your saving accounts balance looking a bit more cheerful.

Keep in mind that these measures will provide slight adjustments to your vehicle’s emissions and fuel efficiency. Starting off with a fuel efficient vehicle will greatly improve the impact of your eco-friendly efforts, so consider a hybrid or another low emission vehicle when applying for a new or used auto loan.

One final point – before you open your car door – ask yourself this one important question: “does this journey really need to be driven”. If you are planning a local journey consider walking or cycling instead, as it is these unnecessary short journeys that will account for your high consumption of fuel.

Whilst you drive

One of the most important things to remember when trying to drive economically is to try to stay as ‘smooth’ as possible. Avoid accelerating too quickly or stopping too suddenly, as this sort of driving means that your car will have to consume more fuel to get back up to speed again. So don’t forget to pull away gently and break more gradually to help save yourself money on petrol and save the environment at the same time.

Also make sure to avoid ‘idling’ such as running the car but staying still, or even waiting to go through a drive-thru restaurant, as this automotive dawdling actually wastes up to 10 times more fuel than simply turning off your car and restarting it again.

The world talks about saving the planet and the lady in you thinks factories and acid rain. Since you are not wonder woman to take your whip and go save the world, you can help reducing the garbage you produce and the energy you consume. To this you can add a bit of good will and positive attitude.

It is only feminine to like paper towels and paper tissues. They look more hygienic, a lot handier and in the end they were created for our commodity. Try and stop using them and you will save 5% of the kitchen garbage you produce.

Be a lady and use old school micro fiber kitchen towels. They are cute and fluffy and you can find them in any color ready to match your kitchen design.

You can use them for cleaning the place, for washing the dishes and even for dusting. And when you are done you can simply throw them in the washing machine.

We like being beautiful and getting facials. How organic those facials are is an entirely different story.

If you are looking for a high quality exfoliation to refresh your skin look, make sure you don’t throw away the coffee grounds. Add the grounds to your face wash gel and use it.

You will get a milder exfoliation than you would get at a saloon but statistics say that this type of treatment repeated for a month has the same effect as a chemical peel with the exception that it will not slaughter your face.

The spring cleaning is something all ladies are bound to do. If in the process you decide to paint the rooms of the house so that they follow a certain trend, make sure you buy the exact amount of paint you need. The shop assistants can assist you in choosing the less invasive products and they can also calculate the amount you need using the measurements you give them. This way you will save money and you won’t have tons of toxic paint to throw away because you bought too much.

Be a lady and smile to people on the street. The studies show that every act of kindness decreases our carbon footprint. If you have around the house things that you don’t use anymore, just donate them. Share a part of your meal when you cook too much food and once a week make a habit of doing something for the community.

If you think that the green behavior is strictly related to energy, recycling and consumption, you are wrong. Being green has a lot to do with people and their attitude towards each other.

The spring is knocking on the door, therefore start thinking about green and ecological cleaning. For many people who are leading a green lifestyle, cleaning without using toxins and chemicals is an adequate option. Here are few tricks that may help you to clean your home in a green way.

These few simple tips can be a great benefit to save some money. They are easy to apply, do not cost a bunch of money and above all they help to save the environment.

Furthermore, they are safe for you and your family for they will not have to dispose of toxic and hazardous waste.

In case you want to clean the windows, try the old and well known recipe for cleaning windows and mirrors. Use a mixture of vinegar and water in equal parts.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it instead of detergent. Wipe it with old creased newspapers, for it is the best way to make the surface shining.

To remove the stains from the carpet or simply to clean the upholstery of the furniture, use a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar, liquid dish soap and water.

Pour the solution into the spray bottle and inject it on the stain. Then use the brush and rub the mixture well. Then rinse with water.

The spots on the carpets can be cleaned with shaving cream – just rub, finish with a brush, then rinse and let dry.

The silver surfaces can be also cleaned in an ecological way. It doesn’t matter whether it is your table set or a silver frame – all of them can be cleaned with toothpaste.

Some cleaners contain silver derivatives of petroleum, ammonia and other hazardous substances, so you can replace them with ordinary toothpaste.

Rub the paste with fingers, then rinse with warm water and polish with a soft cloth. For larger silver surface, you can use a paste of baking soda mixed with a little water placed on a sponge.

The vinegar and the baking soda are great for cleaning the kitchen countertop. Make sure you are cleaning without using products that contain toxins.

Dry cleaning is also not recommendable, when it comes to your old carpet. Instead, use a baking soda.

It may sound odd, but sprinkle baking soda over the old carpet and brush off for 10 minutes. Then simply wash it away with water. The baking soda not only cleans the dirt, but it keeps the unpleasant odors as well.

In case you are a mommy-to-be, here are a few tips how to organize your baby shower in a green way. The first thing you should do is to consider carefully the invitations. Forget about the paper invitations; go for electronic ones instead. You can send them by email, which is the greenest possible way. If you insist on paper invitations, choose recycled paper.

Make sure your guests are informed about the green lifestyle you are leading. This way the gifts you are going to receive will be green too. Don’t forget to register for organic cotton Onesies and limited plastic stuff.

The glass or BPA-free bottles are good options for your baby. The cloth diapers are far better, so you can always switch to them.

As for the baby shower gifts, ask your guests to not wrap their gifts using paper. This will cut down the waste.

The decoration for the baby shower can be green too. Use soy candles for the lighting and don’t use any paper or plastic decoration. Buy organic flowers and fruits; they will be beautiful enough as a decoration. The party favors should be green too. Try cloth napkins with personal initials.

The Valentine’s Day is about to come. All the magic will begin again with the three symbols of love – wine, chocolate and flowers. These are perhaps the most famous gifts, which one presents on Valentine’s Day.

Of course it is only one day of celebrating the love, but it leaves tons of pollution for the environment. Perhaps you never thought about it, but on Valentine’s Day millions of cards are sent so to be forgotten until the next Valentine’s Day.

There is a way to avoid the pollution and to mark this special fest. Just celebrate Valentine’s Day in a green way. Look around and you will see many green stores that will provide you with the right Valentine’s Day presents..

In case you think the fake silk flowers are good idea, you are wrong. A bouquet of silk flower is actually more harmful than a fresh bouquet of real roses. Of course the roses should be organically grown; otherwise they are not green enough for your celebration.

In this case, find your local florist, who will offer you organic or eco-certificated flowers. You can always purchase an organic bouquet of flowers online, which has its own benefits. There are many companies online that are providing special services for Valentine ’s Day.

For instance, you can purchase organic blooms and they will be delivered on the address you want.

Instead of sending paper Valentine’s cards, try online cards.

This way you are saving time, money and mostly the environment, not to mention it is quite easier and you can personalize the card you want.

The DIY gifts are recommendable, but if you don’t have time on your hands, choose a green gift online.

If you are going to surprise your partner with a bottle of wine, choose an organic wine.

It is far more luxurious and classy to drink organically made wine than a wine that is full with toxins.

If your idea of spending Valentine’s Day includes a restaurant, choose a green restaurant that serves only organic foods. Don’t forget that there are already restaurants that are offering only eco-friendly local foods, which taste better.

The chocolate hearts can be organic too. The biggest company’s producers of chocolate have already released eco-certificated chocolates, so you can choose an organic line of chocolates.

If you are going to spend the festivity at home, turn off the lights and light the candles. It is a romantic and yet green way to spend the holiday of love.

1. Turn off the lights

Media encourages the couples to make love with the light on but you might as well use the daylight to lose the inhibitions. Turn off the light when you go to bed at night. Yes, darkness will amplify the touch and the sensation and it will also add a bit of mystery.

2. Reduce the water waste

How about sharing the shower? It is practical and sexy. You will save water, energy and of course, heat. We should also underline that many studies have shown that showering together improves the relationship.

3. Use natural fertilizers

One would say, what does this have to do with sex? Well…considering that according to Durex 22% of the people all over the world like to get some action in the garden, it is better that the lawn would be organic.

Statistically “rolling in the hay” demolishes the inhibitions but only if you are not worried about catching some skin disease out of the pesticide treated hay.

4. Choose quality sex toys

Statistically half of the US population is fond of sex toys. Very few know that the large majority of the toys bought in sex shops are produced using phthalates – pesticides known for their ability to make the PVC smoother.

In this case it is better to use sex toys made of glass, metal or silicone. They might be more expensive but they surely are safer and healthier.

5. Exercise

Exercising is part of a green way of life. It is also an aphrodisiac most of us should enjoy more often. There are a lot of exercises which improve the sexual life of men and women. Pilates and yoga for example, are known to train the sexual muscles.

It is common knowledge that people with high muscle tonus are able to perform better sexually. The secret lies in a fit healthy body which by definition is a part of a green life.

6. Choose natural sexual stimulants

Even if you are not vegetarian, when going out try and enjoy herbal or vegetable aphrodisiacs. You can try and enjoy the most famous vegetables and fruits known for their sexual stimulating properties – celery, carrots, red hot pepper, asparagus, ginseng, black pepper or avocado.

The vegetables can help you feel more energetic not to mention that your attitude will be eco friendly. Staying away from meat will help the environment because the meat industry is one of the highest pollutants in the world.