For many people trying to life a healthier, greener lifestyle (including myself), one of the biggest problems with eating organically is the cost. Unless you live in a moderate climate such as California where fresh, local product is readily available, the cost of organic food is likely higher than its conventional counterparts. But eating organically and living on a budget don’t have to be at odds; here are three unique yet cost-effective ways to get organic food without breaking the bank.
Organic produce can be costly through conventional retailers.
Join a CSA Program – In a community-sponsored agriculture program, members purchase shares, which pay a portion of a local farm’s operating expenses. In return, the members receive fresh produce weekly from the seasonal harvest. A CSA share typically costs between $300 and $400 and most programs accept weekly or monthly payments from members. To cut costs even further, try splitting a share with a friend or relative or some programs even offer half shares for purchase. To learn more about CSA programs in your community, visit Local Harvest or Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, where you can search for CSA programs using your zip code.
Join a Co-op – A food cooperative is a member-owned business (usually like a grocery or food store) that offers products to its members at discounted rates. Much of the food sold through a co-op is organic and from local farms. Joining a co-op is often as easy as finding one in your area, signing up and paying some dues. Once a member, you’ll have access to cheaper organic food products and some even allow members to volunteer to get even cheaper pricing. Check out Cooperative Grocer to find a co-op near you or learn how to start your own.
Join a Buying Club – Buying clubs (like the organic buying club of South Florida) are a relatively new concept in the U.S. and are an informal yet resourceful way to get organic food products up to forty percent off retail prices. In a buying club, members purchase products in bulk and then split the stash. Some co-ops will allow buying clubs to order bulk items directly through their store or many distributors of organic products will deliver to you directly if you meet their minimum order number. The best way to get involved with a buying club is to join or start one with friends, relatives, and neighbors you already know.Or “google” your area along with buying club (e.g. “New York City buying club”) – you may be surprised to find a handful of clubs in your location.
Choosing to support farms that take care of the environment and the animals they raise in an ethical manner is a very positive way to spend your food dollar. Animal agriculture produces huge amounts of air and water pollution, and causes 80% of the world’s annual deforestation. It also requires large amounts of water, and livestock worldwide consume half the world’s total grain harvest.
If you’re anything like me, spending time with family and friends for the holidays usually means there will be copious amounts of alcohol going around, namely wine. Treehugger has complied six green hangover remedies for us, just in time for the days that follow. Head on over 
