2nd Annual Small Business Saturday - Nov. 26th

In year's past I have been an avid Black Friday shopper mostly because it was just fun to be out shopping at 5 a.m.  It was a day to get into the spirit of the holiday season.  However, this year I'm not sure I want to even participate.

While listening to the radio the other morning I heard an advertisement for Small Business Saturday®. 

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

On November 26, they're asking millions of people to Shop Small^sm at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

Find out how you can get involved by checking out their facebook page here.   Enter your zip code here to find local Small Businesses. 

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Sustainable Saturday - 5 Low Cost Ways to Reduce Winter Heating Bills

Guest post by Joshua Lloyd from Symhome.

The temperature is dropping and many are looking for ways to control their winter heating costs.  There are some easy, low cost strategies that everyone can use to help control their winter heating bills.  These are my top 5 tips that even the not so handy homeowners can use to keep the heating cost at bay:

1. Open the blinds: Some of the coldest days of the year are the clearest and brightest, so let the sun shine in and help heat your home.  There are homes designed to utilize the sun’s rays as their primary heating source (Passive Solar), so there is no reason your home can’t take advantage of this free heat source.  Just be sure at night to close the blinds to retain the heat in the home and help reduce drafts.

2. Add layers: Not only am I surprised by the number of people that live in complete darkness during the day, but how many want to keep their home warm enough to wear shorts & a t-shirt.  By wearing clothing appropriate to the weather outside can greatly increase your comfort and allow you to reduce the temperature in your home, thus saving you money.

3. Set back your temperature: The rule of thumb is you can save between 1-3% for every degree that you set your thermostat back for an 8 hour period of time while you are at work and sleeping.  The Department Of Energy estimates that you can save up to $180 a year with this simple strategy.  You can make this even easier by installing a programmable thermostat that you can have automatically adjust the temperature in the home and can have it start to heat the home before you wake up in the morning or get home from work so you do not have to contend with the cold temperatures.

4. Maintain your heating equipment: Servicing your heating units and replacing filters regularly can boost efficiency by 3-10% according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).  It is recommended to have oil-fired boilers cleaned and tuned annually, and gas systems, every two years.  Not only will regularly servicing your oil and gas fired heating equipment help improve efficiency, but ensure safety if your heating contractor performs combustion testing, in the hopes they catch high levels of carbon monoxide.

5. Seal those leaks: Excessive air leakage into the home can waste up to 25% of your homes heating and cooling costs.  Installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers on exterior walls is the simplest strategy.  Sealing the gaps around window & door trim is another easy cost effective way to reduce infiltration and reduce drafts.  However sealing those air leaks in the attic is where you will get the most bang for your buck as you will trap the warm air in the home as it rises.

If you are a handy homeowner and looking for other ways around your home to conserve energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs,  follow my blog series Kill’n a Hog….an Energy Hog as my family reduces the energy consumption of our 1960’s home.

Joshua has a degree in architecture and is a LEED Accredited Professional that has worked in the design and construction industry for over 10 years, focusing his efforts on energy efficiency and building science. He has organized multiple events in Ohio to give young designers the opportunity to learn about “green” home design and produce actual projects. He was also a key player in Ohio’s first LEED for Homes Platinum project. Joshua is also a certified Building Analyst through the Building Performance Institute and performs home energy audits, assisting home owners in reducing their energy usage.  

You can follow his blog Symhome here.  You can also follow him on facebook and twitter. 

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Shutterfly - $10 Credit for Sharing a Project!

Shutterfly is offering another great offer this year to its customers!  When you order a product through them and share it on your blog, website, facebook, etc., you may qualify for a $10 credit.

For this year, we ordered Christmas cards (see below) through Shutterfly.  Up until November 16th all cards were 40% off (currently they are offering 35% off) + you can still get FREE Shipping with a $30 purchase (code:  SHOP30).

This week I also received a mailer from Shutterfly with a $10 off coupon attached to it for you and a friend!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. 

5 Tips for Saving Money at Whole Foods Market®

Previously I have talked about how you can get certain items at Whole Foods for the best price.  I firmly believe that you can shop at Whole Foods and not give them your "Whole Paycheck" as some people say.  

Saving Family Green's 5 Tips for Saving Money at Whole Foods

1.  Take advantage of their One Day Deal (Every Friday).  Last week for instance they had Fresh Whole Chickens for $1.29/ lb.  Last year before the holidays they offered Free Range Eggs and both Salted and UnSalted Butter for terrific prices on a Friday One Day Deal.

The best way to find out about your store's One Day Deal is through your store's facebook page.  They also sometimes send out emails if you sign up for your store's email newsletters.

2.  Know their prices for items that you buy regularly.  When my children were younger I would make a special trip to Whole Foods for Stonyfield's Yo Baby Yogurt because Whole Foods using a manufacturer coupon had the best price in my area.  If your store allows you to stack coupons (one manuf. + one Whole Foods coupon) consider that as well.

Staples that I buy from Whole Foods include 365 Olive Oil, Compostable Sponges (when on sale), Yogurt, Organic Milk, and Friday One Day Deal items!

3.  Pick up a copy of the whole deal at the store or access their store coupons online.  Many times you can pare a store coupon with a store sale and get a terrific deal.

For instance, I was able to pick up Arrowhead Organic Flour (they also had rice varieties for those who are Gluten Free) that were on Sale ranging from $2 - $2.99 for 2 lb.  Currently there is a Whole Foods Coupon for $1 off any Arrowhead Mills Baking Product.  Corn meal was $1.69, after coupon making it only $0.69!

Also, in the in-store copy of the whole deal there is a $2/1 coupon for 365 Everyday Value® Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.  The chocolate chips sell for $2.29 at my store less the $2/1 coupon making them only $0.29 for a bag of chocolate chips!  (The coupon available online is only for $0.50/1, so you definitely want to pick up a copy or two of the whole deal while in-store!)

4.  Check to see if your store allows you to stack coupons.  My local Whole Foods used to allow you to stack one Whole Foods Coupon with one Manufacturer Coupon on the same item.  After a change in store management, that is no longer allowed, however many stores still allow you to stack coupons.

5.  Whole Foods has in store sales that run every week from Wednesday through Tuesday of the following week.  Check sites like Healthy Life Deals and The Thrify Mama for regular coupon match-ups for not only weekly sale items but all items which can be purchased at a great discount combining store sales, Whole Foods coupons and Manufacturer Coupons.

Also, Saving Family Green posts weekly in-store (Columbus) deals with applicable coupons!


Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from November 16 thru November 22.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

Tomorrow's One Day Deal... Pacific Broths! 2 for $4. Regularly $3.69 each!

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

This Week's Hot Deals!

Hot Deal!

$2.29 365 Everyday Value® Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Use $2/1 Whole Foods Coupon available in store
Total:  $0.29 for a bag of Chocolate Chips!

CALIFORNIA Organic Celery
2 for $3
Reg. $2.49 ea

FLORIDA Green Beans
Fresh and tender. Just blanch in boiling, salted water until al dente and toss with tapenade or a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
$1.49 lb
Reg. $1.99 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Jewel or Garnet Yams
Two of our favorite varieties and perfect for holiday mashes, casseroles, pies and puddings.  Or cook in the microwave for a quick, healthful treat.99¢ lb
Reg. $1.99 lb

LANSDALE, PENNSYLVANIA ZEIGLER’S Apple Cider
(1 gallon)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.49 ea

FARM-RAISED IN NORTH CAROLINA Catfish Fillet Native to North America, this firm whitefish cooks up mild and sweet. Raised to our strict standards for aquaculture.
$8.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless New York Strip Steak or Roast
So succulent and flavorful. Serve medium-rare with a bold Bordeaux.  From cattle raised on a vegetarian
diet with no added hormones or antibiotics.
$11.99 lb
Reg. $16.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER OLLI SALUMERIA Artisanal Salame
In Molisana, Calabrese, Norcino and Napoli varieties. Selection may vary by store.
$5.99 ea
Reg. $7.99 ea

FRESH, IN-STORE MADE Pork Breakfast Links and Bulk Sausage
In assorted varieties.
$3.99 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Roast Beef
Sliced to order in our Prepared Foods Department.
$9.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

LAKEWOOD Organic Juices
In select varieties.
(32 fl oz)
$4.19 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

ALLEGRO COFFEE Vienna Roast
Available in whole bean or ground.
(12 oz)
$8.99 ea
Reg. $12.99 ea

BARBARA’S BAKERY Puffins Cereal
In select varieties.
(10–11 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $4.49 ea

NATURTINT Hair Color
(5.4 oz)
$13.99 ea
Reg. $17.99 ea

WELEDA Hand Cream
(1.7 oz)
$8.49 ea
Reg. $12.69 ea

SO DELICIOUS Coconut Milk Yogurts
In select varieties. (6 oz)
3 for $4
Reg. $1.99 ea

VOLVIC Natural Spring Water
In select varieties.
(6 pk x 33.8 fl oz)
$10.99 ea
Reg. $13.99 ea

Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores. Certain items may not be available in all stores.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Healthy Life Deals. 


Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Sustainable Saturday - Local Foods at the Wilds

I always think it is interesting to learn of a place, not too far from where you live, that is doing great things in regards to sustainability and educating others.

The Wilds is attempting to address where food is grown, how it is grown and their approach to sustainable resources use.

A little background on The Wilds (from their website): 

The Wilds is a private, non-profit conservation center located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land in rural southeastern Ohio. It was created as the conservation center of the future by a group of civic leaders, political leaders and zoo professionals who believed that a serious scientific approach was required to find solutions to environmental concerns.

From its inception, the Wilds has been envisioned as a facility that combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with unique visitor opportunities.








Last year, The Wilds increased its ability to grow food on the property utilizing raised garden beds and compost due to poor soil conditions, a direct result of most of the property having been surface mined.  The goal for The Wilds is to provide fresh produce for area restaurants and educating visitors about sustainable agriculture practices.

In addition, they supplement their produce needs by purchasing from Chesterhill Produce Auction which is owned by Rural Action.  Rural Action’s mission is to foster social, economic, and environmental justice in Appalachian Ohio.

The Wilds, by keeping their purchases local for meat, cheese, wine, beer, maple syrup and a variety of other items, are supporting the local economy and proving that food doesn't have to travel thousands of miles to your plate.

Chesterhill Produce Auction

Rural Action

Local Matters

Ohio Foodshed

Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from November 9 thru November 15.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

Short on cold weather meal ideas and big on savings? This Friday, November 11 for one day only, Whole Foods Market will have whole chickens on sale for $1.29/pound. And these aren’t just any chickens. With Whole Foods Market chicken, you get great-tasting meat from animals raised with care:

• No antibiotics — ever
• No animal byproducts in feed
• Complete traceability to farms

This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Beef Porterhouse or T-Bone Steaks
Considered the king of steaks: tender and ultra-flavorful. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet; no added hormones, no antibiotics ever.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $14.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Family favorite that’s oven-ready! From chicken raised on a vegetarian diet with no antibiotics ever. Stuffing selections may vary by location.
$5.99 lb
Reg. $7.49 lb

PRODUCT OF USA FRESH, WILD-CAUGHT Skin-On Flounder Fillet
This flaky, mild-flavored fish makes a quick, healthful dinner. Just sprinkle with olive oil and sea salt, and broil a few minutes.
$11.99 lb
Reg. $14.99 lb 

PERU Asparagus
So tasty just steamed or roasted with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil, but they’re also fantastic in salads, omelets, stir-fries and even stews.
$2.99 lb
Reg. $3.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER
90% Lean
Ground Sirloin
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Hachiya Persimmons
5 for $5
Reg. $2.49 ea

CUCINA ANTICA Pasta Sauce
In select varieties.
(32 fl oz)
$6.39 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

FROM OUR SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT Farmhouse Gouda
Rich, raw milk Gouda from Holland.
$9.99 lb
Reg. $15.99 lb

FLORIDA Orchids in a 5-Inch Pot
$14.99 ea
Reg. $19.99 ea

ROBERTSON’S Mincemeat
(29 oz)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

CASCADIAN FARM Organic Cold Cereal
In select varieties.
(9–17 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.99 ea
$0.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

NEW CHAPTER Perfect Calm
(24 tabs)
$14.99 ea
Reg. $21.99 ea

GIOVANNI Shampoos or Conditioners
(8.5 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $7.99 ea

CELESTIAL SEASONINGS Boxed Tea
In select varieties.
(20 bags)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.49 ea
$1/1 Whole Foods Coupon available here
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available 10/2 SmartSource Insert
$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available 10/2 SmartSource Insert
Final Price = $0.50 per box

SIGGI’S Probiotic Yogurt Drinks
In select varieties.
(4 pk x 3.7 fl oz)
$3.69 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Black Forest Ham
Sliced to order in our Prepared Foods Department.
$8.49 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores. Certain items may not be available in all stores.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Healthy Life Deals. 


Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet