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Guest Post by Patricia Wooster http://www.projectorganiceating.com

Let’s face it…..the economy is in bad….bad shape. The house I bought 2 years ago is worth 25% less today, my husband and I spend $300 a month more in gas, and the stock market is shrinking our retirement account daily. It’s time for us to re-evaluate our finances and see where we can cut back. I’ve compiled a list of tips that can help us scale back tremendously without feeling like we’re being deprived. Some of them can produce a cost savings of $500 on their own, so I like the idea of saving money without giving up things I love……like shopping.

1. A car that gets around 15 mpg (at $4 per gallon) can save $500 a year by driving 36 miles less per week.
2. Every degree the thermostat is lowered saves 3% on an air-conditioning bill. For example:I figure we spend around $1200 a year, so if I set my thermostat at 76 degrees instead of 74 we’ll save about $700 per year.
3. Washing clothes in cold water saves about $60 per year.
4. Turning off a computer at night saves $70 per year.
5. Replace one $30 take-out meal per week, and save $1440 per year.
6. Make one meal a week meatless and save $300 per year.
7. Borrow books from the library, exchange with friends, or download an e-book.
8. Spend one hour a week planning a menu and clipping coupons. A lot of coupons for organic food are available online, so be sure to take advantage of them.
9. Buy locally. Not only will you have a positive effect on the environment, but will save money too. I saved 50% on my organic produce purchase last week by purchasing from a local produce stand.
10. Buy once, and buy right. It may be more expensive now, but cheaper in the long run. My husband is good at this, which is why I still don’t have that patio set I want.

We have implemented all of these steps at my house, and have noticed a significant change in our monthly spending. We save at least $200 a month by taking advantage of coupon savings and by planning our meals around the sales at the grocery store. We are more conscience of our consumption….gas, heat, electricity and are using less resources and saving more money. It’s been great decreasing our bills, while increasing our positive impact on the environment.

Patricia is a mother of 2 young boys. She blogs at Project Organic Eating, where she shares money saving tips, freebies, and kid’s health information.