Green Single Parenting

August 18, 3:28 PMHonolulu Single Parenting ExaminerAljolynn Sperber

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Green single parenting in Hawai'i.

Having just spent $35 on produce & some condiments (2 papayas, organiz spring salad mix, a few ounces of snap peas, jar of banana peppers, and salad dressing) at the local grocery store I am realizing more and more each day I am that it is more cost effective, healthy, and just plain ole logical to be an eco-conscious single parent in Hawai'i. 

As many single parents may know that things are costly in Hawai'i which isn't made easy by the state's low wage system.  For an executive assistant who has 5+ years experience sometimes only starts out at $35K per year or a marketing director may only start out at $50K per year.  Cost of living out weighs the income of Hawai'i states residents.

So what is a single parent to do when they have the sole financial responsibility?

Go green. 

Below are a few examples as to how and why:

• Recycle - When you put aside the plastic/glass bottles, aluminum cans you're allowing yourself to get money back, granted it isn't a lot but you're still putting money back in your pockets.  So after you've finished your beverage, rinse, dry, put it in a plastic bag and when the bag is full enough (but not too fill, you need to be able to carry it) take it to your local Safeway or Foodland, put the items in the recycling machines and listen to the change jingle in your pockets.  If you have more items that you'd like to recycle then visit this site for local recycling centers.
• Garden - If you have the space, create a garden with your favorite herbs and vegetables.  I know most homes have papaya, mango, or coconut trees so enjoy that benefit too.  If you don't have a large gardening space then buy some pots and create a little lanai garden.  We don't have much of a garden but we have space enough for a rosemary bush.  It's so nice to have the fresh herbs on my food.  Who can beat having fresh foods with their meals that were grown at your own home? 
• Farmer's Market - It cannot be said enough, visit your local Farmer's Market.  Mililani High School hosts a farmer's market every Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.  You can find great treats and beautiful fresh foods from your local farmers with great prices.  In this economy we all love a good deal for deliciousness.
• Turn off the A/C - This applies at the house and in the car.  It's so cost efficient and healthier for people when they don't leave on the air conditioning.  A few weeks ago I only had a quarter tank of gas left in my car and no money to put more gas in and I had to drive to work.  So to make the gas last until at least Friday morning (starting Monday morning)  I left off the a/c and drove the speed limit.  The gas light didn't go on until Friday morning when I got paid and was able to put more gas in the tank.  Just goes to show that if you use less energy then you can save so much.  Plus when you leave off the a/c it's a bit encouraging to just go outside and head to the beach, maybe Ko'olina Resort's lagoons.
• Drive the speed limit - As I mentioned above when you drive the speed limit you save money, energy, and time at the gas pump.  Fuel goes a long way when you take it easy on the highway.  So leave early or on time and don't speed.  The non-speeding will also prevent you from getting tickets from the local law enforcement.  When the time comes to fill up on fuel I find that Kapolei's Aloha Petroleum has the cheapest gas.
• Cloth diapers - If you're a new parent and looking into the costs on disposable vs. cloth diapers go cloth.  In the end you're saving yourself from more fuel spending, remembering to buy more diapers, and more build up at the landfills.  One cloth diapers that is quite favored over new parents are Gdiapers and FuzziBunz. 
• Sign up for Freecycle - Freecycle is such a great way to get things you need; people are recycling their unwanted items and the receivers are saving money because everything is free.  Hawai'i state has options for the different islands.  Also, look into the toy/book swaps, many moms get together and exchange toys or books on the weekends and make an event out of it.  For more information register on Hawaiimomslikeme.com
• Yard sale hopping - One of the benefits of having so many military families on the islands is that they are constantly moving or downsizing so that means yard sales!  The best part is that there are multiple multi-family yard sales.  One can find great furniture for the college kid, knick knacks for a nursery,  toys for the school-aged kid, or art for the parent's room.  Be sure to check Craigslist or your local newspaper for these great yard sales. 
• Get outside - Instead of buying the latest dvd, toy, or gadget for your kids, get outside and play.  Hawai'i is rich with beaches and places for hiking.  It's one of the best places on Earth to get out and be active.  This way the children are able to ignite their imaginations with the natural surrounding settings; build a sand castle, play beach tag on the sand or in the water, or just relax.  Getting outside also beats going to a gym when you play tag or swim your kids.
• Buy local - This goes along with the farmer's market but there are other places on the island for local shopping.  Some places I like to go for some great local shopping are the Ward Shopping Center, downtown Kailua, and Old Town Haleiwa.  A great site to visit for local shopping is Etsy; all you have to do is type in the town you live in or a nearby city and presto!  You've got some great local craftmakers to shop from in your area.

Now if only organic products like clothing and furniture were within the single parent's price range, then things would be very green in the solo parent's home and bank account.

Do you have any ideas on how single parents can go green or why going green is so simple for single parents?  Then please leave a comment or e-mail me at asingleparentexaminer [at] yahoo [dot] com. 

(Image from LICreate at iStockphoto.com)