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Health & Fitness

Tips on Resale Stores, Online Coupons and Newspapers

Live green and save by patronizing resale shops, reading newspapers on line and printing on line coupons for local products and services via ZIP code or city.

Most everyone I know is following a budget and looking for ways to save money. I am always on the lookout for ways to live green for less and save while helping others do the same. 

Patronizing resale shops, reading the news online and couponing are the topics of todays live green for less blog.

Resale stores are a great way to save on clothing, household furnishings and home maintenance. From gently used castaways to brand new items, some with designer labels, good deals can be found awaiting new owners at resale shops.

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Today I visited the Goodwill store on Aurora Avenue in Naperville and found two new purses for under $5 each. One had a designer label. Both are in mint condition, attractive and functional. 

Goodwill was packed with people and new merchandise was constantly being stocked. The checkout was organized and efficient. Get them in and get them out. My kind of shopping experience; I’ll definitely be back.

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The items on display were donated by someone instead of being destroyed, and because of this one unselfish act people are being trained for jobs, funds being raised for charity, and people like me saving money by doing the right thing.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Live green for less. That’s my motto!

Next stop, the Habitat For Humanity ReStore (you'll find them in Naperville and Joliet). There I uncovered some excellent deals for home improvements and furnishings, from granite counter tops to lighting fixtures to replacement doors and windows. 

For information on the Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Joliet, go to http://www.restorejoliet.org/

To find a Habitat for Humanity ReStore location, go to http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore_detail.aspx?place=58

Another way to live green and save is by reading your newspapers online (you're already doing it by reading Plainfield Patch!).

Most traditional newspapers have interactive Web sites that offer regular updates. Most are free although a few are starting to charge. Below is a link to The Online Newspaper, where you can access thousands of newspaper web sites with a click of your mouse:

http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/

Another way to live green and save is by searching for coupons for products or services in your area without spending money or wasting gasoline. Most of the coupon companies have Web sites where you can search for savings. Here are three of the most popular:

http://clippermagazine.com/

http://www.moneymailer.com/

http://www.valpak.com/coupons/home

You can also Google the words "coupon savings" and your ZIP code for more sites.

Here are a few of my own favorite free sites.

Free online greetings cards: http://www.123greetings.com/

Free calendars: http://www.valpak.com/coupons/home

Free money saving tips for frugal living: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalliving.htm

Freecycle Network with local affiliates: http://www.freecycle.org

Live Green 4 Less: http://www.livegreen4less.com



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