In 2010, Be Frugal and Eco-Friendly

I am not frugal out of necessity. Being frugal, and subsequently eco-friendly, is a way of life for me. I am not ashamed to be a coupon-cutting mom.

On the contrary, I am very open about making the most out of a buck. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines frugal as "characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources."

What could be timelier than that?

To make an effort to conserve money and resources, be it in our own homes or globally, is something to be proud of. In these economically challenging times, being frugal is not only hip, but it's also just plain smart.

I stretch our hard-earned dollars in many ways. I'm not a fan of online shopping, but I search for coupons and discount codes on sites like CouponCabin or RetailMeNot before I head to stores like Bath & Body Works, The Children's Place, or Barnes & Noble. Many stores, like Target, Kohl's, and the GAP, will adjust prices for two weeks following a purchase, and I inevitably get money back.

Since we live in an area with many wealthy people, you can find quality, often new, merchandise at local thrift or consignment stores. Once in a while, I check out the Katonah Thrift Shop for some inexpensive, fun items.

Instead of buying paper towels, I cut up old T-shirts into handy squares, and I use dryer balls to cut down on energy costs and to eliminate the expense of dryer sheets. I am a passionate breastfeeding advocate, and breastfeeding has saved us thousands of dollars of formula costs.

Having fun with your kids doesn't have to cost anything. I save cardboard and all those unwanted address stickers we get in the mail in a designated box for future craft projects with my son.

Libraries and local farms offer an array of free programs. Muscoot Farm, a local working farm, has year round events for children. I just recently took my son there to decorate Christmas cookies. I attend the library's story/craft hour with him once a week, and we always come home with a new art piece that's a welcome, free, gift for the grandparents.

Another great find is the Kidgits program of the Simon Malls: For only $5 a year, your child gets a T-shirt and toys, a birthday gift, and discounts for store and the food court.

My son's dentist happens to sponsor the Jefferson Mall program, and we take advantage of the 10-percent Kidgits discount.

The New Year is just around the corner, and I think finances are still going to get worse before they get better—even for people in affluent Katonah.

On the eve of a new decade, my thrifty resolutions for 2010 involve local finds. For free exercise, I want to take advantage of the hiking trail behind Muscoot Farm.

Instead of buying gifts for birthdays, I plan to give my family and friends a few hours of my time, since memories are so much more meaningful than material possessions.

The next time I need to buy something expensive, I plan to find out if I could barter my professional knowledge about editing, blogging, or social media as part of the costs.

If you are a voracious reader like my husband and I, you are drowning in books. Instead of buying yet another bookcase, I want to start using Internet services like Swaptree or Bookins to exchange books for free.

My husband and I are planning to eat less meat and replace it with more vegetables and fruit.

Being frugal doesn't mean you have to sacrifice generosity, or that you deprive yourself. It's about making smart choices and utilizing what is available to you.

I see a definite trend toward thrift—thankfully, not only because of financial challenges.

People are less inclined to consume mindlessly and are making the connection that living frugally also translates into being kinder to the planet.

I don't know about you, but saving green and being green is something to strive for in the coming year.

About the writer: Dagmar Bleasdale blogs about her frugal, green and breastfeeding ways at Dagmar's momsense.