Smart Shopping: Going Green

WSVN -- From food to household essentials to our pampered pooches, going green is becoming one of the fastest growing markets in the U.S.

Alexandra Shepherd: "It becomes second nature. It becomes a habit, you know. In the long run, you're getting such benefits from it both for yourself and for your house."

Alexandra Shepherd has been buying organic products ever since she was in college.

Alexandra Shepherd: "It's really important to keep a healthy body and mind and have a healthy lifestyle and eating organic."

And she knows how to spot the best deals in town.

Alexandra Shepherd: "Organic does tend to be more expensive, so a great way to be a Smart Shopper is to look for the sales, look for the dollar discounts."

Start by stocking up on staples like canned tomatoes and crackers while they are on sale. Also, save a little more by shopping for the right portions. At Whole Foods Market, you can ask deli workers to cut your favorite cheeses to order.

Alexandra Shepherd: "Every 50 cents, every dollar that you save, it really does add up over the course of a month."

And if you're new to Whole Foods, don't be afraid to sample foods you may like.

Alexandra Shepherd: "All they have to do is ask a team member. The team member will open it for them and let them sample it and try it."

Robbin Simmons: "Another smart saving tip is to plant your own garden. You can easily grow fruit tress in your yard or herbs on a windowsill, and remember to support our local farms by shopping at farmers markets."

Alexandra Shepherd: "It's amazing to actually have a head of lettuce in your hand that was picked the night before, rather than traveled on a truck or an airplane."

Alexandra says to save big, hit the market late in the day when the farmers are in the mood to bargain.

Alexandra Shepherd: "Sometimes he'll have tomatoes for 99 cents a pound, where earlier in the day, let's say they were a $1.99 a pound."

Robbin Simmons: "And you can even join co-op groups on-line, such as the Organic Buying Club of South Florida to shop fruits and veggies for less."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Whole Foods Market
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

The Organic Buying Club of South Florida
http://www.organicbuyingclubsofla.com/