Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, August 22
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Finances»Costing the Earth
Finances

Costing the Earth

Updated:September 5, 20225 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

How to save money AND the planet

By Jo & Carl Violeta

There’s a common misconception that being environmentally conscious costs a fortune. The opposite can actually be true with plenty of eco and budget-friendly choices being one and the same.

We chatted to eco-friendly business owners Tammy and Sarah (The White Pidgeon Said) and blogger Andrea from Unwasteful to put together 10 eco-friendly ways to save money.

1. Ditch plastic bottled water

Bottled water often costs up to $4 per bottle, so at three plastic bottles of water a week, you’re looking at a whopping $624 per year.

If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, look into investing in a water filter for your tap.

Although most plastic bottles can be recycled, some studies estimate that producing and transporting bottled water uses up to 2,000 times the energy required to produce and distribute tap water. Invest in a good quality reusable bottle for when you’re on the go and you’ll never look back.

2. Turn off electronics

When you’re not using an appliance, turn it off at the outlet. Leaving the room? Switch off the light. If your device is fully charged, unplug it and turn the charger off at the socket.

These small changes will reduce your carbon footprint, as well as chip a little bit off your electricity bill.

3. Use rechargeable batteries

You’ll quickly recover the initial outlay and never be caught without batteries again. You won’t have to pay to replace dead batteries and you’ll keep them out of landfill, along with all the packaging.

4. Cycle or walk on your daily commute

Beneficial for your wellbeing and savings on transport costs and emissions. What’s not to love?

5. Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables

Buying food when it’s at its peak supply usually translates to affordability.

“You’ll be surprised at how affordable your local farmers market is and just how long the fresh produce will last you compared to the supermarkets,” says Sarah. “Shopping locally and in season also reduces the distance food needs to be transported.”

Andrea suggests slashing your grocery bill by growing your own fruits and veggies.

“Growing your own food is a great way to save money,” she points out “Even if you have limited space, it is possible to grow herbs and smaller crops. Swap excess produce with family and friends or within the local community.”

Composting food scraps also reduces waste and helps your beautiful veggie patch to flourish.

6. Air dry your clothes

We know this can be difficult in the Winter months but avoid using expensive tumble dryers to dry clothes. Air-drying clothes indoors or outdoors is free and uses less energy.

Tammy explains that hanging clothes outside has other benefits. “UV does kill (some) bacteria that it directly contacts. Ensure there are no creases or crevices that the sunlight can’t hit and be sure to only bring them in once completely dry.”

7. Think before you buy

Lowering your consumption for things is one of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and of course, save a lot of money.

Find out whether you can borrow something rather than buy. Our daughter recently rented a gorgeous dress for her year 12 formal at a fraction of the cost it would’ve cost to buy.

And clothes aren’t the only thing you can share around. Street libraries are community-based book exchanges and several have popped up on the Mornington Peninsula in recent years. The miniature libraries (built using recycled materials) operate on an honesty system allowing people to borrow from the library and donate their pre-loved books.

If your child is starting high-school soon, the Sustainable School Shop is a cost-effective, eco-friendly place to source second-hand text books.

8. Make your own cleaning products

Commercial cleaning products can be full of toxic ingredients and are usually packaged in plastic. “Research some great DIY recipes for cleaning products and buy the raw ingredients in bulk,” says Sarah “Split the cost with a few friends and spend an afternoon together making them.”

9. Reduce your waste

We want to preface this by saying be kind to yourself. No-one expects you to be perfect and although aiming for zero waste would be the ideal, making small changes every day will make a big difference to the environment and your wallet.

“Less landfill equals less toxic gas emissions and water pollution, recycling and buying recycled products lessens the need to draw on our Earth’s natural resources,” explains Andrea

Roving Refills Frankston is a refill service for, amongst other things, your used shampoo and cleaning product bottles. The best part? You’re refilling them with environmentally-friendly products.

10. Plan out your eco-friendly purchases

You don’t have to change everything all at once.

“Eco-friendly products are an investment that will soon pay themselves off and start saving you money. Make a list of what changes you want to achieve and, week by week, tick one-off. That way you won’t feel like you are blowing the budget,’ recommends Sarah

So, going green and making more environmentally-friendly choices doesn’t need to cost the earth. A few simple practical changes can make a big difference.


Jo and Carl Violeta are self-confessed numbers nerds, parents of an energetic toddler and a super switched-on teenager, and co-founders of the award-winning business, Violeta Finance. They are a husband and wife team who are passionate about empowering their community with financial education, love the odd glass of wine, and get a kick out of helping families achieve their homeownership and financial dreams.

Peninsula Kids – Spring 2019

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
26
27
28
29
30
1
8:00 AM - Red Hill Community Market
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
10:00 AM - FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
14
15
9:00 AM - Emu Plains Market
12:30 PM - Local Disability Expo
16
3:00 PM - Sunset Twilight Market Series
17
18
7:00 PM - FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
19
20
21
22
9:00 AM - Sorrento Makers Market
9:00 AM - Little Beauty Market
23
24
11:00 AM - Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
25
26
27
28
9:30 AM - Halloween at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
11:00 AM - Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
29
6:00 PM - Sk8house Halloween Spooky Skate
30
31
1
2
3
4
12:00 AM - Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
5
8:00 AM - Red Hill Community Market
6
Red Hill Community Market
01 Oct
October 1, 2022    
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
  • Markets
Red Hill is the 'grand dame' of Victoria's craft markets. Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, Red Hill Community Market started in [...]
More Info
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
13 Oct
October 13, 2022    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Events-Activities/Body-Safety-Superstars-1
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
  • Other
  • Workshop/Class
Body Safety Superstars During October Body Safety Australia will be delivering two Body Safety Superstars online workshops for the Mornington Peninsula community. 77% of parents [...]
More Info
Emu Plains Market
15 Oct
October 15, 2022    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Emu Plains Reserve
  • Markets
come and get lost in wonder... underneath the ancient glade of a stringybark forest, makers unite to create a craft revolution never before seen on [...]
More Info
Local Disability Expo
Local Disability Expo
October 15, 2022    
12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Langwarrin Community Hall
  • Festival/Expo
  • Other
Come and join us for an informative and fun-filled afternoon at the Langwarrin Community Hall, where you can browse local provider services and listen to experts [...]
More Info
Sunset Twilight Market Series
16 Oct
October 16, 2022    
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Frankston Foreshore
  • Markets
Sunset Twilight Markets are returning to the picturesque Frankston Waterfront for a spring/summer series. Once a month, each market will feature stallholders selling curated product [...]
More Info
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
October 18, 2022    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Events-Activities/Body-Safety-Superstars-Community-Workshop
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
  • Other
  • Workshop/Class
Body Safety Superstars During October Body Safety Australia will be delivering two Body Safety Superstars online workshops for the Mornington Peninsula community. 77% of parents [...]
More Info
Sorrento Makers Market
22 Oct
October 22, 2022    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sorrento Village
  • Markets
Set in the heart of Sorrento, on Ocean Beach Road this European boutique market experience will see the main street sprinkled with handpicked original artisans, [...]
More Info
Little Beauty Market
22 Oct
October 22, 2022    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Beauty Park
  • Markets
Little Beauty Market is a stunning event brought to you by the creators of the super popular Emu Plains Market in Balnarring. This highly curated [...]
More Info
Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
24 Oct
October 24, 2022    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Briars
  • Family Activity
  • Free for kids
Children's Week Pop up Playgroup at the Briars Come and join Playgroups Victoria for a morning of fun activities in the outdoors at the beautiful [...]
More Info
Halloween at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
28 Oct
October 28, 2022 - October 31, 2022    
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
  • Family Activity
Get into the spooky spirit at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre with a range of haunting Halloween activities on offer from 28-31 October! Kids are invited to [...]
More Info
Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
28 Oct
October 28, 2022    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Briars
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
  • Free for kids
Childrens Week Pop Up Playgroup at the Briars Come and join Playgroups Victoria for a morning of fun activities in the outdoors at the beautiful [...]
More Info
Sk8house Halloween Spooky Skate
29 Oct
October 29, 2022    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
IT'S BACK! Returning for the first time since 2019, it's the BIGGEST Sk8house event of the year ... HALLOWEEN! The Halloween Spooky Skate will be [...]
More Info
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
November 4, 2022 - November 27, 2022    
All Day
Various Locations - Mornington Peninsula
  • Free for kids
Between Friday 4 - Sunday 27 November 2022 discover Front Beach, Back Beach (FBBB), an ambitious public art project presented by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery [...]
More Info
Red Hill Community Market
05 Nov
November 5, 2022    
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
  • Markets
Red Hill is the 'grand dame' of Victoria's craft markets. Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, Red Hill Community Market started in [...]
More Info
Events on October 1, 2022
01 Oct
Red Hill Community Market
1 Oct 22
Red Hill
Events on October 13, 2022
13 Oct
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
13 Oct 22
Events on October 15, 2022
15 Oct
Emu Plains Market
15 Oct 22
Balnarring
Local Disability Expo
Local Disability Expo
15 Oct 22
Langwarrin
Events on October 16, 2022
16 Oct
Sunset Twilight Market Series
16 Oct 22
Frankston
Events on October 18, 2022
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
FREE Child Safety Workshop - Body Safety Superstars
18 Oct 22
Events on October 22, 2022
22 Oct
Sorrento Makers Market
22 Oct 22
Sorrento
22 Oct
Little Beauty Market
22 Oct 22
Frankston
Events on October 24, 2022
24 Oct
Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
24 Oct 22
Mount Martha
Events on October 28, 2022
28 Oct
Halloween at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
28 Oct 22
CHADSTONE
28 Oct
Childrens Week Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars
28 Oct 22
Mount Martha
Events on October 29, 2022
29 Oct
Sk8house Halloween Spooky Skate
29 Oct 22
Carrum Downs
Events on November 4, 2022
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
4 Nov 22
Mornington Peninsula
Events on November 5, 2022
05 Nov
Red Hill Community Market
5 Nov 22
Red Hill
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my!

Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays.

Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience!

Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences.

“The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine
"Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times
"Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review

MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN
Frankston Arts Centre
Tuesday 23 September, 2pm
Tuesday 23 September, 6pm
Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance)
Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm
Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75)

Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060

Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac 
#frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
•
Follow
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my! Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays. Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience! Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences. “The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine "Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times "Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN Frankston Arts Centre Tuesday 23 September, 2pm Tuesday 23 September, 6pm Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance) Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75) Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060 Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac #frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
15 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/

@chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
•
Follow
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page. https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/ @chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹
#bookweek
•
Follow
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹 #bookweek
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Mid Winter Sale
Men's Womens, Children, School Shoes
20% off any purchase*
Hurry offer ends 31/8/25
The Largest Shoe Store on the Peninsula
Bayside Shoes
103 Railway Parade, Seaford
Ph 9785 1887
https://baysideshoewarehouse.com.au/

*excludes already marked down items & new arrivals. Instore only.

@bayside_shoe_warehouse 
#midwintersale
•
Follow
Mid Winter Sale Men's Womens, Children, School Shoes 20% off any purchase* Hurry offer ends 31/8/25 The Largest Shoe Store on the Peninsula Bayside Shoes 103 Railway Parade, Seaford Ph 9785 1887 https://baysideshoewarehouse.com.au/ *excludes already marked down items & new arrivals. Instore only. @bayside_shoe_warehouse #midwintersale
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🚌🌱 Future Council is the new film from Director Damon Gameau - and it’s screening around Australia from late July. First up - a special tour with live Q&A panels and guest performances. 🎟️ Tickets for the tour are on sale now! 🎬Future Council will then be released in more cinemas from August 7 with a global tour to follow! 🌱
@regenerators @future__council @madmanfilms Madman Films 
#futurecouncil
•
Follow
🚌🌱 Future Council is the new film from Director Damon Gameau - and it’s screening around Australia from late July. First up - a special tour with live Q&A panels and guest performances. 🎟️ Tickets for the tour are on sale now! 🎬Future Council will then be released in more cinemas from August 7 with a global tour to follow! 🌱 @regenerators @future__council @madmanfilms Madman Films #futurecouncil
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Tahnee Driver initially dismissed her bloating as a possible food intolerance — maybe gluten. But six weeks ago, everything changed when the 39-year-old mother of two was urged to go to hospital after several days of being unable to keep food down. Then, following an MRI, she received a devastating diagnosis: bowel cancer. 

Read more: https://www.mpnews.com.au/2025/08/06/tahnee-faces-battle-with-stage-4-bowel-cancer
•
Follow
Tahnee Driver initially dismissed her bloating as a possible food intolerance — maybe gluten. But six weeks ago, everything changed when the 39-year-old mother of two was urged to go to hospital after several days of being unable to keep food down. Then, following an MRI, she received a devastating diagnosis: bowel cancer. Read more: https://www.mpnews.com.au/2025/08/06/tahnee-faces-battle-with-stage-4-bowel-cancer
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
🕵️🕵️🕵️
•
Follow
🕵️🕵️🕵️
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
It’s the globally popular video game that’s captured the attention of more than 141 million active players, but Minecraft can also play a significant role in shaping children’s development, social interactions, and cognitive learning.

Read more via the link:

https://peninsulakids.com.au/minecraft-a-gamechanger-for-childrens-learning/

#minecraft #learning #peninsulakidsmagazine #articles #education
•
Follow
It’s the globally popular video game that’s captured the attention of more than 141 million active players, but Minecraft can also play a significant role in shaping children’s development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Read more via the link: https://peninsulakids.com.au/minecraft-a-gamechanger-for-childrens-learning/ #minecraft #learning #peninsulakidsmagazine #articles #education
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Mornington Peninsula Indoor Soccer

Come play futsal at the Civic Centre in Mornington. MPIS strives to provide an environment for kids to feel safe, enjoy the game whatever their level, and make new friends.

Register your team's interest here:
https://www.mpindoorsoccer.com.au/

#mornpen #soccer #indoorsoccer #mornpenindoorsoccer #mpis
•
Follow
Mornington Peninsula Indoor Soccer Come play futsal at the Civic Centre in Mornington. MPIS strives to provide an environment for kids to feel safe, enjoy the game whatever their level, and make new friends. Register your team's interest here: https://www.mpindoorsoccer.com.au/ #mornpen #soccer #indoorsoccer #mornpenindoorsoccer #mpis
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.