This is us too. Especially when there are six of us I have to make choices based on $ as well. I have to decide which things I absolutely buy organic, which things I buy natural, and which I'll ignore (for lack of a better word) the label.
Things I do not compromise on are food colorings. I will not buy foods with any artificial colorings. I also keep an eye out for preservatives (BHT, etc.). And I'm trying to eliminate HCFS as much as I can.
I'm also making changes as I go along. Trying to do several changes at once can be overwhelming!
I get my laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent from a friend of mine who started a business, Jenny's Simply Clean. Her stuff is amazing!!! It's similar to the recipes you can find online but it's easier for me to pay her (and support her Mama-made business) to make it.
I carry my own grocery bags.
We did belong to a local dairy co-op but I'm just way to busy now to be able to commit to making the trip when it's my turn. So instead I buy milk from Braums which is rBGH free.
One of my goals (those small changes) is to try to start purchasing produce from local farmer's markets. Again, making the time is hard for me since they are all across town from my house. We do have a couple small produce places near us but they aren't 100% local like the farmer's market is.
Yum! I would love to know more about making mayo!