5 Frugal Habits That Save Money and the Planet
I grew up in the Philippines. I remember adults complaining about the cost of electricity. So we were always very conscious about turning off all the lights and unplugging appliances when not in use. When we moved to the US, money was tight. We reused plastic containers - Cool Whip, Country Crock, and yogurt tubs.
Unbeknownst to me, we were being environmentally conscious. I just thought that we were trying to save money. We were doing both!
Those habits have stayed with me. Here are five examples of how I save money and the environment!
Buy nothing
Before I make a purchase, I put out a request on my local ‘Buy Nothing’ group. It is amazing what people are willing to give away. I once requested wine openers and a neighbor quickly responded that she will leave a brown bag on her front steps. When I picked up the bag, she gave me five. Who has five extra wine openers?
Buy used
I primarily buy my clothes at consignment shops. I found the quality is better and prices cheaper than thrift stores. I buy classic styles at high quality brands so consignment stores are the best for this. Generally, I will only buy an item after it has been marked down 50% or more - consignment shops mark down items based on how long they have been at the store. I love my local boutique. They know my style and size so every time I go in, they start recommending items for me - like having my own personal shoppers.
Use what you have
Recently, I reorganized my closet by function (casual, formal, professional), length and color. I tried on clothes that I had not worn in awhile and realized that they still looked good and I still liked them. I also gave my clothes a second look so it was like buying a new wardrobe. Just by simply reorganizing.
I also buy meat when it is on sale - usually this requires buying family pack quantities. I go through phases when I am only allowed to buy fresh produce until I use up what I have in my freezer and pantry. I can often go weeks with very little spend on groceries and reduce my food waste.
Buy what you need
Food waste makes me crazy. So I only buy what we will consume. I love bulk foods - spices by the teaspoon just enough for the recipe, rice/beans by the cup just enough for what I’m cooking, ask the grocery clerk to cut a cabbage, buy one celery stalk, etc.
Share
Plants are expensive. So we had a plant swap event at work - it sparked conversation across people who may not otherwise interact with each other, and we shared plant babies from our homes. I received so many incredible plants. And if it died, it didn’t cost anything.
I will also borrow from neighbors (pressure washer) and friends (ice cream maker) things that I only use once a year at most.
These habits minimize my consumption and save money. If these habits are new to you, it may take practice to adjust to reduced convenience and delayed gratification. But it is worth it when you look at your bank account!