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Waste Not, Want Not

May 1, 2008 RSS Feed Print

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Waste not, want not. That was a favorite saying of my father when I was growing up. He also liked to remind my sisters and me that when he was a young boy in England in the 1950s, no amount of food was ever wasted. My grandparents, who experienced strict rationing during World War II, made sure of that.

Many of us aren't so good at following that dictum today. In fact, the Washington Post reported this morning that according to a University of Arizona study, on average Americans waste about 14 percent of food purchases.

The recent spikes in gas and food prices make it a good time to reconsider our prodigal ways. The blogger at Clever Dude recently posted some great tips on how to cut waste, including using less shampoo and toothpaste (I know I'm guilty of globbing on way more than necessary), using cloth dish towels instead of paper ones (you'll be helping the environment, too!), and using natural light (it can also be a mood booster).

Here's a few more to get you in a thrifty mood:

• Bring a refillable water bottle with you in the morning so you're not tempted to buy plastic ones throughout the day. (Add a lemon on your way out the door to make it even more appealing.)

• Bike to work.

• Rent movies instead of going out to see the new ones—it can be more romantic anyway.

What are your favorite techniques?

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Here's a few things I started doing to make my money count for more
Before I go grocery shopping I shop at home first. You don;t know how many bottles of shampoo, toothpast, bottle of BBQsauce/ketsup or boxed dinners I have found stuck in closets or on back shelves.
When I am out and see something I like. I first ask myself it I need it or just want it. Like today I had to task myself do I need another bowl for fruits or I just want it because it was cute.... I put it back. The bowl I use now is relatively new and works just fine
I like to eat out on the weekends. Instead of those costly dinners we opted for lunch instead. There is a big difference in cost and the lunch portions are better for my waistline.
I have started using coupons again (when I remember) just the other day, I used a few coupons and saved $7.00. I started thinking, I would much rather have the $7.00 bucks in my pocket than in theirs.
Have a great day and remember, alot of little changes can make a differnce..

Texas MoM of TX 4:44PM May 25, 2008

I save an estimated $350-$400 a month by taking the bus to and from work and most everywhere else I need to go now. I don't buy any gas, I don't pay car insurance, and best of all I don't have any more car repairs! Sure, it takes some extra planning, but I've got more time than money. Oh, also factor in another $250-$300 a month at least if you have a car payment loan! Other tips: When you bake chicken or beef or fish, save the broth and freeze it for future use in recipes. Likewise, let uneaten bread stale, grind it in the blender and bag air-tight it in a zip lock; then use it in recipes to stretch your food dollar. Eat smaller meals. If you have left-overs, incorporate them into a second dish or a lunch for the next day - you'd be surprised what variety you can make so you won't be eating the same thing! Cook larger meals and store some of the portions for later consumption - instead of dropping off for a $6 burger and fries (your meal is better for you anyway). Take your lunch to work. Shop for vegetables and fruits at fresh markets, their cheaper and fresher than at the stores and you can prepare them for freezing. Buy 3 percent milk and divide it into two gallons - you can add some cheaper powdered milk if it is too light for you - it cooks the same and you can save big! Likewise, water down fruit juices and the like, they're usually too strong and you may find them tastier in fact. Make you own iced coffee beverage with unused coffee; or, add milk and cinnamon for a treat at work (also can be stored). If you rent more than three movies a month, join Netflix and see many more movies, save money on rentals and late returns! Don't buy trash bags; instead, re-use your plastic grocery bags (you don't want trash sitting in your house, do you?). Cut down on cleaning products (the most items you'll need to clean a house are simple bleach and water, rubbing alcohol, and a mild detergent. Don't over-use products - more actually works less. Turn the lights off when you leave the room, like your parents always told you. Hand wash your dishes. Unplug appliances that you normally don't use, and plug them in only when you need them. Wear lighter clothes/more clothes, instead of adjusting the thermostat. Only buy items when they are on sale, and then stock up (food, clothes, and school items). Considering today's "street" fashion, buy some of your everyday and weekend clothes at the thrift store - and be creative! Blue jeans and T-shirts are a great deal, and you can fashion them the way you want! Most of all, always comparison shop both in person and on the web for everything - from major department store items, groceries to electronic items. Use coupons for everything. Also check out your local dollar stores; despite what many say, they can't be beat for many bath, laundry and household items. Buy food that is in season and clothes that are out of season - both will save you big! And always save your receipts. If you find it cheaper before you open it up, return the item and buy the other one!

Steve Williams of FL 2:11AM May 20, 2008

e of:
You missed some of the story. What Costco was saying was that there was a world shortage and if we didn't buy all the rice it could be sent to other countries. This is a good point to keep in mind. I remember when we were kids, our mothers told us to eat up, there were hungry people in the world who would like it. Maybe we should eat less (I certainly gained weight from this philosophy) and there would be more of what we don't need to send elsewhere.

Katherine of IN 4:42PM May 14, 2008