Be a Cheapskate…. And Save the Planet!
Consider implementing these easy lifestyle changes and...
... make your mark as an environmental hero while fattening your wallet.
A bit of nature is a healthful and a bonding experience (whether you are on a first date or out with the whole family) and your wallet will benefit tremendously.
Cheapskate Tip 2: Buy big.
A family of four can save $2,000 a year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of individual serving sizes. Ten cents of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Cheapskates know how to pocket those wasted cents.
Cheapskate Tip 3: Save time, money, and animals when purchasing presents for loved ones.
Get on the web and adopt a critter from one of the local wildlife rehabilitation centers. Then enjoy the tax write-off.
Remember, your Uncle Cedric doesn’t need another gizmo. Adopting critters helps feed and heal injured or orphaned wild animals and Uncle Cedric will get a photo in the mail. Hint: works good for kids, too.
Cheapskate Tip 4: Need to go to Target? Don't!
Next time you need to pick something up at Target or any other store, make a list. Then spend the next hour and 1/2 doing something very relaxing and enjoyable. The second time you need to go to the same store add to your first list and go.
The savings are endless. By the second time, you probably have made do without many of the items on the first list. You have saved gasoline. And, staying out of the store prevents those dreaded "budget busting" spontaneous purchases. Challenge: Wait until the 3rd or 4th time that you need to go to the store.
Cheapskate Tip 5: Big Savings at the office with reused envelopes & boxes.
You receive mail and you send mail. Be efficient and re-use boxes and manila envelopes and save lots of trees & money. Invest in a rubber stamp that says, "Reused Packaging for the Benefit of our Planet" for outgoing mail. This will give your company a cool "Environmentally Friendly" reputation instead of looking like the cheapskate that you really are.
Cheapskate Tip 6: Plant a vegetable garden from recycled kitchen waste.
Don't toss the bottom part of green onions, chives, or the roots of "live lettuce". Plant these directly into your garden, water periodically, and enjoy fresh veggies in short order. Celery too can be recycled. Place the base of celery (just the bottom inch or so) into some water and allow roots to grow. Then plant. For those with a bit more patience, sprout the seeds from tomatoes, squash, melons, and cucumbers in an old egg carton. Sprouts can be transplanted into bigger pots or straight into the garden.
Cheapskate Tip 7: Birthday Party Saving's Tip #1
Use Email for invitations and save paper & money. Let your child find a fun picture on the web (even first graders know how to "google"). Add party particulars and email. Not all parents have email, so print and mail to those that do not.
By now, you should have some clever ideas on how to save on Thank You cards….
Cheapskate Tip 8: Birthday Party Saving's Tip #2
Goodie bags made simple, environmental, and healthful. Skip all the over-packaged crud and candy that usually fills plastic goodie bags while emptying your wallet. Pick one item - such as a jump rope - for each child.
Cheapskate Tip 9: Exterminate your extermination service.
Pay your kids 10 cents a bug to remove unwanted visitors. Pesticide application is costing you more than a monthly fee. Pesticides kill some 64 million American birds every year. Pesticides are bad for the health of you, your kids, and pets!
Cheapskate Tip 10: Bring last week's shopping bags or canvas bags to the grocery store (as many times as they will hold out)
This may be an oldie but goodie. But it is easy to do, does have an impact, and most grocery stores will give you several cents per bag.
Cheapskate Tip 12: Double, even triple the donations you are making to your favorite environmental charity… without spending another dime!
Support businesses that give a percentage of their profits to environmental and conservation groups in your area. And, get your company to include conservation groups in the payroll deduction program! (United Way only campaigns don't have conservation groups)
How? Go to www.efaz.org and click on "How can I get my company involved?"
Cheapskate Tip 13: Consider an Arizona Holiday
Planes, trains, & rented automobiles got the best of your vacation? Arizona is a spectacular State. Remember, much of the world is trying to get here. Visit Arizona Highways website (www.arizonahighways.com) or visit the travel section of www.azcentral.com to find great close to home holidays. You will save money and the environment: fewer miles per vacation = cleaner air.
Cheapskate Tip 14: Update your wardrobe and home décor with gently used clothes and furniture.
Consignment shops are eclectic and fun. Often there are tremendous savings to be found. For the real cheapskate, skip the middle-man and see if you can purchase kids clothing, books, & toys from neighbors with older children. The second option saves gas, too!
Cheapskate Tip 15: Next time you are missing an ingredient for dinner, borrow from a neighbor.
Starting your car from cold dramatically increases the amount of pollutants in the air. Not only will you save money and time immediately but also in the long run. Getting to know your neighbors is one of the best ways to protect your home against robbers!
