Environmental Ways to Save

While saving money is very important in today’s economy, so is doing good things for our environment.  There are many things you can do to help Mother Earth while saving money.  With Earth Day on April 22, this entry is dedicated to a few ways to help our ecosystem while doing your part to recycle, reuse, and reduce.

Most trash bills include the fees for recycling (newspaper, glass, plastic, and tin/steel cans).  Locally, we can recycle household batteries in an orange bag.  But have you used rechargeable batteries?  Our flashlights and camera use either AA or AAA batteries, so we have switched.  If you drink soda, have you thought about saving the aluminum cans and cashing them in?  Check for local recycling centers that will pay you for metals.

Composting can be a great way to enrich your soil.  By taking items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and shredded paper, you can create a great fertilizer to amend your garden soil.  We add cooking water from pasta or vegetables or even leave the lid off when it rains to keep it moist.  Building your own composting bin or purchasing one gives you options for where to place it.  We attended a seminar at our township building a few years ago and received our composting bin for FREE!

Watering your garden and lawn, is a major use of water consumption during the summer.  A rain barrel hooked up to your downspout is a great way to collect and store water.  Making your own barrel is much less expensive than purchasing a ready-made one if you are into saving money and creating one from a large 55-gallon drum.  Unlike water from your tap, the collected water contains no chemicals like chlorine, lime, or calcium and can save you money if your water supply comes from a municipal water authority.

Inside your home, there are many things you can do to conserve resources and save money.  Try turning off the electricity in a room when no one is in it.  Appliances are a major source of electric usage, some even using electricity when not in use.  Unplug ones that do not need to be plugged into their power source and turn off power strips when not in use.

Only wash clothing or run your dishwasher when you have a full load.  Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.  Adjusting the thermostat a degree or two can cut you heating and cooling costs.  Keep your curtains closed to keep the heat in during the winter, and the sun out in the summer.

Be a conscientious shopper.  Buy recycled products and items made of recycled materials.  There is a brand of toilet paper that now comes without the cardboard tube.  Many products come in excessive packaging, so look for those that are at least made of recyclable materials and/or can be recycled once you are done with the item.  Even using recyclable grocery bags are a way to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.  Some stores even pay you for using a cloth bag.

Just reducing your consumption of these resources is good for the environment, and can save you money.  The Internet has great resources to assist you in implementing the composting and rain barrel ideas, as well as other sites with Earth Day suggestions. 

Warehouse Memberships

To join or not to join, that is the question.  Here are some important points to ponder when considering if a warehouse shopping membership is worth the cost.  The main point is to be a conscientious shopper, not an impulse shopper no matter where you shop.

1.       What is the annual membership fee?  How many people can join in the membership?  What forms of payment are accepted other than cash (not all credit cards are honored at the register)?  Some shoppers may see their membership as being paid for after a few trips.

2.       What are the store hours?  Do they have a policy for coupon and refunds?  Check out their web site to see these items plus how specials are listed on their site.

3.       Can you get a “visitor’s” pass or go along with someone who already is a member to see how the store is laid out and what products they offer?  Not all name brands are available at all stores.

4.       How far is the location from your home, work, or another place you would be driving from to go shopping?  With the price of gas today, that may be a factor in how often you might go – once or twice a month should suffice for most families.

5.       What items might be on your shopping list?  Know your prices – what would you spend per ounce or pound at another store.  That way you can compare and determine if it is a deal.  You might save only a few pennies, but you could save a great deal of money in the long run.  Make that list and stick to it to keep your budget.

6.       Quantity does matter.  Normally their items are either jumbo sized or in multi-packs.  Do you have the space for the items in your freezer, linen closet, or pantry?  How long will it take you to use the quantity?  If it is something you use often, it is worth it, but if not, do not spend the money.  Things that do are non-perishables like office supplies are good to purchase if you will use it within a reasonable time period.

7.       Check for the expiration date.  Can you use the item before the date stamped on it?  Perishables that can be frozen could be worth the price if you can divide them, but dairy products and fresh fruit/vegetables may not due to spoilage.  If it is something you use all the time and the size would not be too much then purchase it.  Otherwise, consider splitting items with someone else.

8.       Do not be wooed by items you do not have on your shopping list.  It is only a bargain when you really need it and it truly is a deal.  These stores like impulse buyers.  Although their displays are not glamorous like regular stores, they place items on end caps and near the front that can draw you to take a look.  That big screen TV might look nice in your family room, but is that what you are shopping for today?  If so, is it the latest model?  What parts are included or excluded – think about the extra costs involved?  If you are looking at a printer, can you purchase supplies such as ink cartridge at what cost?

9.       What specialty departments and services are offered?  Many locations have photo developing, a pharmacy, a gas station, and even a bakery that can make your membership more valuable. 

Be a smart shopper so you can get in and out quickly with the items on your list crossed off and your wallet not too thin.

Currently, I am not a member of a warehouse store, although, in the past I held a membership.  I was a big user of their photo services and purchased my dry goods and pet food there.  The distance is my main reason for not belonging to one now.  There are three different warehouse stores in our area, but the closest is more than a 20 mile drive from my home, and not near other places my family frequents.