For me, being a good steward of resources means using things us, making do with what I have and just not buying what isn’t necessary. For me, being frugal isn’t being “cheap,” but instead is about saving money where/when I can so that I can give more to others and use the resources of this earth in the kindest way possible. It’s not about “saving the earth” (although Earth Day is tomorrow and I am a bit of a tree-hugger), but it is more about ending unnecessary use of “new things” and making do with things that are already produced. I’m a fan of the “reuse” part of the 3-R’s of recycling.
So, in advance honor of Earth Day, and along with one of my favorite bloggers, The Frugal Girl, here are 5 things I’ve done this week that are frugal:
- Took my own bags to a store that actually has plastic bags. I mostly shop at Aldi and need to take my bags, but this week I went to another store where I typically get fewer items and use plastic bags (which I reuse for bathroom garbage). This week, I took my own cloth bags!
- I meal planned for the rest of the month. Lately I have been just buying the same old stuff at the store and we’ve been getting burned out. So I downloaded the Food.com app, found easy recipes (mostly for the crock pot since we have sports practices/games that started up), used the grocery list feature and did my shopping! We’re set for the rest of the month and it was super easy to do! Now I won’t be tempted to just “pick something up” or wander around the store looking for “something that sounds good.”
- I sent recycling items with Gorilla to school for an art project. Gorilla’s class is learning about Earth Day, so we sent some items destined for recycling to be “repurposed” as art! Totally free, educational, and it reuses them before recycling!
- I printed on the back side of paper print mistakes. In the church office, I sometimes make printing/copying mistakes. Instead of tossing them in recycling right away, I put them in a reuse tray, then when printing drafts or something, I use those papers and eventually recycle! Saves the church money AND reuses the paper.
- I divided out yucca plants and used them elsewhere in the yard. I have several yucca plants that were growing “extras,” so I divided them, replanted a few in other locations and have some to give away! Good for my body, my yard and another yard too!
So, what did you do this week that has been frugal? Any plans to celebrate Earth Day? Tell me in the comments below!
Rev. Kris Mares 