Comments on: Frugal and green: Cutting down on waste http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:23:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Mandy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280425 Mandy Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:35:01 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280425 One way I have learned to be frugal and to go green is to experiment with halves. Don't always assume you need the portion recommend on the directions. When my shampoo gets down to half the bottle, I dilute it with half water. I always use less laundry detergent and less dish washing detergent than called for. I also half my dryer sheets and my clothes come out just as soft. Always be willing to try less or half strength of anything. If you don't like it you can always go back to full strength. One way I have learned to be frugal and to go green is to experiment with halves. Don’t always assume you need the portion recommend on the directions. When my shampoo gets down to half the bottle, I dilute it with half water. I always use less laundry detergent and less dish washing detergent than called for. I also half my dryer sheets and my clothes come out just as soft. Always be willing to try less or half strength of anything. If you don’t like it you can always go back to full strength.

]]> By: Jessica http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280424 Jessica Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:06:41 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280424 We refill those foaming soap dispensers. It makes soap last a LOT longer and we don't throw the bottles away (though we'd probably recycle them anyway, but reusing is better!). Just put a little bit of dishwashing liquid in the bottom, add water and gently mix. Works like a charm! We refill those foaming soap dispensers. It makes soap last a LOT longer and we don’t throw the bottles away (though we’d probably recycle them anyway, but reusing is better!). Just put a little bit of dishwashing liquid in the bottom, add water and gently mix. Works like a charm!

]]> By: Abbi http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280423 Abbi Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:01:17 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280423 I liked your list. We pretty much do those things as well. Some other things that we do are use cloth napkins, cloth diapers (when we are home), we use a compost bin and also take other food scraps to my parents chickens. My kids love to do crafts and they mainly use recycled items like cans, toilet paper tubes, scrap paper, etc. I recycle colored scrap paper (such as envelopes that cards come in or junk mail) and I use those in my making of cards. I also enjoy remaking clothing or using clothes and other fabric scraps to make quilts. I also have bags made and ready to use at the grocery store and I do use them...once is a while when I finally remember to bring them in the store with me! I liked your list. We pretty much do those things as well. Some other things that we do are use cloth napkins, cloth diapers (when we are home), we use a compost bin and also take other food scraps to my parents chickens. My kids love to do crafts and they mainly use recycled items like cans, toilet paper tubes, scrap paper, etc. I recycle colored scrap paper (such as envelopes that cards come in or junk mail) and I use those in my making of cards. I also enjoy remaking clothing or using clothes and other fabric scraps to make quilts.
I also have bags made and ready to use at the grocery store and I do use them…once is a while when I finally remember to bring them in the store with me!

]]> By: MILISSA WAGNER http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280422 MILISSA WAGNER Sun, 17 Aug 2008 08:51:20 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280422 In line with using magazines to make cards...I reuse most of the Christmas cards I receive every year. The year they are given to me...I display them around a door frame. But when it's time to put the Christmas items away for the next year, I cut the pictures out and use them the following year as gift tags or to decorate a gift...I might put the pictures on envelopes or wrapped packages that are mailed, or jarred gifts, etc. In some cases, the pictures were so beautiful or the saying on the card so uplifting, I will frame it and add it to my Christmas decorations. It's just a little way to make things more festive. :) In line with using magazines to make cards…I reuse most of the Christmas cards I receive every year. The year they are given to me…I display them around a door frame. But when it’s time to put the Christmas items away for the next year, I cut the pictures out and use them the following year as gift tags or to decorate a gift…I might put the pictures on envelopes or wrapped packages that are mailed, or jarred gifts, etc. In some cases, the pictures were so beautiful or the saying on the card so uplifting, I will frame it and add it to my Christmas decorations. It’s just a little way to make things more festive. :)

]]> By: MILISSA WAGNER http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280421 MILISSA WAGNER Sun, 17 Aug 2008 08:50:53 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280421 In line with using magazines to make cards...I reuse most of the Christmas cards I receive every year. The year they are given to me...I display them around a door frame. But when it's time to put the Christmas items away for the next year, I cut the pictures out and use them the following year as gift tags or to decorate a gift...I might put the pictures on envelopes or wrapped packages that are mailed, or jarred gifts, etc. In some cases, the pictures were so beautiful or the saying on the card so uplifting, I will frame it and add it to my Christmas decorations. It's just a little way to make things more festive. :) In line with using magazines to make cards…I reuse most of the Christmas cards I receive every year. The year they are given to me…I display them around a door frame. But when it’s time to put the Christmas items away for the next year, I cut the pictures out and use them the following year as gift tags or to decorate a gift…I might put the pictures on envelopes or wrapped packages that are mailed, or jarred gifts, etc. In some cases, the pictures were so beautiful or the saying on the card so uplifting, I will frame it and add it to my Christmas decorations. It’s just a little way to make things more festive. :)

]]> By: Traci Rafferty http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280420 Traci Rafferty Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:56:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280420 We capture the water from our air conditioning condensation spout and use it to water our garden and potted plants. The bucket we use fills up twice a day. I water 1/2 the garden in the AM and the other 1/2 in the PM. With this method I've only had to water with the hose about 5 times this entire summer. Saves money, saves water. We capture the water from our air conditioning condensation spout and use it to water our garden and potted plants. The bucket we use fills up twice a day. I water 1/2 the garden in the AM and the other 1/2 in the PM. With this method I’ve only had to water with the hose about 5 times this entire summer. Saves money, saves water.

]]> By: Danielle http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280419 Danielle Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:31:23 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280419 Some great suggestions. I have adopted some of these and plan to adopt even more. Some great suggestions. I have adopted some of these and plan to adopt even more.

]]> By: Kristi http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280418 Kristi Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:01:48 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280418 My kids are long out of clothe diapers, but they are the most absorbent things made and I keep all the old ones under the sink, tucked under couch cushions and in other frequent spill areas. They absorb spills fast, hold lots of fluids, and have been washed over 100 times each without falling apart. They are wonderful! We also compost and make it a game to see how little trash goes into the dumpster a week. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! My kids are long out of clothe diapers, but they are the most absorbent things made and I keep all the old ones under the sink, tucked under couch cushions and in other frequent spill areas. They absorb spills fast, hold lots of fluids, and have been washed over 100 times each without falling apart. They are wonderful! We also compost and make it a game to see how little trash goes into the dumpster a week. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

]]> By: Katherine http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280417 Katherine Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:52:23 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280417 Bicycles! My husband has bicycle commuted to work since we moved here 4 years ago, so we can get by with only one car. The fuel econemy can't be beat! Plus we save on all the taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses of a second vehicle. I ride mine to get to church and around town when I don't have the kids in tow. The exercise is good for us, the fuel saved is good for the planet, and the money saved is great for our budget! We also downsized our car last summer - when our minivan died, we bought a Toyota Camry wagon that gets at least 10mpg better. It doesn't have quite as much room for stuff on our frequent cross-country trips, but we've managed okay, and with a 'jump seat' in the back, it still seats 7 at a pinch. Bicycles! My husband has bicycle commuted to work since we moved here 4 years ago, so we can get by with only one car. The fuel econemy can’t be beat! Plus we save on all the taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses of a second vehicle. I ride mine to get to church and around town when I don’t have the kids in tow. The exercise is good for us, the fuel saved is good for the planet, and the money saved is great for our budget! We also downsized our car last summer – when our minivan died, we bought a Toyota Camry wagon that gets at least 10mpg better. It doesn’t have quite as much room for stuff on our frequent cross-country trips, but we’ve managed okay, and with a ‘jump seat’ in the back, it still seats 7 at a pinch.

]]> By: Holly in OK http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280416 Holly in OK Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:33:47 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280416 Here's one I've discovered this summer: Reread (or read) all the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They're amazing to read, with all the details and descriptions of how they did things in the olden days, and they're a real eye opener on being content with what you have. Now I'm not getting rid of all but one dress for the week and one for Sundays by any means, but one of the things that intrigued me most was when they'd move houses. It was always completely put away and decorated within the morning of the first day they moved in. Aack! Can you imagine that now??? But they've really helped me to appreciate the things and the conveniences that we have now, and it's made me want to pare down what I have in fear of that hypothetical day that Laura comes over to see me house and is floored by all the waste and useless crud I've collected over the years. :-) Here’s one I’ve discovered this summer:

Reread (or read) all the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They’re amazing to read, with all the details and descriptions of how they did things in the olden days, and they’re a real eye opener on being content with what you have. Now I’m not getting rid of all but one dress for the week and one for Sundays by any means, but one of the things that intrigued me most was when they’d move houses. It was always completely put away and decorated within the morning of the first day they moved in. Aack! Can you imagine that now??? But they’ve really helped me to appreciate the things and the conveniences that we have now, and it’s made me want to pare down what I have in fear of that hypothetical day that Laura comes over to see me house and is floored by all the waste and useless crud I’ve collected over the years. :-)

]]> By: Green Mama http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280415 Green Mama Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:28:06 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280415 It's great that so many people are clueing in to this idea that going green can be saving green. (It's what my whole blog is about!) We are into gardening and canning. There is no better way to ensure your produce is organic than to grow your own. And since we have a huge supply of canning jars that can be reused every year, our food budget and our waste are cut considerably. It’s great that so many people are clueing in to this idea that going green can be saving green. (It’s what my whole blog is about!)

We are into gardening and canning. There is no better way to ensure your produce is organic than to grow your own. And since we have a huge supply of canning jars that can be reused every year, our food budget and our waste are cut considerably.

]]> By: Jaycie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280414 Jaycie Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:50:49 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280414 Our biggest "waste" has been using paper towels. It's so easy to just grab one when your toddler spills. (which is often) I now use cloth rags and switch them out regularly so they don't get smelly and such. Since our towel load has always been small, it doesn't seem to add any extra laundry expense. So far. :) I have actually gone to the extreme of having a couple sets of different colored rags so I can be sure the ones I use on my son are ones that haven't been used to clean up kitchen or floor spills. Even figuring in water and soap expenses, it's still a lot cheaper and less wastes! Our biggest “waste” has been using paper towels. It’s so easy to just grab one when your toddler spills. (which is often) I now use cloth rags and switch them out regularly so they don’t get smelly and such. Since our towel load has always been small, it doesn’t seem to add any extra laundry expense. So far. :) I have actually gone to the extreme of having a couple sets of different colored rags so I can be sure the ones I use on my son are ones that haven’t been used to clean up kitchen or floor spills. Even figuring in water and soap expenses, it’s still a lot cheaper and less wastes!

]]> By: Leslie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280413 Leslie Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:29:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280413 We have bought our "green" cleaners from a company for about 5 years now, that sells safer products in highly concentrated forms as to reduce waste. We have the convenience of wonderful safe cleaners delivered to our door! Saves on gas as well!! Also, if you refer people to this company, they give you a percentage of what the people that you refer spend every month. After a few referrals, our monthly household consumables (vitamins, laundry items, cleaners, soap, shampoo etc.) are paid for. So we essentially get free, natural products delivered to our door. =) We have always used cloth diapers and wipes. We LOVE our cloth diapers (Fuzzi Bunz), we were diaper snobs until I found these diapers. Sooo comfy! I have a few cloth grocery bags...but I always forget them!! We use stainless steel water bottles and pack drinks from home as to not have to use plastic ( for waste reasons and plastic isn't healthy...). We have bought our “green” cleaners from a company for about 5 years now, that sells safer products in highly concentrated forms as to reduce waste. We have the convenience of wonderful safe cleaners delivered to our door! Saves on gas as well!! Also, if you refer people to this company, they give you a percentage of what the people that you refer spend every month. After a few referrals, our monthly household consumables (vitamins, laundry items, cleaners, soap, shampoo etc.) are paid for. So we essentially get free, natural products delivered to our door. =)
We have always used cloth diapers and wipes. We LOVE our cloth diapers (Fuzzi Bunz), we were diaper snobs until I found these diapers. Sooo comfy! I have a few cloth grocery bags…but I always forget them!! We use stainless steel water bottles and pack drinks from home as to not have to use plastic ( for waste reasons and plastic isn’t healthy…).

]]> By: Annie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280412 Annie Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:33:17 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280412 We're also part of an organic co-op-- saves lots of money and helps the farmers who are being sensitive to the soil! I like to make my own bread, and make my own applesauce from the organic apples in the co-op, as well as juice the fruits and veggies for fresh juice instead of store-bought. I wash the cloth diapers I use on my daughter every three days instead of every other day. Buy and sell on ebay and craigslist (clothes, makeup, furniture, kitchen accessories, dishes, decorations, you name it)! This gets rid of stuff we don't need in the house, cuts down on driving, keeps from creating new waste, and keeps from having taxes added to everything, as well as saves others and ourselves money on goods. Make gifts for baby/wedding showers (I crochet, knit and quilt). We have a fruit/vegetable garden and have enjoyed fresh summer squash, okra, and peppers for dinner once a week for the last couple of months. We're also working on tomatoes, watermelon, corn, peaches, apples and winter squash to mention just a few. We spent some money on a water refining system, so have fresh, clean water to bathe, wash, and drink. This keeps us from having to rewash stuff and spend extra time and soap to re-clean. Also when we go on trips we fill a 2.5-gallon water jug so we have fresh drinking water with us and don't have to buy drinks on the way. We’re also part of an organic co-op– saves lots of money and helps the farmers who are being sensitive to the soil!
I like to make my own bread, and make my own applesauce from the organic apples in the co-op, as well as juice the fruits and veggies for fresh juice instead of store-bought.
I wash the cloth diapers I use on my daughter every three days instead of every other day.
Buy and sell on ebay and craigslist (clothes, makeup, furniture, kitchen accessories, dishes, decorations, you name it)! This gets rid of stuff we don’t need in the house, cuts down on driving, keeps from creating new waste, and keeps from having taxes added to everything, as well as saves others and ourselves money on goods.
Make gifts for baby/wedding showers (I crochet, knit and quilt).
We have a fruit/vegetable garden and have enjoyed fresh summer squash, okra, and peppers for dinner once a week for the last couple of months. We’re also working on tomatoes, watermelon, corn, peaches, apples and winter squash to mention just a few.
We spent some money on a water refining system, so have fresh, clean water to bathe, wash, and drink. This keeps us from having to rewash stuff and spend extra time and soap to re-clean. Also when we go on trips we fill a 2.5-gallon water jug so we have fresh drinking water with us and don’t have to buy drinks on the way.

]]> By: Leisa http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280411 Leisa Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280411 Check out www.Freecycle.org, it is a community-based program where if you have something you are no longer using but it is too good go to the landfill, you can post it online and give it to someone in need. And if there is an item you need, you can post a wanted ad and if someone has something available they will email you. I've seen everything from baby formula coupons to cars on my local freecycle! Check out http://www.Freecycle.org, it is a community-based program where if you have something you are no longer using but it is too good go to the landfill, you can post it online and give it to someone in need. And if there is an item you need, you can post a wanted ad and if someone has something available they will email you. I’ve seen everything from baby formula coupons to cars on my local freecycle!

]]> By: Tammy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280410 Tammy Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:19:10 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280410 We try to get only one bag of trash in the regular container and overfill the recyling container.Every Wednesday is trash pick up.Still buy paper napkins because of the drought but use many plastic containers for food.The paper that I have printed on is turned backwards,put on a clip board sitting on the counter to use for scrap paper.My father taught me how to reuse paper back in the 60's!He used to bring home old papers then for us to play school with.Also have about 8 cloths bags now.The lady at Kohls almost wouldn't let me use my bag until I said I refuse to put the clothes in plastic. We try to get only one bag of trash in the regular container and overfill the recyling container.Every Wednesday is trash pick up.Still buy paper napkins because of the drought but use many plastic containers for food.The paper that I have printed on is turned backwards,put on a clip board sitting on the counter to use for scrap paper.My father taught me how to reuse paper back in the 60′s!He used to bring home old papers then for us to play school with.Also have about 8 cloths bags now.The lady at Kohls almost wouldn’t let me use my bag until I said I refuse to put the clothes in plastic.

]]> By: Jan http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280409 Jan Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:05:52 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280409 -we stopped our newspaper subscription -we opted out of junk mail- there is a website somewhere... -I don't send for free samples due to the packaging -I only buy my daughter used clothes -I reuse foil and plastic bags -I want to try to eliminate plastic food containers -I put all leftover vegetables in a bag in the freezer to make soup- same with bits of leftover beef -we freeze old bread and go to the park and feed the ducks! -any over ripe bananas get frozen for smoothies and excess berries get flash frozen to enjoy in winter -I use computer paper twice- just turn it over -I make greeting cards on my computer- no envelope required- or send e-greetings -the one thing I don't elimate is paper towels and paper napkins- I especially think paper towels are more hygienic than a dirty dish rag -we stopped our newspaper subscription
-we opted out of junk mail- there is a website somewhere…
-I don’t send for free samples due to the packaging
-I only buy my daughter used clothes
-I reuse foil and plastic bags
-I want to try to eliminate plastic food containers
-I put all leftover vegetables in a bag in the freezer to make soup- same with bits of leftover beef
-we freeze old bread and go to the park and feed the ducks!
-any over ripe bananas get frozen for smoothies and excess berries get flash frozen to enjoy in winter
-I use computer paper twice- just turn it over
-I make greeting cards on my computer- no envelope required- or send e-greetings
-the one thing I don’t elimate is paper towels and paper napkins- I especially think paper towels are more hygienic than a dirty dish rag

]]> By: a.k http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280408 a.k Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:33:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280408 amiyrah, i was always wondering about the apple cider vinegar..is it safe to ingest? does it leave a funky smell aftr you clean the house with it? what do yu clean with vinegar? wood and floorings? amiyrah, i was always wondering about the apple cider vinegar..is it safe to ingest? does it leave a funky smell aftr you clean the house with it? what do yu clean with vinegar? wood and floorings?

]]> By: Melissa http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280407 Melissa Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:15:52 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280407 To Jenna - I can sympathize, I have reusable bags from every store I go to, and still forget them half the time. As for where to recycle... contact your city's waste management office. My townhom community doesn't have recycling containers, but we can take stuff directly to the recycling plant... so I have a couple giant rubbermaid containers that recyclables get tossed into and then every other Saturday or so (or weekly if i've been cleaning out things) we just drop the stuff off. To Jenna – I can sympathize, I have reusable bags from every store I go to, and still forget them half the time.

As for where to recycle… contact your city’s waste management office. My townhom community doesn’t have recycling containers, but we can take stuff directly to the recycling plant… so I have a couple giant rubbermaid containers that recyclables get tossed into and then every other Saturday or so (or weekly if i’ve been cleaning out things) we just drop the stuff off.

]]> By: Kasey http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html/comment-page-1#comment-280406 Kasey Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:12:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/frugal-and-gree.html#comment-280406 My biggest thing I've started doing is saving old pieces of printer paper that I've printed coupons on (and then didn't use, or sometimes an extra sheet prints out with just the time and date on it, etc.). I stick them next to the printer and use the back of them to print my shopping lists for different stores. I save the scraps from sheets I've cut coupons out of and cut them up into conveniently sized sheets of note paper. With all the coupons I print, it's a good way to not break my budget (and fill my trash can) with paper! My biggest thing I’ve started doing is saving old pieces of printer paper that I’ve printed coupons on (and then didn’t use, or sometimes an extra sheet prints out with just the time and date on it, etc.). I stick them next to the printer and use the back of them to print my shopping lists for different stores.

I save the scraps from sheets I’ve cut coupons out of and cut them up into conveniently sized sheets of note paper. With all the coupons I print, it’s a good way to not break my budget (and fill my trash can) with paper!

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