Save $, Alternatives, Simplifying

 Hello to all this fine morning.  Hope you are all well.

It is a sunny and cool morn here.  Got up to 60*.  Windows open for now as it will get warmer today.  Enjoying this cooler time for a few days, because we will be back to 90*F this weekend.  Summer isn't done yet.

Hmm, seems I have a new cat 'bird' in the grape arbor.  Every morning now, after breakfast, Pip goes straight out and climbs up.  She stays for a few hours - guess she figures it is her quiet time from the kids.

I know I talk a lot about living a simpler life - but as the days go by, it seems more important to learn or revive some ways of old.  Things are expensive, and we all need to know ways to save here and there.  It seems that we all take more from our resources, than we ever give back!!

We need to build skills and talents and learn some control.  We learn and grow - it isn't an all now kind of thing.  It isn't about perfection.  Every home and situation is different, so we do what we can - that is OK.

WAYS TO HELP A LITTLE

Use real dishes, silverware and glasses - not paper or plastic

Try to take cloth bags to the stores.  Many places now, don't even have plastic bags (we do).  IF you get the plastic, re-use them for things - trash bags, pooper bags, some people cut in strips and crochet with them, mom used to make holiday wreaths, line leaky boots, etc.

Use glass when possible - buy things in glass jars if possible, instead of plastic - the jars can be used for all kind of things.  They are great for leftovers in the frig (you can see through them), They don't absorb smells, flavors.  Can be used to hold crafts or hardware.  Use for flowers bouquets.  Can be used for a drinking glass.  So many uses.  Many people around the world do their canning in those jars - as canning jars are hard to get and cost a fortune.

When traveling use an insulated mug or drinking vessel instead of bottles of water.  Bottled water causes a lot of plastic waste, and the water can contain nasty stuff from the plastic.  Cold or hot drinks can be had in the insulated glasses.

Here is my daily glass.  It is insulated and keeps things very cold.  As you can see in front, it came with a metal straw - I don't use it.  It just isn't for me (hurts my teeth) - yes, I use a regular straw, but it gets cleaned daily.  See that little brush?  That is a straw cleaner - and works on even very skinny straws.  I have a bigger insulated mug, that I use when working outdoors, that I keep ice water in.  No waste.

If you do get things in plastic containers - use them.  They make great storage for craft areas and garages.  They are good to send home leftovers to others in (you don't need back).  Use them for something, instead of just trashing them.

Plastic bags, foil, plastic wrap - use it until you can't use it anymore.  I clean bags and foil and re-use.  Look for alternatives to covering bowls in the frig - cloth tops (look like shower caps) can be easily made.

Old t-shirts or clothing can be cut into rags, hankies, washable TP, or scraps can be made into something special - like quilts, pillows, crafts, toys, etc.

Here is a stack of my hankies.  I do have real hankies, but most are just cut up old t-shirts which are very soft and absorbent.  They also make good lens cleaners for glasses - soft and no lint.  Just a hint - if using for your glasses - do not put through the dryer.  Let them air dry, as you don't want any fabric softener on them. 

If you get a homemade hankie all messed up, no great loss.  I haven't purchased Kleenex in years.  If I have a bad congestion problem, I will use TP.

It isn't just things, but food.  We all know we can make leftovers into new things.  We can compost.  Skins and peels of fruit can be made into jelly, syrup and juices.  Other peels can be used to help flavor homemade broth.  Bones can be used to make broth.

I know it sounds like work - but it isn't really.  It saves a little money, and it helps save resources.  Think about how many resources of all types it takes to make many of the things we use daily!!!

Don't go and just start throwing things away - that totally defeats the purpose, and they still end up being in landfills.  Use the stuff if you have and use it until it cannot be used anymore - then toss and replace with another and good alternative.  You can also donate - let someone else get use of it.

We all hope our lives can be meaningful in some way - it helps by giving back in so many ways - big and small.  Don't just buy to buy, think about your choices.  We may all have setbacks and failures in doing things - that is ok and normal, just keep trying.  

We all need to learn to reduce, recycle, reuse and rot!  Every little action gives back to the earth.

Save a little, learn a little, simplify a little, and find little alternatives.

It is called helping and giving back.

Just some ideas to get you started and to get you to thinking.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!