Happy Earth Day!

Instead of encouraging you not to litter, to recycle, and, of course, to reduce your carbon footprint I'd like to explore the link between Eco-friendly choices and economically friendly outcomes. Who knew that saving the planet saves money?

1. Reuse glass containers instead of buying plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and containers. Large Mason jars make the perfect container for meals on the go such as salads: simply pour your dressing on the bottom, layer ingredients, and shake when ready to eat! No more soggy salads and no money wasted on special containers. Jars are also perfect for storing and organizing items. I reuse pretty glass single-serve bottles for beverages on the go.

2. Purchasing gently used and even new clothing and home goods from local thrift stores. Besides being retail's answer to re-gifting*, a thrifted wardrobe is unique and takes advantage of resources that have already been used, lessening the demand for more stock on shelves which in turn means decreased production and shipping costs and environmental output.

3. Conserve water and electricity! Now is the best time of year (at least in the US) to conserve electricity by using sunlight whenever possible. Sheer curtains are usually pretty cheap (I got some from Goodwill and some on sale from World Market-about $3/per panel) and allow light to come in while preserving privacy. Of course, be sure to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and use LED night lights or motion sensor lights in/near areas such as bathrooms, hallways, or rooms where darkness could lead to injury (or scary dreams for children).

Conserve water by collecting runoff water in your shower. Place a bucket directly under the spray closest to the faucet. You can then use this water for watering plants, rinsing your pet after a near-dry bath, filling an aquarium, etc. You could even use the water to flush your toilet! A friend thought I was crazy until I showed her my $11 water bill! I also give my dog unfinished "stale" bottled water or use the water for a cool rinse after washing my hair.

4. Regift! Most people find great gifts for me, but even my mother gets it wrong sometimes. I keep a plastic storage bin hidden away for all of my gratefully received, but undesirable items. I never regift anything broken, faded, worn out, or in otherwise poor condition. I once regifted a beautiful yellow gold and opal cross pendant, simply because it would have been wasted in my jewelry collection. I also gave my nephew a giant gift bag of kid's meal toys and books for his 3rd birthday (his parents don't patronize fast food restaurants). It was a win-win-win! *Keep track of who gave you what so you don't regift anything to the original giver!*

4. Utilize technology whenever possible to eliminate paper abuse. There are several apps you can download for tracking spending without printing out bank statements (I actually use Mint and the app for my credit union). You can also use coupon apps rather than printing coupons and apps for list making. I use my phone's "Note" app as well as the Stickies app to keep a semi-permanent grocery list and remind myself of pressing things to do.

Happy Earth Day!