Friday, June 20, 2008

Frugal Friday - Waste not, Want not

Happy Friday to you!

One of the most important frugal skills is to be ever watchful for waste. We all have a natural tendency to want more, more, more. Do we need more? Probably not.

There are so many areas that I need to simplify. I have too many clothes in the closet, too many leftovers in the refrigerator, too much clutter around the house, and you get the idea....

This is one reason I have been trying to limit my grocery shopping to twice a month. If I went to the grocery store every day, which I won't do of course, I would buy a buggy full without even thinking about it. Number 1, I would never be able to afford that!!!! Number 2, think of all the waste! By shopping less often, I make do with what I have on hand, reducing waste and saving money.

I need to wear the clothes I have. This is hard because I love new clothes!!! If I didn't buy any clothes for 2 or 3 years I'd have plenty. Right now my bottom half is a little larger than the clothes I have been wearing in the summer time the last few years. Sadly, a few of my very favorites are just hanging there because they are too tight. I am diligently working on this problem. But, even with this problem, I have plenty of clothes that do fit. Yes, buying new clothes is one area I really need to use self control in!!!

I have noticed that lots of people are very wasteful! They don't even notice their bad habits. I have been on a frugal quest for so many years out of necessity, that I have radar where waste is concerned.

I don't know about you, but I haven't noticed many people in our area that seem very concerned about the price of gas. Sure, we complain about it, but most people seem to be going about their regular routine as if there is no tomorrow. The gas stations are busy and the vehicles are BIG! We made a trip to the gas station and to the grocery store on Saturday. The gas station was packed. The grocery store was deserted. I don't get it! Old habits are hard to break, but we really need to use less gas for many reasons! Of course, this includes me! I'm guilty too.

So use your "waste" radar and be ever on the look out for it!

For more Frugal Friday tips go to the Biblical Womanhood Blog.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post! I love that saying, waste not, want not. If I stop to think of those words I can generally save some money! :)

Thanks for the reminder!

Mom2fur said...

My son said there was a half hour line for gas the other day. People still have to go places, I guess. It might take hitting 7 or 8 bucks a gallon to reign us all in. I do drive an SUV, but it was bought for a large family. Now that I don't need it, I couldn't sell it. I just don't drive that much anyway, and try to incorporate as many errands into one trip as possible. I don't even hunt for garage sales like I used to do. If I don't know exactly where something is, I don't go.
My favorite 'waste not, want not' idea is the old saying, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!" With a well-stocked pantry, there's usually something I can use for a substitute ingredient if necessary. I avoid recipes that call for things I don't have and might never use again.
Thanks for the comment on the blouse I'm making. You're right, I could have made it a Frugal Friday post, too!

Terri said...

This is so true, Debbie. Since I've been living a frugal lifestyle for so long, I notice the waste too.

Little Penpen said...

Lots of waste! I haven't bought many new clothes this year, as our budget has been STRETCHED with our new living arrangements. (and me not working for two months) However, my bottom is way bigger than most of my clothes are now too! (another result of not working) Hubby told me to go shopping... I say NO WAY... I've got to make my clothes fit my body again! Good post!

Toni said...

Thanks for the great post!!I`ve been trying to save our family money by making homemade cleaners and laundry soap.I also make the bread from scatch and freeze it:)Doing these things also saves extra trips to the store wich can result in impulsive buying:)

Anonymous said...

I love new clothes too but the problem is I can't find any thing modest. I do have a weight issue but dh said he was noticing a few changes. I am such a pear. But I have been sewing my own lately. Not much but some skirts w/elactic in them. I am planning so tops too.

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