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7.0 SAVE MONEY AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT; CONSUMER CULTURE ARTICLES, FROM SAVVY-DISCOUNTS.com

In the last issue I wrote that you could save money and simplify your life at the same time. But saving money can also help the environment as well.

When you buy used clothes or used furniture, you are not only getting a good deal, but you are preventing resources from being discarded. You are helping reduce the number of new items that must be created.

When you use less laundry soap, you save money, make fewer trips to buy soap and throw away fewer empty containers.

When you make everyday products yourself, you are saving money and also using less packaging. Often the ingredients are not as toxic as the commercial variety.

When you avoid convenience items at the supermarket, you save a lot of money but also avoid all the packaging that often comes with microwave dinners or pre-cut vegetables and fruits.

When you use less energy in your home and less gas in your car, you are cutting down on air pollution produced by power companies and car exhaust.

When you use the colorful Sunday comics for wrapping presents, you are recycling the newspaper and saving the cost of buying gift wrap.

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When you buy used products you are getting away from the marketing idea of "planned obsolescence." Advertising is designed to make us dissatisfied with what we have and instead want the latest thing which we don't have. Years ago car makers decided to have model changes each year so they could sell more cars.

Many people feel a bit embarrassed about being thrifty. Since people are often frugal because of difficult financial circumstances, they may feel defensive or apologetic about their lifestyle.

Being careful with money just makes good sense for your family and the environment.

So instead of being defensive when people question your thrifty way of living, simply say "It's good for the environment. You should try it yourself."

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