Yipes, after another $123 at Whole Paycheck (Whole Foods, for 2 and 1/2 bags of items, mind you!) I have decided to stop buying organic pre-made foods like salsas and black bean dips, soups, sauces and cook and create my own damn stuff! Grrrrr!
Oh, when I got to the car I peeped my receipt...get this: My jar of organic almond butter was frackin $13.00!!! I walked back in and got my money back and gave the girl a tsk tsk.
I have diet issues and some sensitivities/allergies but I'm through being robbed for it.
They have these fantastic chocolate and cocoa powder covered walnuts that are probably $7.00 for what amounts to 20 of them. I am working on doing the home version. We'll see how much less it costs.
Instead of renting movies, swap with friends. Use the library. Mine has a great DVD selection.
Don't buy bottled water. The bottles are a massive source of non-biodegradeable landfill filling waste. Tap water is more stringently regulated anyway. Bottled water is unregulated.
Women you can get the same look from non-top shelf makeup products. Less looks classier anyway.
My fave gas mileage strategy is a headband. A simple piece of $1.00 plastic. I wear that and put down the windows and smell beautiful nature here and leave my AC off. My hair doesn't blow in my face. You can lose up to 30% of your fuel efficiency with the AC and or defroster on. Right now, the scent selection here is honeysuckle, jasmine and privet. Divine!
I buy less food but more often. That way spoilage is reduced.
Grow your own veggies. I find that peppers and tomatoes are the most painful things, price-wise. They just cost too damn much. They are also easy to grow. Try the topsy-turvy if you only have a balcony or patio. I also have an indoor herb grower. I save a buttload of money on fresh herbs all winter. Grow them outdoors all summer.
Also google something like "Local farms Wake County." (That would be my area) and you can find farms that will coop with you and for a yearly or seasonal fee, they deliver whatever produce they have right to your door sometimes.
Have magazine/book swaps with your friends. Set a day maybe once or twice a month and get together at someone's house for drinks and trade.
Use VOIP. I have Vonage and it totally rocks. I referred so many people the first year, I didn't pay a dime for my phone service for a year! I pay $17 for 500 minutes which I have never gone over.
Brown bagging. My cafeteria prices have been increased because their suppliers have increased their prices due to gas costs. Forget that. I bring much more healthful choices anway.
Quit watering your lawn. If you have to water or it will die, fescue is not a natural plant for your zone. Replant something suitable for your area.
Shop online more. Saves gas.
Jennifer
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