Let's face it the economy of the United States was built on consumerism. The excitement you feel when Apple releases a new product, the smell of new leather goods, or an ungraded item you still own is fine. There was a time when I would buy any new Apple item. I still love jewelry, shoes, and clothing, however, I am selective.
I support the right-to-repair rights of consumers. The right-to-repair law keeps products out of landfills. We all can do our part to reduce how much we use the Earth's resources. We all have things we save for the right occasions. I have cleaned enough hoarder homes to tell you things simply go to waste. I use good stemware and china several times a week. I wear dressy clothes and shoes simply because it feels good to do so. We seek out music venues and experiences rather than STUFF. Stuff is different than possessions that are useful, sustainable, and useful.
Finding your contentment may be very different than yours. Sitting on the porch with the cool mountain air. The smell of lilac, lavender, and basil in the night air. Waking up in the morning knowing that we do not have to work jobs we hate. The joy of pursuing hobbies that create meaningful skills and income.
Gardening
Gardening can be expensive if you do too much at once without the experience and knowledge of your area. Our first year in Colorado we made many mistakes, The climate is very different than New England.
Start from seeds early. Visit your library, many offer free seeds.
I have about 90% success with saving my seeds from our produce.
If you have irresponsible dog owners in your neighborhood, install fencing.
Compost from your kitchen will supplement your soil.
Weeding is one of the free things you can do to make your garden successful.
Know your reasons for gardening. If you want to have food for the winter, learn to can, freeze, and dehydrate safely.
I save gray water for the lawn and my lilac bushes. Water is expensive in my area.
Plant extra rows to donate to a food bank or to give to a young family or elderly neighbor. I had a neighbor with a child who needed goat milk it was the only milk he could digest. I supplied her with milk for 2 years until they moved. She offered us the blackberries in her yard. I didn't ask or expect anything, I simply wanted to help a child.
There are edible greens from your root vegetables if you know when, what, and how to prepare them. Beet greens are lovely when they are young.
Preventative Care
This will keep your home in check. Let's face things break. People will back into your gate and not fix it. You can rage about bent metal, or fix it yourself and bill them. Even vetted contractors will mess up.
Routinely check your house for mold, rotten wood, etc.+
Leaking water will cause issues in the home and increase your water bill quick.
Time Savers:
Time constraints and illness are some of the ways that are money wasters. Think of the time you may have said, " I am getting take-out because I am too tired, I don't have time or I do not feel well. Meal prep changed all that. I have migraines that are the type that put me in bed for a day or two. I rarely get one unless, I am stressed, consumed too much sugar, or did not have enough sleep. I prep several one-dish meals for the freezer. I simply pop one in the oven or in the crock pot. when we have an unexpected road trip to the rental property I pop these in the cooler and go. I save hundreds on road trip food by doing this.
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