Bartering: The new shopping experience

Thousands of years ago, with no currency systems, bartering was the only way to distribute and receive goods. This ancient method can still be used today.  Plan a swap with family and friends! Several friends and I gathered unwanted clothing, furniture, and books. We picked through the offerings and took what we needed. What was left over was sold in a yard sale.  All of us were very happy with the outcome of the swap.  It allowed us to recycle unwanted items and to receive much needed items for free. 

Tips:

• Attendees can post a list of wanted items prior to the event.
• Throw in all of those dusty items that you never use.
• Don't toss out "junk", put it in the swap. Someone might be able to use it. (For example, one of my friends was collecting empty cereal boxes for a project.)
• Get creative. An old painting could be transformed into a fresh canvas with a little whitewash.  A beat-up table can be painted back to life.
• Consider swapping services as well.  For example, landscaping, house cleaning, or babysitting.

One man's trash is another man's treasure.  Swaps are a great way to recycle unwanted items and get needed items for free.

This was an lovely older gentleman trying to bargain with us for most of our things.

 I became a proud owner of this tea set in exchange for an old jewelry box that I owned!

Five ways you can help the Earth.

Earth, the last frontier, but what would happen if we earthlings did nothing to preserve Mother Earth and all her beauty? Would we survive? Could we survive? Those are tough questions that we will be forced to ask if we do not make the necessary changes to ensure a prosperous future. If you don't know where to start here are five simple things that we can do to help preserve the planet for us and future generations :

1.Buy Local:

Purchasing local goods creates more jobs while reducing environmental impact. Eliminating the transportation necessary for  non-local products can reduce pollution, reduce energy consumption, and reduce costs to businesses.  This savings may even be passed on consumers.  Supporting local business also helps provide economic stability in the community. One way to support local economy is to participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. 

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2. Go vegetarian once a week:

Eliminating meat from a meal once a week would not only benefit the environment,but also may improve your health. Food for thought: on average, it takes 11 times more fossil fuel to make one calorie of animal protein than plant protein. To find out more about energy consumption of food products Vegmondays is an informative resource.

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3. Secondhand is grand!:

There are all sorts of treasures waiting to be discovered at your neighborhood thrift stores and yard sales. In addition to saving money, this will also help reduce landfills.

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4.Use cruise control:

Cruise control, the most underused button in your car, pity...using cruise control could score you up to 15% better gas mileage...fuel is high...just saying.

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5. Combine Errands:

 Do you run around like a dizzy baboon to get those never-ending errands done for the day? Try keeping a to-do list on your refrigerator and adding to it throughout the week. Try to plan your trips to encompass as many of the tasks at once as possible. Or consider car pooling with family or friends. Reducing trips will save time, and is easier on your already
oh-so-skimpy change purse.

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The Frugal Fashionista

Because frugal doesn't mean frumpy...

Fashionista Fridays....a celebration of truly living green.  Buying second hand is the "greenest" way to shop, but this doesn't mean that your clothing will be any less fashionable.

This little outfit is just perfect for a summer picnic.  Just add cucumber sandwiches, corn on the cob, and watermelon and you have a date! 

American Eagle shirt- $0.99 from Goodwill. 
Mossimo shorts-$1.00 yardsale. 
Total cost of outfit- $1.99

Keep yourself looking chic on the cheap.  Buy second hand, don't get caught up in name brands, and find new ways to wear classic styles.