Try to reduce what comes into the house as much as possible but remember that nearly every thing that comes into our homes thru our normal purchasing can be reused. If you have a item in question simply google it for instance: Recycle This - Creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff or
eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles

Plastic Bottles & tubs of all sizes.
Cardboard boxes
Plastic bags
Paper products

Compost food scraps w/exception of meat and grease.
Look up places in your area to take things for recycling or swaping

I do not have a garbage bill. Once or twice a month I throw the 1 bag of unrecycleable and the few non reused items into the trunk and take it to my local drop off.

Even that indulgence of a potato chip bag can be reused. Simply turn inside out, wash it and use as a waterproof mailing envelope. (I have a food sealer at home so can make it tamper proof.)

Never throw away clothing. That old flannel shirt that becomes unwearable makes a great cleaning rag. Take off the buttons before turning shirts into other items and save those in case the kids pop one off their clothes you have a ready supply.

Your child's pants become too short but the waist still fits. Save them, cut and hem for summer shorts. Shorts too short? Add material from another item. Have an item that looks outdated? Change the sleeves or the collar or use the material for something else. The material of that long flowy dress you never wear would be great for one of those new trendy scarves. Make more than one and share. If you have items that don't fit you size them down to fit one of the kids.


The more ways you find to use what you have the more money you can set aside to pay down debt or splurge on those special things. I am a single mom since 1992 and save a mortgage I have been debt free since 1999. Both vehicles in my driveway were previously owned and I paid cash for them. I outright own all furniture in my home, bought with cash or on special 0% APR programs. I continue to live a frugal life. It actually becomes addictive and can be a rush when you get a good deal. People give me funny looks sometimes at the cash register when I hand over my coupon stack
and the total goes backward. Remember too any sturdy bottomed bag can make a reusable shopping bag. I use old beach bags I found at yard sales. The reinforced handles work great when carrying juice and soda bottles.

There are so many things i could share but not enough time to type them all out.

Try to reduce what comes into the house as much as possible but remember that nearly every thing that comes into our homes thru our normal purchasing can be reused. If you have a item in question simply google it for instance: Recycle This - Creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff or
eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles

Plastic Bottles & tubs of all sizes.
Cardboard boxes
Plastic bags
Paper products

Compost food scraps w/exception of meat and grease.
Look up places in your area to take things for recycling or swaping

I do not have a garbage bill. Once or twice a month I throw the 1 bag of unrecycleable and the few non reused items into the trunk and take it to my local drop off.

Even that indulgence of a potato chip bag can be reused. Simply turn inside out, wash it and use as a waterproof mailing envelope. (I have a food sealer at home so can make it tamper proof.)

Never throw away clothing. That old flannel shirt that becomes unwearable makes a great cleaning rag. Take off the buttons before turning shirts into other items and save those in case the kids pop one off their clothes you have a ready supply.

Your child's pants become too short but the waist still fits. Save them, cut and hem for summer shorts. Shorts too short? Add material from another item. Have an item that looks outdated? Change the sleeves or the collar or use the material for something else. The material of that long flowy dress you never wear would be great for one of those new trendy scarves. Make more than one and share. If you have items that don't fit you size them down to fit one of the kids.


The more ways you find to use what you have the more money you can set aside to pay down debt or splurge on those special things. I am a single mom since 1992 and save a mortgage I have been debt free since 1999. Both vehicles in my driveway were previously owned and I paid cash for them. I outright own all furniture in my home, bought with cash or on special 0% APR programs. I continue to live a frugal life. It actually becomes addictive and can be a rush when you get a good deal. People give me funny looks sometimes at the cash register when I hand over my coupon stack
and the total goes backward. Remember too any sturdy bottomed bag can make a reusable shopping bag. I use old beach bags I found at yard sales. The reinforced handles work great when carrying juice and soda bottles.

There are so many things i could share but not enough time to type them all out.