Considering Food Waste
Food waste just seems to be one of the most intractable problems of the Frugal Experience. So, I’ve thought a lot about this issue, mostly because of the money angle. And, not to mention, the I-Love-To-Save-Money angle. Now I will share with you some of these thoughts.
Shopping
A great way to save money on groceries is to bulk buy. However, bulk buying can also open the door to bulk throwing away. If “cheap” bulk bargains spoil before they can be used, then they will just end up as not-so-cheap trash.
A better approach is to figure out what groceries are actually loved, wanted, and used. For instance, if you hate bananas, it’s best to pass up that .25/lb bargain. Yep, that’s a great deal, and bananas are a nutritional powerhouse, but if you won’t eat them, they won’t do you or your wallet any good.
Now you may think that this bit of advice is so obvious that I shouldn’t even mention it. But I should mention it because sometimes the Frugal Zeal takes hold so strongly that it is hard to pass up an exceptionally good deal, even when you know perfectly well that it’s an item you don’t even like. (more…)