10/20/12

A typical family of four can waste around $2,000 worth of food every year from spoilage, which includes everything from moldy fruits and vegetables to leftovers that were never eaten and have gone bad. The best way to recoup money and stop the wasteful disposal of food is to plan ahead. The website plantoeat.com is an easy online resource to help see what a typical meal plan could look like for your family. Each plan is different and will help you save money in the long run.

10/19/12

Dry cleaning can be wasteful because many cleaners still use harsh chemicals, clothes get wrapped in plastic and hung with disposable hangers, and it can cost a lot of money to keep your clothes maintained this way. Take a moment to look at the labels of your clothes and sort the ones labeled "dry clean only" from those labeled "dry clean." The ones marked "dry clean only" should be cared for by a professional, while those marked "dry clean" can be washed at home in a delicate cycle and hung to dry.

10/18/12

If you're putting together a fundraiser for your favorite charity, think outside the usual bake sale or car wash by recycling bottles of perfume. Since the user never touches perfume, a sale of lightly used bottles can be a fun and easy way to raise money. Ask volunteers, neighbors and others to donate their used collection of fragrances, then have a sale where the fragrances are steeply discounted. This gives people a chance to try pricey designer scents, and it recycles half-empty bottles for a good cause.