Frugal Meets Environmental

Save more next year and stop waste. This is my mantra going into 2017. This will be good for my budget. The mantra should apply to my approach to the environment as well, decreasing my families foot prints in the earth. I can also throw in social good as part of environmental impact. There's many opportunity for natural alignments. Food waste of course jumps to mind. Less food in garbage, less resources to grow, less garbage bags to buy, etc. Cleaning with vinegar is another win win. My bathroom soap film is cut through with spritzing from a refillable spray bottle. No chemicals going down my bathroom drain and a gallon bottle is $2.69 compared to even cheapo cleaning stuff at $1.00 for 8 ounces. I need to source a bulk vinegar supplier where my gallon jugs can be refilled. Does that exist?

My weight loss is nonexistent. I've toyed with Weight Watchers. The monthly and start up fees have me second guessing as I've used before and not stuck to the plan. How about I save the fees, eat less, and walk to store more often instead of using my car? There would be triple result; money, carbon emission, and weight loss savings. Add ditching the plastic bags by bringing my own and another win. Sometimes though what's good for the environment is expensive, and what is frugal isn't a good choice for environment. I don't do the "right" thing every time, whatever that is, but strive for a frugal, social, environmental balance. Below are a few examples of where I choose the less financially frugal option.

Soaking beans for soup-frugal and earth friendly.

• Tipping the server on the bill before discounts applied. Why should a good server be penalized because the owner/corporation decided to run a two for one special or half price appetizers?I've had disagreements with others on my interpretation.
• While I prefer real plates, I buy non plastic coated paper ware for cabin (won't emit caustic fumes when burned in fire pit)
• Local lawn weed service that uses environmental friendly products (plus an old high school friend's business)

And, areas where I know I too often have gone for frugal.

• Eggs, dairy, and meat products. I want the luxury of cage free and free range, but admit, frugal wins out often with trying to stretch the budget. I hope I make up for that in part with eating more vegetarian options
• Buying inexpensive clothing. I admit I don't know where my packs of seven pairs underwear is made, but I do buy that new, and cheap. I try and make my clothes last, and am not opposed to second hand, so I am not frivolously spending at the expense of poverty wage laborers, but know I should do better.  
• I've bought cheap plastic milk bottles soda, juice, etc., instead of the costlier co-op options. I keep looking for ways to reduce my plastic because even if recycled, that's still waste.

Of all the things I lie awake thinking about at night, this balance is not one. I just try and make the best choice at the time when options present, and learn more options as they are brought to my attention. It strikes me that doing the frugal thing, if not being miserly towards others, is 90% or more of the time also socially and environmentally friendly. Buying second hand, bulk cooking from scratch, eating whole and less processed food is economical and not wasteful. Who else looks for the trifecta of frugal-social-environmental wins?  Please add  your thoughts and ideas. 

Refillable Keurig pod with free trade coffee.Trifecta.