“Real” Estate Entrepreneur

Ok, so I’ve posted a few times about my savings with coupons.  But, I had a revolutionary thought yesterday.  Being frugal can actually save alot more than money. 

I was at a large superstore buying a new carseat for Sophie and getting my oil changed.  I was casually strolling through this unnecessarily huge store, which shall remain nameless, and noticed the things that others had in their carts.  In my cart, I had the car seat, baby food, diapers and formula.  These were all things I needed……or were they?  I could absolutely make my own baby food and use cloth diapers.  I would have saved at least $20 that particular shopping trip.  In my observations of other customers; I saw paper towels, paper plates, large plastic storage tubs and other random non essentials.  I know what you’re thinking….how are those not essentials?  Before you call me a tree-hugger, pause to think for a moment.  If everyone in that store yesterday put back their disposable items and used washable items….how much money and resources would have been saved?

I decided to do some research as to an actual amount and here’s what I found:

Every year, the typical American family throws out 2,460 lbs of paper!!  That’s enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years!!  Talk about savings. 

Also, how much of the things that we purchase do we really need?  Think about all of the storage units that are near your house.  Why do we need to spend money on a storage unit to house things we don’t even use?  Why not donate it?  Or not purchase it at all.  I am obsessed with how our society has become so consumer driven.  It affects every aspect of our lives.  No?  Watch television for just 10 minutes…..how many commercials were asking you to buy their product?  And how many of the products are things that are non essential? 

Not convinced?  Think about how busy your life is.  Most Americans spend 5 days a week at work and then 2 days shopping.  We work harder so that we can shop more?  Why? 

Frustrating;  isn’t it?

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